Wolf Popper Synagogue
Wolf Popper Synagogue
3.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Educational sites
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Neighborhood: Kazimierz
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
27 reviews
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5
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11
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8
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2
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1
Pernille I
Copenhagen, Denmark4,857 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
The Wolf Popper synagogue was founded by a single man - Mr. Wolf Popper; a 17th century rich banker and trader who lived in Kazimierz.
The synagogue was beautifully decorated, but with Mr. Popper passing it lacked funding. The war further destroyed it, and some parts of the decorations are now to be found in Jerusalem museums.
It ended services as a synagogue in 1965, and was converted into a bookstore selling Hebrew literature as well as beautiful notebooks. Also available are English and other language books on the history of Jews in Poland. A very eccentric little place.
The main feature though to me was the mural on the left when entering the small courtyard; a painting clearly inspired by Chagall with the violin and the fiddler, the bride and groom, the wandering Jew, the menorah etc. Both modern and drawing lines back to key symbols of Hebrew art.
It is a nice place to bring back a little souvenir from Kazimierz. Entrance is of course free!
The synagogue was beautifully decorated, but with Mr. Popper passing it lacked funding. The war further destroyed it, and some parts of the decorations are now to be found in Jerusalem museums.
It ended services as a synagogue in 1965, and was converted into a bookstore selling Hebrew literature as well as beautiful notebooks. Also available are English and other language books on the history of Jews in Poland. A very eccentric little place.
The main feature though to me was the mural on the left when entering the small courtyard; a painting clearly inspired by Chagall with the violin and the fiddler, the bride and groom, the wandering Jew, the menorah etc. Both modern and drawing lines back to key symbols of Hebrew art.
It is a nice place to bring back a little souvenir from Kazimierz. Entrance is of course free!
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel38,808 contributions
Mar 2023
This is a former synagogue, now turned into a bookshop, selling mostly Jewish literature.
While most of the building is stripped of it's Jewish symbols, you can still see the outlines of how this synagogue used to be.
While most of the building is stripped of it's Jewish symbols, you can still see the outlines of how this synagogue used to be.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK615,565 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Although no longer a place of worship the Wolf Popper Synagogue is still worth visiting ,a beautiful building constructed in 1620 ,it served the Jewish community for centuries ,what I find fascinating about this former synagogue is that it survived the German Army occupation of World War Two when nearly all vestiges of the Jewish faith were more or less obliterated ,I believe it's now a book store ,it's located on the most historic and beautiful street in Krakows Jewish Quarter namely Ulica Szeroka and is most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the Kazimierz District.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
windytravel79
Budapest, Hungary1,339 contributions
Oct 2019
It does not work any more as a synagogue but as a book store. You can find books in several different languages. If you go to a tour in Kazimierska, it will cover also this synagogue. It is worth to make a short visit there but nothing special. It is free to enter.
Written 1 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lareina822017
Kaufbeuren, Germany573 contributions
Sep 2019
This synagogue is a bookshop today. The sell books in different languages but also empty ones which one can use as diary or whatever. From outside it is not obvious that this is/was a synagogue, the entry is a bit hidden in some kind of backyard in Kazimierz. However, when there - go inside. But it is not that worth to arrange your travel plans just to visit this place.
Written 16 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onleaveagain
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK8,201 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This is no longer an active synagogue but is being used as a book shop selling mainly books on Jewish matters and just as importantly the holocaust. It is situated just off the main square in Kazimiera district behind some imposing buildings. Externally it doesn’t appear to be particularly well looked after but the inside gives a hint of its former use. Worth a visit.
Written 19 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vtc2017
Miami, FL1,721 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Wolf Popper, nicknamed as "the stork" for having been able to stand on one leg when lost in deep thought, founded the synagogue in 1620. He financed its construction towards the end of his life. Popper made his fortune in large-scale international trade in cloth and saltpetre (main ingredient in the making of gunpowder), and eventually, became Kazimierz's richest banker with the fortune reaching 200,000 zloty, which made him one of the richest men in Europe.
The Popper family lost much of its wealth following Wolf Popper's death in main part due to historical wars, local epidemics, fires, and costly tributes of allegiance. Once grand Synagogue of Wolf Popper never again enjoyed the wealth of its original sponsor who could prevent its slow but unrelenting decline. The rich interior was utterly destroyed by the Nazi Germans during World War II. The Synagogue ceased to function as a house of prayer after the Holocaust. Its arabesque doors were moved to the Wolfson Museum in Jerusalem.
