Museum Archives Page 2 of 4 - Poland Tourist Information

Majdanek Concentration Camp

Majdanek

Majdanek Camp – updated 15 January 2023.

Majdanek was a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp built and operated during World War II by the SS near the Polish city of Lublin. The camp was established in October 1941 and was one of the first Nazi camps built specifically for the extermination of Jews, as well as other groups such as Romani, Polish intelligentsia and Soviet prisoners of war. The camp was also used as a forced-labor camp for prisoners.

Majdanek was one of the most deadly camps of the Holocaust, with an estimated 80,000 to 130,000 people killed there. The majority of those killed were Jews, but the camp also held a significant number of non-Jewish Polish and Soviet prisoners, as well as Romani and prisoners of other nationalities. The camp was liberated by the Soviet Red Army on July 23, 1944 and it is now a museum and memorial site open to the public.

Operation Reinhard

The camp was located on the outskirts of the city of Lublin and was initially intended for forced labour. It soon became part of Operation Reinhard, the secretive German plan to exterminate Polish Jews in the General Government district of German-occupied Poland.

Seven gas chambers

The 270-hectare camp was one of the largest of the Nazi run death camps with seven gas chambers, two wooden gallows and 227 structures. Unlike other camps, the camp was captured nearly intact due to the rapid advance of the Soviet Army, which did not allow the SS sufficient time to destroy the infrastructure and evidence of war crimes.

Heinrich Himmler

The concept for the camp originated with Heinrich Himmler who was Reichsführer of the SS and a leading architect of the Holocaust. Originally, the camp was used as a work camp housing prisoners from 30 different countries and Soviet prisoners of war. The conditions at the camp were horrific, of the 150,000 people who were imprisoned in Majdanek, 80,000 died, including 60,000 Jews. Many succumbed to disease, starvation and the forced labour.

Sorting and storage depot

During the beginning of Operation Reinhard, the camp was re-purposed as a sorting and storage depot for property and valuables stolen from the victims at the death camps of Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka. The gas chambers were added to the camp in September 1942; at which time, Majdanek began to function as a killing centre.

Victims

The official estimation of the number of victims of Majdanek is 78,000 of those 59,000 were Jews.

In July 1969, on the 25th anniversary of its liberation, a large monument was constructed at the site. It consists of two parts: a large gate monument at the camp’s entrance and a large mausoleum holding ashes of the victims at its opposite end.

FAQ

Q: When was Majdanek Concentration Camp established?
A: The camp was established in October 1941 by the SS during World War II.

Q: Where is Majdanek Concentration Camp located?
A: It is located near the Polish city of Lublin.

Q: Who operated Majdanek Concentration Camp?
A: The camp was operated by the SS (Schutzstaffel) during World War II.

Q: How many people were killed at Majdanek Concentration Camp?
A: An estimated 80,000 to 130,000 people were killed at Majdanek Concentration Camp. The majority of those killed were Jews, but the camp also held a significant number of non-Jewish Polish and Soviet prisoners, as well as Romani and prisoners of other nationalities.

Q: When was Majdanek Concentration Camp liberated?
A: It was liberated by the Soviet Red Army on July 23, 1944.

Q: Is Majdanek Concentration Camp open to the public?
A: Yes, the camp is open to the public as a museum and memorial site. Visitors can tour the camp and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed at Majdanek Concentration Camp.

Visit the Majdanek website.

Heinrich Himmler Lublin Majdanek Concentration Camp Operation Reinhard

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Wolf’s Lair

Wolfsschanze

Wolf’s Lair – updated 15 January 2023.

The Wolf’s Lair (German: Wolfsschanze) was a top secret Nazi German military headquarters located in the Masurian woods in north-eastern Poland. It was built for Adolf Hitler and his top military staff during the Second World War. The complex consisted of more than 50 buildings, including bunkers, barracks, and various other structures. It was in operation from 1941 to 1944 and was the site of several key meetings and conferences, including the famous July 20, 1944 attempt on Hitler’s life, known as Operation Valkyrie.

Today, little remains of the complex, but some of the bunkers and foundations can still be seen.

