Forgotten by time and people - Kupa Synagogue at Miodowa Street.

Hidden behind trees, inconspicuous - it's hard to notice it from the street if you don't know about its existence. It doesn't stand out too much from other monuments in the city, yet there is something extraordinary. Maybe the inaccessibility gives the impression of mystery? Perhaps it is bypassed by the time as effectively as by tourists?

I came to the Kupa Synagogue by accident while walking down Miodowa Street. I peeked through the fence and saw the building hidden between tenement houses. I was curious what that was - the wicket was open, so I came in.

The tiny courtyard was quiet and peaceful, inviting me to rest in the shade of the old walls.

Inside I only met the cashier who sold me a ticket.

I was alone; I only heard a conversation through the closed door, probably Hebrew.

The interior of the synagogue was small and tastefully decorated. I liked the color combination. I saw fragments of old polychrome on the walls, not entirely covered by the new plaster.

Between the two windows was the baroque Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark). I liked the big, forged chandelier suspended under the ceiling decorated with paintings.

Its design immediately reminded me of the Jewish nine-armed candlestick, and that was, in fact, the designer's intention. It is a new element in the synagogue, but it fits very well with the decor.

The synagogue was built in the 17th century but was devastated several times during and shortly after World War II. I found interesting information that there was a ritual poultry slaughterhouse until 1985 in one of the rooms. I don't know how it was in those times; today, the ritual slaughter of animals raises a lot of emotions. Coming back to history - it was not until the beginning of the 21st century that the temple underwent thorough restoration work. Currently, meetings, exhibitions, and concerts are held here.

It's also worth knowing that at the back of the synagogue, on the side of Kupa Street, you can find a fragment of the defensive wall, the construction of which began in the 14th century. It's a relic from the time when Kazimierz was built as an independent city, inhabited to a large extent by the Jewish population. On the right, you can see the wall of the Kupa Synagogue.

It was the third Krakow synagogue I visited, and I know it wasn't the last. I think more and more often about the Jewish Culture Festival, about which I have heard many good things, but in which I have never participated, although it has been organized in Krakow for over thirty years! This year it will be held from June 24 to July 03 - it's worth visiting Kazimierz in Krakow then!

_{--- Thanks for stopping by! --- @astinminI'm the only author of the text and photos}