Kazimierz: Krakow's Historic and Cultural Jewel

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [do veedzenya]
• YesTak
  [tak]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [proshe]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [pzhe-pra-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yak sheh mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [doh-bzheh ah tih]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moovish poh ahn-gyehls-koo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [h-chyah-bim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo pro-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sa]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdoh-vyeh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [h-chyah-bim zah-pla-cheech pro-sheh]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Idź precz!
  [eedgeh prech]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zahdzvohn poh poh-leets-yeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zahdzvohn poh leh-kah-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bee-wehm sieh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yeh-stem hoh-rih]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [h-chyah-bim koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tih-koh shcheh rohz-gwah-dam]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogie
  [toh zah dro-geh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi mo-zhesh ohb-nee-zhich tse-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [k-too-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyeh-roo-vshah]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poow doh dzyeh-shoon-teh]
• MorningRano
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [poh-pol-ood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyeh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-cho-rye]
• TodayDziś
  [jeesh]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshih]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-rih]
• 5Pięć
  [pyehnch]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [shyeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyehv-yenhch]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzyeh-shoonch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [g-jeh yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-kee yest ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi mo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zach nah mah-pyeh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dih yest nah-stehp-nih ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let doh]

Kazimierz was established in the 14th century by King Casimir III the Great, who sought to promote trade and settlement in the area. The founding of this separate town was significant as it became a vibrant hub for Jewish culture and commerce, distinct from the Christian-dominated Krakow.

During the Renaissance, Kazimierz became the center of Jewish life in Poland. The community thrived, with the establishment of synagogues, schools, and businesses. Notable structures from this period include the Old Synagogue, built in the 15th century, which remains one of the oldest synagogues in Poland.

Kazimierz is notable for its religious diversity. Alongside Jewish institutions, the area saw the construction of churches, such as the Church of St. Catherine, which highlights the coexistence of different faiths. This cultural mosaic contributed to a rich tapestry of traditions and customs.

The Holocaust had a devastating impact on Kazimierz's Jewish community. Many residents were deported and killed during World War II, leading to a significant decline in the population. The area remained largely desolate for decades post-war, with many synagogues and community centers falling into disrepair.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Kazimierz began to experience a cultural revival. The establishment of the Jewish Culture Festival in 1991 played a pivotal role in rekindling interest in Jewish heritage. Today, Kazimierz is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and as a center for Jewish culture, drawing visitors from around the world.

Kazimierz is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Krakow. From the Main Market Square, you can walk to Kazimierz in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take tram line 8 or 13 from the Main Train Station (Kraków Główny) to the 'Ghetto Heroes Square' stop, which places you right at the heart of Kazimierz. Buses also connect this vibrant neighborhood to other parts of the city.

Kazimierz is a compact neighborhood, best navigated on foot to fully appreciate its charming streets and historical sites. Public transport options include trams and buses, with stops conveniently located near major attractions. Bicycles can be rented from various local shops, and there are bike lanes available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily accessible.

Kazimierz is generally safe for tourists; however, like any urban area, it's wise to remain vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially around busy tourist spots. Areas such as the outskirts of Kazimierz, especially late at night, may have higher incidences of crime. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid poorly lit streets after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Poland. For non-urgent medical services, numerous clinics and pharmacies are scattered throughout Kazimierz. Always carry a copy of your insurance details and have a plan for how to contact your embassy if necessary.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites like synagogues. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during religious services. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Dzień dobry' (Good day). Don't assume everyone speaks English; a few basic phrases in Polish can go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as zapiekanka. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Kazimierz like a local, visit the local markets and try the street food, especially at Plac Nowy. Engage with the community by attending local events or festivals, which often showcase traditional music and dance. Consider taking a guided walking tour to learn about the rich Jewish history of the area. Finally, visit the lesser-known art galleries and vintage shops to discover unique finds and support local artists.