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Kazimierz might be the most interesting to tourists. Way back in the 14th century when it was established by the Polish King Kazimierz the Great, it was on an island in the Vistula River. One branch of the river disappeared through the years, and as Krakow grew, the neighborhood found itself adjacent to the Old Town or Stare Miasto.
King Kazimierz encouraged Jews to come to Poland. Today this Krakow neighborhood represents the old Jewish Quarter of the city. There was a large Jewish community in Krakow up until World War II. Some of the tragedy that took place here is chronicled in the movie "Schindler's List", parts of which were filmed here. If you're a movie buff, you will recognize some of the scenes. Schindler's factory can still be seen if you follow your map.
While Kazimierz may not be as well-preserved as the Stare Miasto, this neighborhood is going through a revitalization, and there are a number of sights to see and some nice restaurants. In keeping with its Jewish history, you can visit the Old Synagogue. It was built during the 15th century and renovated in the 1950s. It houses a branch of the Historical Museum with documents about the Jewish history in Krakow. While you're in Kazimierz, you should also see the Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish Cemetery next to it. This synagogue was built in the 16th century, and the cemetery has been in use since then. In spite of damage in WW II, many headstones can still be seen from that era. Townhouses that also survived were used in "Schindler's List".
Getting to the Kazimierz neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk from the center of Krakow, or you can take a tram.
Another Krakow neighborhood that has become a tourist attraction is Nowa Huta. It's a bit further afield. Nowa Huta means "New Steel Works". This large district was a model city built by the Communist authorities in the early 1950s. If you want to see what Communist architecture was like, this might be worth visiting.
This neighborhood is about five miles (8 km) from the Old Town. A tram is one way to get to the suburb of Nowa Huta. You can also take a tour. Some tours are conducted in communist era vehicles like Trabants and Polski Fiats.
You may just want to stay in Krakow's Stare Miasto, but if you want to see more of the city than that, these Krakow neighborhoods will show you a different twist on the history and a little more of the nitty gritty.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Gdansk | Driving In Poland | Malbork and Elblag | Elblag Canal
Warsaw | Krakow | Krakow Salt Mine | Krakow Legends
Exploring Krakow | Polish Air Museum | Tipping in Poland
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