The Tempel Synagogue in Krakow

The Tempel Synagogue, built between 1860 and 1862 in Kraków’s Kazimierz district, is an example of Moorish and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Its rectangular layout is characterized by rich decoration, including unique stained-glass windows from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and a monumental Aron ha-kodesh made of white marble. The synagogue’s interior is adorned with stuccowork, polychrome paintings on the ceiling, and ornaments on the women’s gallery, all drawing inspiration from Islamic art. The synagogue served as a cultural hub for the Jewish community, hosting concerts and events, especially during the Jewish Culture Festival. Throughout its history, the synagogue underwent numerous renovations, including a major restoration between 1994 and 2000 that restored its former glory after the damage it suffered during World War II, when the Germans converted it into a warehouse. As one of the four active places of Jewish worship in Kraków, the Tempel Synagogue remains a vibrant center of contemporary Jewish culture, hosting concerts ranging from klezmer music to performances by modern artists. Particularly noteworthy are its unique collection of stained-glass windows, among the few preserved in Poland, and the memorial plaques inside, which document the history of Kraków’s Jewish community.