Kazimierz
written by camerao
on May 9th, 2008
, one comment
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A few minutes walk south of the Old Town of Krakow, and separated from it by the Jozefa Dietla Street, lies the old district of Kazimierz. Until 1880, Dietla street was a tributary of the Vistula river, and Kazimierz an island.
Kazimierz was the Jewish Quarter of Krakow from the 16th century until the Second World War, when most the Jewish population was murdered. Some of them returned later to this part of Krakow, and build a new Jewish community. Most of the synagogues are restored, and show exhibitions about the Jewish life before the war.
From Krakow’s castle Wawel you walk straight Stradomska and then Krakowska, turn left Beera Meiselsa until you reach the main place with most of the synagogues and also the restaurants. From Main Station Krakow you can take tram no. 13 or 74, step out at Miodowa, cross the street and turn to right, and you arrive at the main place too. When you enter the streets and squares it seems you’ll be in a forgotten world. Most of the scenes of “Schindler’s List” were shot here, in an authentic environment. The synagogues and old houses remind the rich cultural life which ended with death and expulsion.
But you also will find a lot of Bars and Cafes, which were very popular by young people and the students of Krakow, and – this is the place, where you can eat Jewish food and hear Kletzmer Music in a lot of comfortable restaurants in different styles. In summertime you can find shade and rest, and a fresh Polish beer, in wonderful old gardens.
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