Shtetl - following the traces of Jewish villages
Poland has been the Jewish centre of life for centuries. Prior to 1939 there were about 3.5 million Jews in Poland. The Second World War put an end to this rich culture and tradition. All that remains are the unique examples of destroyed culture found in Shtetls - little Jewish villages prior to World War II.
There are many shtetls left around Krakow. Very few contain traces of an ongoing Jewish presence. For our excursion, we have chosen shtetls with original synagogues, cemeteries and architecture. During the tour, besides visiting the usual tourist sites, we suggest reading the Jewish writings of Isaac Beshwis Singer, Martin Buber, Alfred Doeblin, Mordechaj Gebirtig and listening the klezmer music.
The trip starts in Dzialoszyce where you can see the ruins of the old synagogue and the preserved village centre. Next it’s on to Pinczow to visit the synagogue and an exhibition of photography showing the life of Poles and Jews before World War II. In Chmielnik the tour passes the ruins of the old synagogue and goes through the market square. The tour continues to Szydlow, which is surrounded by medieval brick walls, and boasts a beautifully preserved synagogue.
Services:
Route: Krakow - Dzialoszyce - Pinczow - Chmielnik - Szydlow - Krakow
Date: 03.07.2012 and 07.07.2012
Departure: 8 am from Klezmer Hois /6, Szeroka Street/
Return: 6-7 pm
Price: 250 PLN per person
Services included: transfers, English speaking guide, entrances to sites visited, packet lunch
Min. number of participants: 5
Reservation in advance is required.
Reservation and information:
Marco Der Pole
ul. Kanonicza 15
31-002 Kraków
tel/fax +48 12 430 21 31, 430 21 17
e-mail eslusarczyk@marcoderpole.com.pl
