Wolf Popper Synagogue and Austeria Book Shop
The historic Popper Synagogue at Szeroka Street in Kazimierz district is a vital part of Jewish heritage of the city. Now it's a house to the Austeria bookstore.
Popper Synagogue (Synagoga Poppera) is located at Szeroka Street 16 in Kraków's historic Kazimierz district, near all the major attractions and landmarks of the district and now it's a house to the famous Jewish Austeria book shop.
Founded in 1620 by the affluent Jewish merchant Wolf Popper (Bocian) from Chęciny near Kielce, this synagogue has seen centuries of change and transformation. Initially the building was used as a richly decorated place of worship but over centuries it underwent major reconstructions and changed its purpose many times.
The synagogue faced severe changes during World War II when German authorities removed historic furnishings and closed this place to religious activities.
However, a recent renovation of the synagogue restored its pre-war glory reinstating its historical charm.
The synagogue has been a central venue for the "Discovering Kazimierz" art workshops during the annual Jewish Culture Festival further promoting Jewish culture and heritage in Kraków and currently the Popper Synagogue's building houses the book shop Austeria that is devoted to Jewish books and pieces of art.
If you're in the area of the Szeroka street make sure to pay this place a visit, which is contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of Jewish culture.