Old Synagogue (Kraków)

Old Synagogue is an Orthodox Judaism synagogue in Kazimierz district of Kraków, Poland. It is the oldest existing synagogue in Poland and one of the most precious landmarks of Jewish architecture in Europe. Until the German invasion of Poland in 1939, it was one of the most important synagogues in the city as well as the main religious, social, and organizational centre of the Kraków Jewish community. In 1794 General Tadeusz Kościuszko spoke from the synagogue to gain the Jewish support in the struggle for Polish independence. A plaque in the entrance hall commemorates this event:

"The Jews proved to the world that whenever humanity can gain, they would not spare themselves." – General Tadeusz Kosciuszko

The Synagogue was built in 1407 or 1492; the date of building varies with several sources. The original building was rebuilt in 1570 under the watchful eye of the Italian architect Mateo Gucci. The synagogue was completely devastated and ransacked by the Nazis during World War II, its artwork and Jewish relics looted. During the war, the synagogue was used as a magazine. It was renovated from 1956 to 1959 and currently operates as a museum. It is a Division of the Historical Museum of Kraków, with particular focus on Krakow's Jews. The exhibits are divided into themes dealing with birth, prayer rituals, diet, divorce and death. "The beautiful women's prayer room, which dates from the 17th century, is often used to hold temporary exhibitions."The Jewish Krakow, [http://www.jewishkrakow.net/en/synagogues/old The Old Synagogue: ul. Szeroka 24] ] Rebecca Weiner, [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Cracow.html The Old Synagogue] The Virtual Jewish History Tour]

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References

* [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/img_template.jsp?volume4/V04p327001.jpg&volume=volume4&imgid=681 Engraving of synagogue interior]
* [http://www.jewishkrakow.net JewishKrakow.net] A guide to Kazimierz, Krakow's Jewish Quarter. The website also has information on opening times and admission prices to the [http://www.jewishkrakow.net/en/synagogues/old Old Synagogue]