Bunkers

Today Wolf’s Lair is 18 hectares of huge, overgrown and partly destroyed bunkers. During World War II, it was a top-secret, high security site surrounded by three security zones and guarded by personnel from the SS-Begleitkommando des Führers, Reichssicherheitsdienst and the Wehrmacht’s armoured Führerbegleitbrigade.

3,000 German labourers

Wolf’s Lair was an impressive feat of engineering with a remote location carefully chosen far away from typical aerial bombing targets such as transport routes and towns. 3,000 German labourers were involved in its construction consisting of 80 structures. These included seven bombproof bunkers for the top leaders of the Third Reich with walls and ceiling up to 8m thick.

3 security zones

The decision to build Wolf’s Lair was made in the autumn of 1940. Built in the middle of a protecting forest and located far from major roads. The complex occupied more than 6.5 km2 (2.5 sq. mi) and consisted of three separate security zones.

Sperrkreis 1

The most important of which was Sperrkreis 1 (Security Zone 1), in which was located the Führer Bunker and concrete shelters of members of the inner circle such as Hermann Göring, Martin Bormann, OKW chief Wilhelm Keitel and “chief of operations” OKW Alfred Jodl.

There was a total of ten bunkers in this area, all camouflaged and protected by 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) of steel-reinforced concrete. Hitlers was on the northern end, with all its windows facing north to avoid direct sunlight. Both Hitler’s and Keitel’s bunkers had rooms in which military conferences could be held.

Sperrkreis 2

Sperrkreis 2 (Security Zone 2) included military barracks and housing for several important Reich Ministers like Albert Speer, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Fritz Todt as well as Hitler’s escort battalion, the Führer Begleit Brigade.

Sperrkreis 3

Sperrkreis 3 (Security Zone 3) made up the outer security area of the compound, complete with land mines, special security troops and guard houses.

Nearby airfield

Close by was a facility for the Wehrmacht Operations Staff, and army headquarters was located several kilometres to the northeast of the FHQ complex. All these installations were served by a nearby airfield and train lines.

About two thousand people lived and worked at Wolf’s Lair at its peak, among them twenty women.

Security

The security around the bunkers was impressive and included barbed wire barriers, gun emplacements and minefields in addition to some of Hitler’s most war-hardened troops. The camp included an emergency airstrip and a backup airfield 5km away to allow the Nazi Elite a quick exit if the need ever arose. The natural camouflage of the forest was further enhanced with artificial vegetation-like screens suspended on wires and changed according to the season of the year. The Allies did not discover Wolf’s Lair until 1945.

Hitler

Hitler spent a long time in Wolf’s Lair. He arrived on 26^th June 1941 and stayed there until 20^th November 1944 with only short trips away.

Having survived an assassination attempt within the complex in July 1944, Hitler left Wolf’s Lair as the Soviet Red Army approached a few months later.

Assassination attempts at Wolf’s Lair

The Wolf’s Lair was the location of the July 20 plot to kill Hitler. During the period of reconstruction of the Führer Bunker in the summer of 1944, the daily strategy meetings were moved to the little building known as the Lager barrack, where staff officer Claus von Stauffenberg carried a bomb hidden in a briefcase into the meeting room and placed it just a few feet away from Hitler.

At 12:43 p.m. the bomb devastated the interior of the building but left Hitler only slightly injured. However, four others died from their wounds a few days later. The force of the blast was diminished because a staff officer unknowingly moved the briefcase on the opposite side of a thick wooden table leg from where von Stauffenberg had placed it, probably saving Hitler’s life. It is believed that had the bomb exploded in the massive concrete Führer Bunker as originally intended, everyone in the structure including Hitler would have been killed.

The Escape

Just moments before the blast, the would-be assassin and his adjutant, Lieutenant Werner von Haeften rapidly made their way from the conference barrack toward the first guard post just outside Sperrkeis 1. After a short delay they were allowed to pass and proceeded along the southern exit road toward Rastenburg airport.

