Szeroka Street is the prettiest place in Kazimierz, otherwise the center of the Jewish settlement in the former village of Bawół. This village was founded in 1340. With the passage of time, a separate district was created in this place, surrounded by its own walls, the remnants of which have been preserved right next to today's Old Synagogue. Religious and bourgeois buildings were erected around the street.
During World War II, however, most of these buildings were completely destroyed. Only after the end of the war, the Jewish district was rebuilt, and Szeroka Street is now one of its charming corners, with preserved historic synagogues and numerous restaurants.
One of the attractions of Szeroka Street is the already mentioned Old Synagogue, which is called the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland and Europe. Inside, there is now a branch of the Museum of the History of the City of Krakow, where you can see the exhibition The History and Culture of Krakow Jews.
What's more, in the 1990s, Krakow became the setting for one of Steven Spielberg's most popular films, Schindler's List. The action of the work, awarded with as many as eight Oscars, took place in authentic places. A walk in the footsteps of film locations is an interesting idea for visiting Krakow.
If you want to find accommodation in the center of Jewish Kazimierz to be able to admire the magnificent synagogues and monuments of Judaic culture, Hotel Estera offers its guests modern rooms. Contact us and ask for a reservation! - +48 12 354 37 77
