Traces of Jewish Culture from Krakow

Krakow, Poland

While in Poland, don't forget to visit Kazimierz, historical area for Poland's Jews. Learn about the history, diverse Jewish groups, see some of the oldest synagogues in Poland, and visit a monument that commemorates the victims of the former Nazi concentration camp.

Kazimierz, was named after the King Kazimierz lll who invited Jews to Poland in the 14th century, it became a flourishing area of Jewish religion and culture. Due to the policy of religious tolerance that prevailed in Poland from the 15th century, the area became a safe heaven for the diverse groups of Jewish refugees from all over Europe.

The Traces of Jewish Culture day tour aims to retrace this religious diversity which resulted in the construction of numerous synagogues (including the oldest of the preserved synagogues in Poland) and a very unique atmosphere which is still present. You might even recognize some of the sights that appeared in the Oscar winning Schindler's list which was shot in this area.

The tour ends with a visit to the monument commemorating the victims of the former Nazi concentration camp in Plaszów.

USD $42.38

Traveler Reviews

Review by: DJ & SJ	April 2011
We sat to the side of the altar in this picture, on the 17th April. Our tour guide told us the meaning of the curtain, the inscriptions and all the details in this, one of the few remaining Jewish Synagogues in Krakow still in full use. Men in their little skullcaps came in, bowed to the Altar, and left quietly, whilst our Tour was in progress - leaving me at least feeling like we were intruding. The "cage" is where the Tora is read, a most sacred part of the building. Tora of course being the Jewish bible, from the first 5 parts of the Old Testament known to Christians, only. We found it fascinating to learn about putting stones on the graves in Jewish burials/cemetries and when we were taken to one, I put some small stones on a large grave stone, to mark my "Respect" - stones and rocks prevent animals and birds digging up the body, and in the desert where there are no flowers available anyway, a stone was used to signify "Respect". In Schindler's List at the end, the survivors and the actors are seen placing little stones around the name of Oskar Schindler. Now we understand.

Review by: Kate S	March 2011
Good, informative tour guide, but the Jewish district itself is rather disappointing. It is quite dilapidated, not really looked after very well overall and did not see signs of a thriving artistic culture as mentioned in various descriptions of the area. The visit to the Jewish district can really be done independently as well, to explore the area for yourself.

Review by: Courtney W	October 2010
Despite saying there is hotel pick up there IS NOT! Also, this tour is offered a lot cheaper in the city and there are two agencies that offer it for free. WAY too expensive as we didnt even go into the Old Synagogue despite it being on the agenda.....tour guide was nice and knowledgeable but WAY too much money for not much of a tour

Review by: Anonymous	August 2010
This tour was almost a private tour because there were only three guests. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting, she also adapted the itinerary according to our wishes.

Review by: Anthony H, United Kingdom	October 2009
I was the only person on this tour.

Review by: Laurence G, United States of America	October 2009
Outstanding both as to content and the guide.

Review by: Pauline M, Australia	May 2009
I was the only person taking the tour that day - such a shame, because it was truly excellent. I saw Helena Rubenstein's birthplace, Schindler's factory, the former ghetto including the Kracow Ghetto Pharmacy, the Jewish cemetery and many important buildings and landmarks. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and even gave me a "suggested reading" list of Polish authors available in English editions. This is highly recommended.