By the time they reached the guard house at the perimeter of Sperrkreis 2, the alarm had been sounded. According to the official Gestapo report, “at first the guard refused passage until von Stauffenberg persuaded him to contact the adjutant to the compound commander who then finally authorized clearance”. It was between here and the final checkpoint of Sperrkreis 3 that von Haeften tossed a second briefcase from the car containing a second bomb which was also intended to explode in the conference barrack.

It is believed that had this bomb also been placed with the other, everyone inside would have been killed. Checkpoint three, the final barrier located at the outer reaches of the Wolf’s Lair, was expected to prove impenetrable, but the two men were simply waved through to the Rastenburg airport.

Operation Valkyrie

Thirty minutes after the bomb blast the two men were airborne and, on their way, back to Berlin and Army general headquarters. It was in this building, called the Bendlerblock, that “Operation Valkyrie”, a covert plan to react to the breakdown in civil order of the nation and suppress any revolt was transformed into the secret plot to assassinate the Führer of the German Reich.

However, when it was discovered that Hitler was still alive, the plan was doomed and along with it von Stauffenberg, his adjutant Werner von Haeften and co-conspirators General Friedrich Olbricht and his chief of staff Colonel Albrecht Mertz von Quirnheim, who were arrested and executed in the courtyard of the Bendlerblock on the evening of July 20, 1944.

Red Army

The Wolf’s Lair complex was blown up on the 24 January 1945, just three days before the Red Army arrived. Many tons of explosives were required to do the job; one bunker required an estimated 8 tons of TNT. The minefield protecting the now ruined bunkers was still active with approximately 55,000 mines and it took 10 years to make the complex safe.

What to see

There’s not a lot to see nowadays, but with a little imagination and a site map or tour guide, you will be able to get a flavour of what life must have been like at Wolf’s Lair. The structures of the complex are conveniently numbered so that you can quickly ascertain what purpose they served. Number 13 is Adolf Hitler’s bunker, which is now just one wall but Göring’s home, number 16 is in surprisingly good condition.

FAQ

Q: What is the Wolf’s Lair?
A: The Wolf’s Lair (German: Wolfsschanze) was a top secret Nazi German military headquarters located in the Masurian woods in northeastern Poland. It was built for Adolf Hitler and his top military staff during the Second World War.

Q: What was the purpose of the Wolf’s Lair?
A: It was built as a top secret military headquarters for Adolf Hitler and his top military staff during the Second World War. It was the site of several key meetings and conferences, including the famous July 20, 1944 attempt on Hitler’s life, known as Operation Valkyrie.

Q: When was the Wolf’s Lair in operation?
A: It was in operation from 1941 to 1944.

Q: Can visitors tour the Wolf’s Lair today?
A: It is possible to visit today, but there is little left of the original complex and much of it is in ruins. Some of the bunkers and foundations can still be seen.

Visit the Wolf’s Lair website.

Operation Barbarossa Wolf's Lair Wolfsschanze

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Treblinka Concentration Camp

Treblinka Extermination Camp

Treblinka – updated 15 January 2023.

Treblinka was an extermination camp, built and operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Together with the camps at Bełżec and Sobibor, the camp operated as part of Operation Reinhard, the deadliest phase of the Final Solution, so called in memory of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking German SS and police official during the Nazi era and one of the main architects of the Holocaust.

The camp was established in 1942 as part of the “Final Solution,” the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe.

Location

The camp was located in a forest north-east of Warsaw, 4km south of the village of Treblinka in what is now the Masovian Voivodeship.

Murder

Treblinka operated between 23 July 1942 and 19 October 1943 and during this time, it is estimated that 900,000 to 1,200,000 people were murdered there. More Jews were killed at Treblinka than at any other Nazi extermination camp apart from Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Death camp

Treblinka was designed to be a death camp, with the sole purpose of murdering as many people as efficiently as possible. The camp was operated by the SS (Schutzstaffel) and a large number of prisoners were killed in gas chambers using the pesticide Zyklon B.

Three parts

The camp was divided into three parts and was a highly efficient death factory. One part of the camp was for the use of staff and housed workshops, another part was set aside as a reception area for prisoners and the third part was the extermination area.

The pipe

A narrow alley known as the ‘pipe’ connected the reception area with the extermination area allowing for quick transportation of prisoners to the gas chambers. The extermination area also contained mass graves and woodpiles for the cremation of prisoners.

