Krakow, Poland’s former capital, is one of Europe’s most splendid towns. In the 14th and 15th centuries, this city became a major center of Jewish religious and academic life after the country’s rulers accepted Jewish refugees from other countries. At the end of the 15th century, Jews were expelled from the town and forced to settle in the nearby suburb of Kazimierz, now part of Krakow. The buildings in this town still remain intact, including the Alt Synogogue, which houses the Museum of Jewish History and Culture. Nearby is the famous Remuh Synagogue, where Jews still worship today, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The marketplace of Krakow is surrounded by antique burghers’ houses and splendid palaces. The castle and cathedral atop Wawel Hill, former seat of Polish Kings, is a treasury of priceless art collections of great significance to the culture of the Polish nation.