The Popper family lost much of its wealth following Wolf Popper's death in main part due to historical wars, local epidemics, fires, and costly tributes of allegiance. Once grand Synagogue of Wolf Popper never again enjoyed the wealth of its original sponsor who could prevent its slow but unrelenting decline. The rich interior was utterly destroyed by the Nazi Germans during World War II. The Synagogue ceased to function as a house of prayer after the Holocaust. Its arabesque doors were moved to the Wolfson Museum in Jerusalem.
Written 21 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
545medva
Budapest, Hungary3,972 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
On the Seroka street you will find, this former synagogue, today it is a bookshop. Very nice courtyard, the whole building is restored fine.
Written 19 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saul g
Tel Aviv, Israel1,189 contributions
Apr 2019
One of the interesting places on Dzielnica Zydowska (Jewish Square , see separate review) .
Formerly a 17th Cent. synagogue built by Wolf Popper , now it is a bookstore , dedicated to Jewish herritage contribution to Krakow and Poland . Beautiful restored building with a nice entrence (near the Ariel restaurants) , a cobbled inner yard , with interesting wall piantings . . Don't miss it .
A similar bookstore may be found on the nearby 36 Jozefa street .
Formerly a 17th Cent. synagogue built by Wolf Popper , now it is a bookstore , dedicated to Jewish herritage contribution to Krakow and Poland . Beautiful restored building with a nice entrence (near the Ariel restaurants) , a cobbled inner yard , with interesting wall piantings . . Don't miss it .
A similar bookstore may be found on the nearby 36 Jozefa street .
Written 8 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK615,565 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Along Szeroka Street there are some really nice buildings and the Wolf Popper Synagogue is certainly one of the most eye catching.
It's no longer an active synagogue but it's one of the most interesting.
Constructed in 1620 ,it's got a great look to it ,the destruction that occurred in this district of Krakow during WW2 it's a miracle this synagogue survived.
We were exploring around the Jewish Quarter and it was inadvertable that we would walk along Szeroka Street which is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most beautiful streets in the Jewish Quarter, packed with great cafes,bars and restaurants and a handful of synagogues and most definitely well worth checking out.
It's no longer an active synagogue but it's one of the most interesting.
Constructed in 1620 ,it's got a great look to it ,the destruction that occurred in this district of Krakow during WW2 it's a miracle this synagogue survived.
We were exploring around the Jewish Quarter and it was inadvertable that we would walk along Szeroka Street which is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most beautiful streets in the Jewish Quarter, packed with great cafes,bars and restaurants and a handful of synagogues and most definitely well worth checking out.
Written 28 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jazzbird925
Washington DC, DC67 contributions
During a recent visit to Krakow, my husband and I toured the Popper and were intrigued with the Chagall like mural in the courtyard. Unfortunately no one, including our guide, could explain its existence ( date of creation, artist etc). Information would be appreciated.
WOLF POPPER SYNAGOGUE (Krakow) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wolf Popper Synagogue
- We recommend booking Wolf Popper Synagogue tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Wolf Popper Synagogue tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wolf Popper Synagogue:
- Krakow Private City Tour, Full Day Tour of Old Town and Jewish Quarter (From ₱6,733.68)
- Krakow Jewish Quarter Tour. Private and small group tour options (From ₱1,836.46)
- Krakow Private Tour by Car and Walk- panoramic city tour with private tour guide (From ₱9,182.29)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Krakow Private Tour (From ₱3,550.71)
- The best view of Krakow from Golf Cars (From ₱5,448.56)
- Hotels near Wolf Popper Synagogue:
- (0.02 km) Crystal Suites chez Helena
- (0.03 km) Rossignol
- (0.04 km) Hotel Rubinstein
- (0.04 km) Starowislna 77
- (0.05 km) Hotel Ester
- Restaurants near Wolf Popper Synagogue:
- (0.03 km) Restauracja Żurawina
- (0.03 km) AWIW Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Artefakt Cafe
- (0.04 km) Chicheri
- (0.04 km) Restauracja Max14