Immediate execution

Unlike other extermination camps, prisoners at Treblinka were murdered almost immediately upon arrival at the camp. There was no tattooing, no huts, no wooden bunks and no forced labour. People went straight to the gas chambers as soon as they alighted from their transport.

Additional gas chambers

Initially, there were three gas chambers at the camp with the capacity to asphyxiate 300-500 people per hour. Ten much bigger gas chambers were added in September 1942 increasing the capacity to between 1000-2000 people per hour.

Prisoners

Prisoners arrived in the village of Treblinka by transport trains, each with forty to fifty trucks carrying 6,000 to 7,000 people. From there, they were transported to the camp 4km away by convoys of trucks. On arrival at the camp, men were separated from the women and children and were forced to strip naked.

They were then driven down the, ‘pipe’ into the, ‘bath house’ where they died of gas poisoning within about 15 minutes.

Bodies

The bodies were initially buried in mass graves but later were cremated on the orders of Heinrich Himmler who was already thinking about how to cover up the genocide. This was also required of the victims that had already been buried, and so the mass graves had to be opened and the bodies burned. The remains and the ash were thrown back into the graves.

Goldjuden

The clothes and items left by the victims in the deportation barracks before the ‘shower’ were sorted. Gradually, bankers and goldsmiths were selected from the transports and formed into a commando called the Goldjuden – Gold Jews. Their job was to collect and classify any valuables, which were then vigorously traded by Germans, Ukrainians and the local population.

Warsaw Ghetto

The first transports to the camp came from the Warsaw ghetto. Between the 23rd of July and the 21st of August 1942, a total of 254,000 Jews from Warsaw and 112,000 from other parts of the Warsaw region were murdered here.

Red Army

Treblinka was one of the deadliest of the Holocaust extermination camps, with a death rate estimated to be around 99.7%. The camp was closed down in 1943, as the Soviet Red Army approached, and the SS destroyed much of the camp in an attempt to conceal the evidence of the mass murder that had taken place there. Today, Treblinka is a memorial and museum, with a monument and several mass graves marking the site of the camp.

FAQ

Q: When was Treblinka Concentration Camp established?
A: The camp was established in 1942, during World War II, as part of the “Final Solution,” the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe.

Q: Where is Treblinka Concentration Camp located?
A: It is located in occupied Poland, near the village of Treblinka, about 70 km (43 mi) northeast of Warsaw.

Q: Who operated Treblinka Concentration Camp?
A: It was operated by the SS (Schutzstaffel) during World War II.

Q: How many people were killed at Treblinka Concentration Camp?
A: An estimated 900,000 to 1,200,000 people, mostly Jews, were killed at the camp during its operation from 1942 to 1943.

Q: When was Treblinka Concentration Camp liberated?
A: It was closed down in 1943, as the Soviet Red Army approached, and the SS destroyed much of the camp in an attempt to conceal the evidence of the mass murder that had taken place there.

Q: Is Treblinka Concentration Camp open to the public?
A: Today, Treblinka is a memorial and museum, with a monument and several mass graves marking the site of the camp. The site is open to the public for visits and to pay respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

Treblinka Tours

What to expect from this tour

Visit the museum and memorial to World War II in Treblinka, the second-biggest Nazi extermination camp.

Start your tour at the south end of the Warsaw Ghetto, where now the Palace of Culture and Science is. There, with your guide, you will see the memorial to Janusz Korczak, an educator, children-author and pedagogue, who went to Treblinka with his child students. Next, head for the Umschlagplatz, where Warsaw Jews were selected and loaded on the trains to the camp.

Afterwards, head for Treblinka commemoration place. There, in the middle of the forest, visit a museum with a miniature model of the camp and watch moving testimonies of some of the camp survivors. Next, following the symbolic train tracks, you walk towards the impressive Treblinka memorial. Made of over 17,000 stones, the monument commemorates over 700,000 victims of the extermination camp. Learn dire stories of transportation of the European Jews to this camp and find out more about the revolt that took place in Treblinka in the summer of 1943. After the time of contemplation at the Treblinka memorial, you return to Warsaw, to the original starting point.

final solution Holocaust Operation Reinhard Treblinka Concentration Camp Treblinka Tours

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Auschwitz Birkenau

Auschwitz Birkenau Tours & Experiences

Auschwitz Extermination Camp

Auschwitz Birkenau – updated 10 January 2023.

