Tempel Synagogue (Synagoga Tempel)

The Basics

As one of Kazimierz’s most beautiful and active places of Jewish worship, the Tempel Synagogue is a popular inclusion on many Krakow city tours and features on all tours of the city’s old Jewish neighborhood.

Let a guide show you the synagogue’s interior and chart its history as part of a private Kazimierz walking tour, or choose the more leisurely alternative of exploring Kazimierz by electric cart. If you’re pressed for time, perhaps consider a shorter electric-cart tour that gives you a panoramic overview of Krakow Old Town and Kazimierz together. Alternatively, cover both on a combo tour that also includes another attraction outside the city, such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Tempel Synagogue is a must-see for anyone interested in Krakow’s history and religious and Jewish heritage.

• See the synagogue as part of a Kazimierz sightseeing tour to get the full lowdown on its history and design.

• The small admission fee at the door goes toward the synagogue’s upkeep.

• Male visitors are required to wear yarmulkes—these are provided—while women should have their shoulders covered.

How to Get There

The Tempel Synagogue stands at the intersection of Miodowa and Podbrezje in the heart of Krakow’s Kazimierz quarter. From Wawel Castle in the Old Town, follow Stradomska, turn left onto Dietla, and then walk down Bozega Ciala before turning left onto Miodowa—you’ll see the Tempel Synagogue straight ahead. Alternatively, take tram 3, 19, or 69 from Krakow’s train station to Miodowa or bus 610 from Teatr Slowackiego to Starowiślna.

When to Get There

The Tempel Synagogue is open Sunday–Thursday from morning to evening and Fridays from midmorning to afternoon—although these times may vary. It’s closed to sightseers on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. With only a trickle of visitors on any given day, there are no crowds to avoid.

Highlights of the Tempel Synagogue

Considered the most architecturally interesting of Kazimierz’s synagogues, the Tempel Synagogue was fortunate not to be destroyed by Nazi forces during World War II—the troops used it for stabling and storage. Features to look out for include the gold-leaf-painted woodwork, the marble ark with its decorative cupola, and the stunning stained-glass windows—some of Poland’s best-preserved.