Szlak Zydowski

The Szlak Zydowski (Jewish Trail) in Tarnow is a marked walking route that guides visitors through the city's rich Jewish heritage. Tarnow once had a vibrant Jewish community that made up nearly half of its population before World War II. The trail starts at the main square (Rynek) and winds through the former Jewish district, passing sites such as the Old Synagogue (now a museum), the Jewish cemetery, and several memorials. Informational plaques in Polish and English provide context about the history and culture of Tarnow's Jews. The trail is self-guided and free to follow, taking about an hour to walk at a leisurely pace. Along the way, you'll see remnants of the pre-war Jewish quarter, including tenement houses and a mikvah (ritual bath). The highlight is the bimah of the Old Synagogue, which survived the war and now stands as a poignant monument. The trail offers a sobering yet educational experience, shedding light on a community that was nearly destroyed. It's a must for history buffs and those interested in Jewish heritage in Poland.

Don't miss

• The bimah of the Old Synagogue, a surviving architectural element now a memorial
• The Jewish cemetery, one of the oldest in Poland, with tombstones dating back centuries
• The site of the Tarnow Ghetto, marked by a memorial plaque
• The former mikvah building, now a cultural center
• The monument at the Umschlagplatz, where Jews were deported to death camps

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Szlak Zydowski

Cheapest way inDiscover Gdansk Walking Tour4.9★ · 546 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →Most bookedOld Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour4.9★ · 1,657 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSelf Guided Walk of Wroclaw Old Town Legends and Landmarks4.9★ · 14 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Pick up a map at the tourist information office on the Rynek or download one online.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the trail involves walking on cobblestones and some unpaved paths.
• Read a brief history of Tarnow's Jews beforehand to enrich your visit.
• Be respectful at the cemetery and memorials; they are sacred sites.

A bit of history

Tarnow was a major center of Jewish life in Galicia from the 16th century until the Holocaust. The Jewish population numbered around 25,000 in 1939. Most were murdered in the Belzec extermination camp or the Tarnow Ghetto. The trail was established to commemorate this lost community.