The Auschwitz Birkenau complex has left its inglorious mark on human history. A symbol of the Holocaust, during its five years of operation over a million Jews, along with Poles, Romani and other groups, were systematically killed by German Occupiers in WWII. Confronting and emotionally charged, a visit to the complex is an essential part of the human experience.

Atrocities

Both sections of the camp, Auschwitz I and the much larger outlying Birkenau (Auschwitz II) have been preserved and are open to visitors. Everyone should visit Auschwitz at least once in their lives, it is a stern reminder of the horrors that human beings can inflict on each other and the only way to understand the extent and horror of the place and the atrocities that took place there.

Oświęcim

The Auschwitz extermination camp was established in Polish army barracks on the outskirts of Oświęcim by the Germans in April 1940 and was originally intended for Polish political prisoners. It was then adapted for the wholesale extermination of the Jews of Europe in fulfilment of German Nazi ideology and pursuit of the ‘final solution of the Jewish question in Europe.’

For this purpose, the much larger camp at Birkenau was built 2km west of the original site in 1941/1942, followed by another one in Monowitz, several kilometres to the west.

Birkenau

Most of the killing took place in Birkenau and not Auschwitz. The 175 hectares camp was purpose-built for efficiency with 300 prison barracks housing 300 people each and four huge gas chambers, complete with crematoria. Each gas chamber could asphyxiate 2,000 people at one time and were fitted with electric lifts to raise the bodies to the ovens more quickly and conveniently.

Rudolf Höss

From spring 1942 until the fall of 1944, transport trains delivered Jews to the camp’s gas chambers from all over Nazi-occupied Europe. The camp’s first commandant, Rudolf Höss, testified after the war at the Nuremberg Trials that up to three million people had died there (2.5 million exterminated, and 500,000 from disease and starvation), a figure since revised to 1.1 million. Of the 1.1 million people who were murdered in Birkenau, 90 percent of them were Jews.

Medical experiments

Others deported to Auschwitz Birkenau included 150,000 Poles, 23,000 Roma and Sinti, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war, and tens of thousands of people of diverse nationalities. Those not killed in the gas chambers died of starvation, forced labour, lack of disease control, individual executions, and medical experiments.

Selections

By July 1942, the SS were conducting the infamous “selections,” in which incoming Jews were divided into those deemed able to work, who were sent to the right and admitted into the camp, and those who were sent to the left and immediately gassed.

Daily convoys

Prisoners were transported from all over German-occupied Europe by rail, arriving in daily convoys. The group selected to die, about three-quarters of the total, included almost all children, women with children, all the elderly, and all those who appeared on brief and superficial inspection by an SS doctor not to be completely fit. Auschwitz II-Birkenau claimed more victims than any other German extermination camp, despite coming into use after all the others.

Gas chamber

SS officers told the victims they were to take a shower and undergo delousing. The victims would undress in an outer chamber and walk into the gas chamber, which was disguised as a shower facility, complete with dummy shower heads. After the doors were shut, SS men would dump in the cyanide pellets via holes in the roof or windows on the side. In Auschwitz II-Birkenau, more than 20,000 people could be gassed and cremated each day.

Canada

Sonderkommandos removed gold teeth from the corpses of gas chamber victims; the gold was melted down and collected by the SS. The belongings of the arrivals were seized by the SS and sorted in an area of the camp called “Canada,” so-called because Canada was seen as a land of plenty. Many of the SS at the camp enriched themselves by pilfering the confiscated property.

Heinrich Himmler

The last selection took place on October 30, 1944. The next month, Heinrich Himmler ordered the crematoria destroyed before the Red Army reached the camp. The gas chambers of Birkenau were blown up by the SS in January 1945 in an attempt to hide the German crimes from the advancing Soviet troops. The SS command sent orders on January 17, 1945, calling for the execution of all prisoners remaining in the camp, but in the chaos of the Nazi retreat the order was never carried out. On January 17, 1945, Nazi personnel started to evacuate the facility.

