Tempel Synagogue, Krakow
Exterior of Tempel Synagogue. Public domain photo.
Detail of attractive neo-Renaissance facade. Photo by Yaffa Grinblatt.
The exquisite, eastern-style interior. Photo by i do not like green eggs.
Detail of Hebrew text over the doorway. Photo © Zuzana Bohackova.
View between a side aisle and the center aisle. Photo by majorbonnet.
Central aisle and colorful window. Photos by i do not like green eggs.
Tempel Synagogue is a 19th-century Reform synagogue in Krakow built in an attractive neo-Renaissance style with Moorish interior decorations. Its grandeur best captures the wealth of Jewish life here before the war.
History
Tempel Synagogue was founded by Krakow's Reform Jews and has traditionally hosted services for the non-Orthodox Jews of the city. It was built in 1860-62 in the neo-Renaissance style designed by Ignacy Hercok. The building was enlarged in 1868, 1893, and 1924.
During World War II, Tempel Synagogue was badly damaged by the Nazis, who used it as a magazine. Services resumed after the war, and a mikvah was added in 1947.
Regular prayer services were held here until 1985, in Polish and German as well as Hebrew. The synagague was completely renovated in 1995-2000. Today, the Tempel Synagogue remains active as a place of worship, but services are only held a few times each year. The fine building often hosts concerts of Jewish and classical music.
What to See
Tempel Synagogue is a large rectangular building with a fine neo-Renaissance facade.
Inside, the dominant impression is of the East, with gilded Moorish-style woodwork, a gilded wooden gallery, and dome-shaped marble ark. It is lit by colorful stained glass windows and topped with an elaborate ceiling.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Synagoga Tempel; Tempel Synagogue; Temple Synagogue; Reformed Synagogue; Progressive Synagogue |
| Type of site: | Synagogue |
| Faith: | Reform Jewish |
| Status: | Active, but only occasionally used for services |
| Dates: | 1860-62 |
| Architecture: | Neo-Renaissance |
| Architect: | Ignacy Hercok |
| Location: | Miodowa 24 at Podbrzezie Street, Kazimierz |
| Phone: | 012/423-20-97 |
| Hours: | Sun-Fri 9am-6pm; closed Sat and Jewish holidays |
| Cost: | 5 zl |
| Dress code: | Head should be covered |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of Tempel Synagogue in Krakow. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Krakow Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Frommer's Eastern Europe, 1st ed.
- Synagogues of the Kazimierz district - Krakow Info
- Tempel Synagogue - Cracow Life
- Tempel Synagogue - Wikipedia
