192 CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE
Street-by-Street: Kazimierz District e
Narrow streets lined with low buildings make up the district
of Kazimierz. Founded in 1335 by Kazimierz the Great, it
soon developed a thriving Jewish population. Czech and
German refugees came here to join Jews dis placed from
Cracow in the late 15th century, and the area bears
witness to centuries of co-existence between Jews and
Poles. The Jewish quarter, located in the district’s
east ern part, was concentrated around Szeroka
ulica, later known as New Square. Many syna-
gogues, bathhouses and cemeteries were estab-
lished and Kazimierz became a centre of Judaic
culture and learning. During World War II,
much of the quarter was destroyed in the
Nazi invasion, but recently many gal leries,
cafés and bars have opened here.
Temple Synagogue
The decoration of this synagogue,
built in the Neo-Renaissance style,
was influenced by Moorish art.
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Suggested route
Kupa Synagogue
Built in the 17th century, this synagogue,
financed by the Kahal, the municipality
of Kazimierz, was also used for non-
religious purposes. It has recently been
converted into a Jewish cultural centre.0 metres0 yards5050MIOD
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WAJEWISH TOMBS
The signs carved on Jewish tombs have
symbolic value. The grave of a rabbi is
indicated by hands joined in prayer.
Those of Levites are distinguished by
basins and jugs for the ritual ablution of
hands. Three interlaced snakes feature on
the grave of a physician, and a crown of
knowledge on that of a learned man. A
lion or a six-pointed Star of David signifies
a descendant of Judah.Intricately carved symbolic motifs on Jewish tombsIZA
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AFor hotels and restaurants in this region see pp218–21 and pp222–5