My visit to the area of Krakow's Jewish ghetto was like a live lesson of the history of Krakow's Jews during WWII.
After walking along the waterfront, I reached the year-old steel-arched Footbridge, a pedestrian-and bike friendly river crossing that links the Jewish district of Kazimierz and Podgorze.
Unforgettably moving!!!
Walking a little farther, I reached the Ghetto Heroes Square, the ghetto's largest open space that was not only a place for people to socialize relax and escape the oppressive overcrowding of the tenements, but also the site of families being torn apart, mass deportations to the death-camps, beatings and executions.
Nowadays, it's the most iconic place in the district. It's laid out with 70 large well-spaced metal chairs meant to symbolize departure, as well as subsequent absence. The entire square has essentialy turned into an evocative memorial to the victims of the Krakow Ghetto.
Now, let's go to Kazimiers, the district that housed Jews for over 500 years. Since the end of last century, it has been rediscovered and its Jewish culture gradually reintroduced. It has become famous for its associations with Schindler and Spielberg. Accessed via an archway, the cobbled courtyard is instantly recognizable from Schindler's List.
Now, let's go to Kazimiers, the district that housed Jews for over 500 years. Since the end of last century, it has been rediscovered and its Jewish culture gradually reintroduced. It has become famous for its associations with Schindler and Spielberg. Accessed via an archway, the cobbled courtyard is instantly recognizable from Schindler's List.
But Kazimiers is much more than what you see above... its true vitality and much of the mystique dating from the past is still carried today... Let's discover this historic Jewish quarter...
