Podgórze (Former Ghetto)
Overview
Like Kazimierz, Podgórze used to be a separate, prosperous city. This district became part of Krakow in 1915 and already then there were plans to build a bridge connecting it with Kazimierz.
Situated on the right bank of the Vistula River, Podgórze is an extremely interesting part of Krakow. In recent years, the district has been dynamically developing and teeming with colorful life. There are many tourist attractions, memorials, charming streets and exquisite restaurants here. The extremely modern, loft character of Zabłocie, referring to the industrial history of this part of Krakow, also deserves attention.
Visiting Podgórze
Like Kazimierz, Podgórze used to be a separate, prosperous city. This district became part of Krakow in 1915 and already then there were plans to build a bridge connecting it with Kazimierz. Today, its role is played by the Father Bernatek footbridge, one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The heart of Podgórze is the Podgórze Market with the magnificent building of the Church of St. Joseph. From here, it is not far to the charming Bednarski Park and one of the most beautiful viewpoints, Krakus Mound, which offers a perfect panorama of Podgórze, Kazimierz and the Wawel Hill towering over the area.
Memorial places in Podgórze
However, Podgórze is also connected with the tragic fate of the Jewish population, who lived in large numbers in Kraków before World War II. In 1941, the Nazi authorities created Krakow's Jewish Ghetto, the so-called "Jewish residential district", where approx. 18 thousand people were relocated. Jews from Krakow and neighboring communities. To this day, there are places that commemorate this tragic history of Podgórze - Ghetto Heroes Square with a sculptural installation in the form of a dozen iron chairs, referring to the furniture abandoned after the liquidation of the ghetto; fragment of the ghetto wall at Limanowskiego 60 street, Pharmacy "Pod Orłem" (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) of Tadeusz Pankiewicz - a Polish pharmacist who ran the only pharmacy in the ghetto; and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory.
Contact
Urząd Dzielnicy XIII
Rynek Podgórski 1
30-533 Kraków
12 656 62 25
www.dzielnica13.krakow.pl
Location
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Krak's Mound, Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, Ghetto Heroes Square, Podgórze Market Square and St. Joseph's Church, colorful stairs, Bednarski Park, Father Bernard's footbridge
You can get to Podgórze by tram, bus, or taxi. It's best to use public transportation as parking in Podgórze is limited.
The opening hours for individual attractions may vary. It's best to check on their websites or at the tourist information center. Most are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket prices for individual attractions may also vary. Krakus Mound is free, while a ticket to Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory currently costs 32 Polish zloty (as of March 2023). It's also worth noting that some of the attractions, such as the colorful stairs or Bednarski Park, are free.
Yes, Podgórze is a very interesting and historic part of Krakow. There are many tourist attractions and places that are worth seeing. In addition, Podgórze has a very pleasant atmosphere and a more peaceful vibe than Stare Miasto (Old Town).