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History
History of the City
The Origins of Famous Streets
The town of Kazimierz near Krakow, founded in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great, was an island situated among the branches of the Vistula River, and could only be reached through bridges leading to its gates.
At the end of the 15th century, Jews settled in Kazimierz, leading to the formation of the Oppidum Judaeorum (Jewish Town), which for many centuries remained one of the largest centers of Jewish culture in Europe. The highest concentration of Jewish historical landmarks can be found along Szeroka Street. This is where the Old Synagogue stands, dating back to the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.
At the end of the 15th century, Jews settled in Kazimierz, leading to the formation of the Oppidum Judaeorum (Jewish Town), which for many centuries remained one of the largest centers of Jewish culture in Europe. The highest concentration of Jewish historical landmarks can be found along Szeroka Street. This is where the Old Synagogue stands, dating back to the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Józefa Street, which runs adjacent to Szeroka Street, was the main route connecting the Christian and Jewish parts of Kazimierz. It was named in honor of Emperor Joseph II of Austria, who once visited Kazimierz. The street has retained its historic charm—today, the ground floors of the buildings house antique shops, galleries, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants.
Following Józefa Street, we reach Kupa Street, which takes its name from the synagogue located at its end, built in the 16th century with funds from the kahal treasury (kupa meaning “treasury”). Originally constructed as a modest building, its northern wall still rests against the remnants of Kazimierz’s medieval wall. On the same street, we also find the beautiful Baroque Isaac Synagogue, founded by the wealthy merchant Izaak Jakubowicz.
Following Józefa Street, we reach Kupa Street, which takes its name from the synagogue located at its end, built in the 16th century with funds from the kahal treasury (kupa meaning “treasury”). Originally constructed as a modest building, its northern wall still rests against the remnants of Kazimierz’s medieval wall. On the same street, we also find the beautiful Baroque Isaac Synagogue, founded by the wealthy merchant Izaak Jakubowicz.
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