Death March

Nearly 60,000 prisoners were forced on a death march toward a camp in Wodzisław Śląski (German: Loslau). Those too weak or sick to walk were left behind. These remaining 7,500 prisoners were liberated by the 322nd Rifle Division of the Red Army on January 27, 1945.

Bergen-Belsen

Approximately 20,000 Auschwitz Birkenau prisoners made it to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany, where they were liberated by the British in April 1945. Among the artefacts of automated murder found by the Russians were 348,820 men’s suits and 836,255 women’s garments.

On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz Birkenau was liberated by Soviet troops, a day commemorated around the world as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Today, at Birkenau the entrance building and some of the southern brick-built barracks survive; but of the almost 300 wooden barracks, only 19 remain: 18 near the entrance building and one, on its own, farther away. All that survives of the others are chimneys, remnants of a largely ineffective means of heating. Many of these wooden buildings were constructed from prefabricated sections made by a company that intended them to be used as stables; inside, numerous metal rings for the tethering of horses can still be seen.

Museum

The Polish government decided to restore Auschwitz I and turn it into a museum honouring the victims of Nazism; Auschwitz II, where buildings (many of which were prefabricated wood structures) were prone to decay, was preserved but not restored. Today, the Auschwitz I museum site combines elements from several periods into a single complex: for example, the gas chamber at Auschwitz I (which had been converted into an air-raid shelter for the SS) was restored and the fence was moved (because of building work being done after the war but before the museum was established). However, in most cases the departure from the historical truth is minor and is clearly labelled.

The museum contains many men’s, women’s and children’s shoes taken from their victims; also, suitcases, which the deportees were encouraged to bring with them, and many household utensils. One display case, some 30 metres (98 ft) long, is wholly filled with human hair which the Nazis gathered from people before they were sent to labour or before and after they were killed.

Auschwitz II and the remains of the gas chambers there are open to the public. The camp is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ashes of the victims were scattered between the huts, and the entire area is regarded as a grave site. Most of the buildings of Auschwitz I are still standing. The public entrance area is outside the perimeter fence in what was the camp admission building, where new prisoners were registered and given their uniforms. At the far end of Birkenau are memorial plaques in many languages, including Romani.

FAQ

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a former Nazi concentration and extermination camp located in Poland. It is a site of great historical significance and is visited by millions of people each year. Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau:

Where is Auschwitz-Birkenau located?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in the city of Oswiecim, which is in southern Poland, near the border with the Czech Republic. The camp is located about 70 miles west of Krakow.

Is it possible to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, it is possible to visit the camp, but visitors are required to take a guided tour. Guided tours are available in multiple languages and last around 3 hours.

How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Entrance to the camp is free, but tours are offered for a fee, as of 2021 it was 25 PLN (Polish zloty) for adult.

Are there any restrictions on visiting the camp?
Some areas of the camp may be inaccessible to visitors with mobility issues. Photography is not allowed inside the camp, but you can take some images of the exterior.

Is there a dress code for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau?
It’s not officially a dress code, but it is respectful to wear an appropriate clothing when visiting, since it is a place of historic importance and a cemetery where many innocent people lost their lives.

What should I expect when I visit the camp?
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau can be a deeply moving and emotional experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the former living quarters of prisoners, the gas chambers, and the crematoria. Visitors are also taken on a guided tour of the camp, during which the guide provides historical information about the camp and the events that occurred there.

Where can I find more information?
The official website of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum provides a wealth of information about visiting the camp, including tour schedules, visitor information, and educational resources.

Read about the Dentist of Auschwitz.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Birkenau extermination camp final solution Holocaust Museum Oświęcim UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Krzemionki Flint Mining Region

Krzemionki

Krzemionki – updated 13 January 2023.

The Krzemionki Flint Mining Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southern Poland, near the city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. The site is composed of a series of prehistoric flint mines that were in use from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. The flint mines at Krzemionki are considered to be some of the oldest known mines in the world.

