Remuh Synagogue

The Remuh Synagogue, located in Krakow's Kazimierz district at 40 Szeroka Street, is one of the most valuable sites of Jewish architecture in Poland. Its history dates back to 1495, when King John I Albert decided to establish a separate Jewish town in this area. In the 16th century, the synagogue, originally known as the New Synagogue, was established on the initiative of the banker Israel ben Josef, who obtained permission to adapt his house into a synagogue. The building underwent numerous reconstructions, including significant changes in 1829–1830 under the direction of architect August Pluszyński and during the interwar period. One of the architectural aspects that draws attention is the Renaissance style of the building with later modifications. The interior of the synagogue is enriched with preserved liturgical elements, such as the original Renaissance-style Aron Kodesh and the bimah, which is a reconstruction from before World War II. The synagogue also includes the Remuh Cemetery, established in 1551, where the tomb of the famous Rabbi Moses Isserles is located. In the 20th century, the synagogue suffered damage during World War II when the building was used as a warehouse, and it was later partially restored thanks to initiatives by the Jewish community. It is worth noting that regular services are held in the synagogue, making it the only active place of worship for the Jewish community in Krakow. In 1996, a Torah scroll handover ceremony took place, in which Christians participated for the first time. The synagogue has been visited by notable figures such as Cardinal Karol Wojtyła and Israeli President Chaim Herzog. An interesting fact is that the chair by the Aron Kodesh, symbolically left empty, marks the place where Rabbi Remuh used to pray. The entire complex is surrounded by murals and plaques commemorating Jewish martyrs, and the courtyard features numerous inscriptions honoring the victims of the Holocaust.