Tempel Synagogue in Krakow: hours, entry and what to see

Tempel Synagogue stands at ul. Miodowa 24 in Kazimierz, by Ozjasz Thon Square, where Miodowa and Podbrzezie streets meet. It was built from 1860 to 1862 for progressive Jews. The Jewish Religious Community in Krakow, which owns and runs it, calls it the most imposing and the newest of Krakow's synagogues.

What is the Tempel Synagogue?

In the Community's words the building is eclectic and neo-Renaissance, with elements in the Moorish style. It was the synagogue of progressive Jews, who sought to reform traditional Judaism, and the name Tempel comes from German and means temple. According to the Jewish Religious Community, religious ceremonies are held in Tempel Synagogue, and besides them concerts, performances and other events. The synagogue is entered in the register of monuments.

History of the Tempel Synagogue

Sermons were once given here in two languages, Polish and German. Rabbi Ozjasz Thon, whose sermons drew crowds, was associated with the synagogue. The building was extended several times, for the last time in 1924, when single-storey side aisles were added.

As the Małopolska tourism portal VisitMałopolska reports, during the Second World War the Germans set up a warehouse in the building and a stable for horses in the north aisle. After the war the synagogue again served for prayer and was used by progressive and traditionalist Jews; later it was closed and fell into disrepair. It was thoroughly renovated in the second half of the 1990s, and the work was completed in 2000. The World Monuments Fund worked on the renovation with the city authorities and the local Jewish community.

What to see inside the Tempel Synagogue

• The façade: richly decorated, with the Tablets of the Decalogue in black marble above the main entrance.
• Stained glass: colourful windows from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, which the Community calls unique. The motifs are geometric, floral and ornamental, and include the Temple in Jerusalem and two lions holding a menorah. Some windows were funded by members of the congregation, and two are dedicated to the memory of Czesław Jakubowicz, for many years president of the Community, and Maria Jakubowicz.
• Wall paintings and ceiling: wall paintings of plant motifs with an oriental character, and coloured and gilded patterns on the ceiling of the main hall.
• Bimah and aron ha-kodesh: the bimah stands in the middle of the main hall. By the east wall is the aron ha-kodesh, the cabinet for the Torah scrolls, in white marble, topped by a golden half-dome with a crown.
• The women's galleries: they run along the side aisles, with coloured and gilded patterns on their balustrades.

Tempel Synagogue opening hours and entry donation

The Community does not sell tickets. It charges an entry donation (in Polish, cegiełka) of 10 or 15 PLN; the Community does not say who is entitled to the lower amount. The synagogue is open to visitors from Sunday to Friday: in the summer season, from March to October, from 10:00 to 18:00, and in the winter season, from November to February, from 10:00 to 16:00. Every Friday, because Shabbat begins, the synagogue closes two hours earlier. On Saturdays and Jewish holidays it is closed to visitors, and it may also be closed during prayers.

In the summer season last entry is at 17:30; for the winter season and for Fridays the Community gives no separate time, so arrive with time to spare. The Community publishes its list of closure dates every year on its website, and you need to check it before you go. Men can borrow a head covering in the synagogue. The Community does not run guide services in its buildings. Details checked in October 2026; confirm them on the website of the Jewish Religious Community in Krakow.

How to get to the Tempel Synagogue

The synagogue is in Kazimierz, on ul. Miodowa, by Ozjasz Thon Square. On foot it is about three minutes from Plac Nowy, about six minutes from the Old Synagogue and about 20 minutes from the Main Market Square. Kazimierz is on the route of our electric cart tour of Kazimierz; the ride does not include entry to the synagogue.

Tips for visiting the Tempel Synagogue

This is a short visit; for the rest of the district see our page on the Kazimierz Jewish quarter. Remember the earlier closing on Fridays. For years the synagogue has been a venue for the Jewish Culture Festival, which holds its Cantors' Concert here, and for the Days of Judaism in the Catholic Church. A concert is not part of an ordinary visit: dates appear only in the festival programme.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Tempel Synagogue?

Entry is by donation of 10 or 15 PLN (checked in October 2026). The Community does not say who is entitled to the lower amount.

What are the opening hours?

Sunday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00 between March and October and from 10:00 to 16:00 between November and February. On Fridays the synagogue closes two hours earlier.

Is Tempel Synagogue open on Saturdays?

No. On Saturdays and Jewish holidays it is closed to visitors, and it may also be closed during prayers.

Are there guided tours?

The Jewish Religious Community does not run guide services in its buildings.

Are there concerts in Tempel Synagogue?

According to the Community, concerts, performances and other events are held here besides religious ceremonies. Dates of the Jewish Culture Festival concerts are in the festival programme.

Photo: Zygmunt Put, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.