Stara Synagoga
The Stara Synagogue’s Fortress Exterior
The Stara Synagoga, otherwise known as the Old Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue found in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. It is the oldest synagogue building still standing in Poland and one of the most valued examples of Jewish architecture in Europe. Until the Germans invaded Poland in 1939 it was the most important synagogue in Krakow and served as the main religious and social hub to Krakow’s Jewish community. A plaque can be seen in the Stara Synagoga’s entrance hall commemorating General Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s 1794 speech from the synagogue in support of the struggle for Polish Independence:
‘The Jews proved to the world that whenever humanity can gain, they would not spare themselves.’ General Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Although the date varies between sources it is believed the Synagogue was built somewhere between 1407 and 1492. The original building was rebuilt due to fire damage during the 16th century by Italian architect Mateo Gucci, the outside interior was built in the Renaissance fashion whilst leaving the interiors architecture in its original Gothic style. Furthermore the rebuild included many military features such as having windows placed high above ground level and solid masonry walls with buttressing being built to endure a siege. This architecture makes the Old Synagogue a rare surviving example of a Polish fortress synagogue.
The Synagogue after the damage of Nazi forces.
During World War II the old synagogue was ransacked and destroyed by Nazi forces. Its many artworks and Jewish relics were looted and during the German occupation the synagogue was used as a magazine by Nazi forces (a term used to define a place where large amounts of ammunition are stored ready for distribution). In 1943, 30 Polish hostages were executed at the synagogues wall.
The Synagogues Gothic interior.
From 1956 to 1959 the old synagogue was once again renovated and now currently operates as a museum, functioning as a Division of the Historical Museum of Krakow, focusing in particular on Krakow’s Jewish history and traditions. The Gothic interior of the synagogue has been restored to its past brilliance due to the help of its varied collections, including relics of Krakow’s former Kazimierz Jewish quarter, including old photographs, documents and pictures. The many exhibits are divided into different themes dealing with areas such as birth, prayer rituals, diet and death. The Beautiful Women’s Prayer Room, which dates back to the 17th century, is used to hold the museums more contempary exhibitions.
Information found on:
Sacred Destinations (2005). Old Synagogue, Krakow. Available: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/poland/krakow-old-synagogue. Last accessed 11/02/13
Sergeldin, I, Shuluger, E and Martin-Brown, J (2001). Historic Cities and Scared Sites: Cultural Roots for Urban Futures. Washington DC: World Bank Publications.
Strzala, M. (2006). Old Synagogue in Krakow. Available: http://www.krakow-info.com/synagog.htm. Last accessed 11/02/13.
Picturing The Holocaust 