High Synagogue, Kraków, Renaissance synagogue in Kazimierz district, Poland
The High Synagogue on Jozefa 38 is a Renaissance building with prayer halls situated on the second floor above ground-floor shops within a residential structure. The layout shows how religious spaces were integrated into urban residential blocks.
The building was constructed in 1556 during the reign of King Sigismund II August as one of the early Renaissance synagogues. German forces damaged the structure during World War II and removed its liturgical items.
The eastern wall displays a Torah shrine with elaborate stone frames and grotesque ornaments crafted by artisans of the 16th century. These decorations show how artists of that time designed religious spaces with attention to detail.
The building functions as a museum today and presents exhibitions about Jewish customs and traditions from the period before 1939. Visitors should know that the prayer halls are on the second floor and are reached by stairs.
Renovations revealed hidden wall paintings showing decorative curtains and scenes of Jerusalem. These concealed artworks included depictions of the Western Wall and the Tomb of the Kings.
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