Krzemionki is a complex of banded (striped) flint mines, which were in operation during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages (3,900-1,600 BC), and have been preserved in an almost intact state.

The Krzemionki Flint Mining Region is an important archaeological site and has provided valuable insights into the social and economic organization of prehistoric societies. The site also has significant historical and cultural value, as it is one of the few surviving examples of prehistoric mining in Europe.

Striped flint

The Krzemionki mines are located in the mountain region of Świętokrzyskie. The mining complex is composed of over 200 underground mine shafts and galleries, as well as surface mining areas. The mines were used to extract flint, a hard and durable stone that was used to make tools and weapons. Products from the mines have been found as far away as 660km.

The flint mines at Krzemionki were unique because of the large-scale and organized nature of the mining operations, as well as the advanced mining techniques that were used.

Professor Jan Samsonowicz

The Krzemionki mines were discovered in 1922 by a Polish geologist, Professor Jan Samsonowicz. His discovery was significant, Krzemionki is one of the most comprehensive prehistoric underground flint extraction and processing systems identified to date with underground mining structures, flint workshops and around 4,000 shafts and pits.

UNESCO

The site was designated as a Polish historic monument on 16^th October 1994 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 6^th July 2019. The mines provide invaluable information about life and work in prehistoric settlements and the importance of flint mining for tool production in bygone days.

Tourist route

Small groups of tourists have visited the Krzemionki mines since the late 1950s but they were only available to large groups of visitors since 1985 when Tourist Route No. 1 was made available. A second underground route was opened in 1990 followed by an open-air archaeological museum in 1992.

Visitors to the Krzemionki Flint Mining Region can see the remains of the mines and learn about the history and archaeology of the site through guided tours, educational programs and exhibitions.

The tourist route in Krzemionki is approx. 1.5 km long and presents the original excavations of Neolithic mines, mining heaps and shaft pits that make up the unique industrial landscape from 5,000 years ago.

The underground tourist route in its present form is 465m long, descending 11.5 m at the deepest point.

Krzemionki is located 8km north-east of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski , between the villages of Sudół and Magonie. You can get there by car (route number 754) or by bus from the centre of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.

FAQ

Krzemionki Flint Mining Region is an important archaeological site located in southern Poland that contains the remains of prehistoric flint mines. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Krzemionki Flint Mining Region:

Q: How old is the Krzemionki Flint Mining Region?

A: The Mining Region is believed to have been in use during the Neolithic period, which is around 6000-4000 BC.

Q: What is the significance of the Region?

A: The Flint Mining Region is an important archaeological site that provides insight into the lives and technology of prehistoric communities. The flint mines at Krzemionki were used to extract high-quality flint, which was a valuable resource for making tools and weapons. The flint mines are also considered as an ancient example of industrial scale mining and organized labor.

Q: What can be seen at Krzemionki Flint Mining Region?

A: Visitors to the Flint Mining Region can see the remains of prehistoric flint mines, including underground mining galleries and surface mining pits. There are also reconstructions of the ancient mining technology and information boards that explain the significance of the site.

Q: Is Krzemionki Flint Mining Region a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A: Yes, Krzemionki Flint Mining Region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, added to the list in 2017.

Q: How to get there?

A: Krzemionki Flint Mining Region is located in the city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski in southern Poland. It can be reached by car or by public transport. The nearest train station is in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, from there you can take a bus or taxi to reach the site.

Q: What is the best time to visit Krzemionki?

A: The best time to visit Krzemionki would depend on your personal preferences. The site is open year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit would be in the warmer months when the weather is more favorable. The site is also open during winter, but it may be more difficult to access the mines due to weather conditions.

Visit the official website

Flint Krzemionki mines Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Tarnowskie Góry Mine

Tarnowskie Góry

Tarnowskie Góry – updated 10 January 2023.

Tarnowskie Góry is a historic mining town located in the Silesian Voivodeship in southern Poland. It is well-known for its long history of mining, particularly for silver and lead. The Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Underground & surface tours

The mine is considered to be one of the most interesting and valuable monuments of the industrial heritage of the region. The mine is open for tourists to visit and there are several different tours available, including a guided tour of the underground mine, which takes visitors through the mine's various levels and chambers, and provides an insight into the life of the miners and the working conditions underground. There are also surface tours which allow visitors to explore the mine's buildings and see the equipment used in the mining process.

