Great Mikvah, Krakow, Jewish ritual bath in Kazimierz district, Krakow, Poland.
The Great Mikvah is a ritual bath with a chamber in the basement level supplied by natural spring water and supported by four stone pillars. The original stone construction, including the staircase, has been preserved from its initial creation.
This ritual bath was constructed during the Renaissance and served the Jewish community for centuries until World War II. The building suffered major damage during occupation but was later restored to preserve its historical structure.
The ritual served not only religious purposes but also functioned as a gathering space for the Jewish community in this district. The rooms still reflect this dual role, showing how deeply spiritual practice was woven into everyday social life.
The building sits on Szeroka Street in the heart of Kazimierz and is easily reached on foot, being located on a popular walking route through the district. Visitors today can see the basement level and learn more about the structure when visiting the restaurant or attending exhibitions held inside.
The spring water comes from natural underground sources and was not dependent on human control, a requirement that was essential for ritual baths. This natural feature made the bath particularly valuable for religious purposes and distinguished it from artificially filled containers.
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