Kazimierz

Kazimierz : The Michelin guide review

Founded in 1335 by Casimir the Great (hence the name), this quarter was once an independent city, surrounded by walls. In 1494, on the orders of King John Albert, the Jews were forced to move to the eastern part of the city. Kazimierz quickly became an important Jewish cultural centre. Its population rose rapidly because of the massive influx of Jews fleeing persecution throughout Europe. Their numbers increased to 70 000 by the outbreak of the Second World War. Only a few hundred survived.