15th and 16th centuries

A mining settlement and the first silver-bearing ore mines emerged in the region at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, today the mine and neighbouring Black Trout Adit are just remnants of a bygone silver mining industry.

During the mid-1930s, the idea to make part of Tarnowskie Góry suitable for tourists was first considered but was put on hold due to the outbreak of World War II.

Black Trout Adit

The Tarnowskie Góry Land Lovers Association was founded in the 1950s to look at the feasibility of opening up a tourist route; which led to part of the drainage system called Black Trout Adit being opened to visitors in 1957. For a long time, this was the longest underground boat tour in Poland.

Angel, God Bless and Viper

Due to safety concerns, it took a while for a tourist route to be opened within the corridors of the mine itself but eventually in September 1976, the route between shafts: Angel, God Bless and Viper were opened for tourists.

Historic Monument

The mine was declared a Historic Monument by the president of Poland in 2004 and has been a part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage since 2014. The mine and its Underground Management System were inscribed to the UNESCO Heritage List in July 2017.

Museum

One of the most interesting feature of the mine is the fact that it has been turned into a museum, and it is one of the most unique underground mines of the kind in Europe. it offers an exhibition of mining equipment, interactive galleries and a multimedia presentation on mining history. You will also have the opportunity to see how the miners used to live, with a special historical presentation of the underground housing areas, the history and culture of the Silesia region.

The mine is usually open for tourists with guided tours in several languages. The tour begins in a museum and then goes underground to visit corridors from the 18th and 19th centuries. The underground tourist route is 1,740m long, including 270m travelled in a boat through the flooded corridor. The route includes audio effects such as the sounds of miners working, running carts and blasting works.

Visitors can also learn about the history of the mine, from its origins to the modern period, as well as the geology of the area, the mining techniques used, and the environmental impact of mining. The mine also features a souvenir shop and a café.

Overall, the Tarnowskie Góry Mine is a fascinating and educational experience, that provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Silesia region, and the lives of the miners who worked there.

FAQ

Q: What is Tarnowskie Góry Mine?

A: The mine is a former coal mine that operated from the late 19th century until 1996. It is located in the town of Tarnowskie Góry in southern Poland and it is considered a valuable monument of the industrial heritage of the region. The mine has been turned into a museum open for visitors, offering tours and exhibitions on the history and culture of mining in the area.

Q: What are some of the things you can see on a tour of the mine?

A: Visitors can take an underground tour of the mine, which takes them through the mine's various levels and chambers and provides an insight into the life of the miners and the working conditions underground. There are also surface tours available, which allows visitors to explore the mine's buildings and see the equipment used in the mining process. Visitors can also learn about the history of the mine, from its origins to the modern period, as well as the geology of the area, the mining techniques used, and the environmental impact of mining. The mine also features a museum, with exhibitions about the history of mining and the lives of the miners, as well as a souvenir shop and a café.

Q: How long does a tour of Tarnowskie Góry Mine last?

A: The duration of the tour will depend on the type of tour you choose. The underground tour typically lasts about an hour and a half, while the surface tour will last about an hour.

Q: Is the Tarnowskie Góry Mine tour safe?

A: Safety is a top priority at the mine, and all tours are guided by experienced and trained guides. Visitors are provided with hard hats and lamps, and are required to follow the guide's instructions at all times. The underground tour is also suitable for children over 7 years old, but it's worth to check the information on the website before planning your visit.

Q: Are there any special requirements for visiting?

A: Some tours may have height or age restrictions, or may require visitors to be in good physical condition. You should check the information on the official website or contact the mine directly to see if there are any specific requirements for the tour you're interested in.

Q: Are there any nearby attractions to the mine?

A: Yes, the town of Tarnowskie Góry is home to several other notable attractions, including:

The Tarnowskie Góry Silver Mine, which was an important silver mining site in the region.
The Tarnowskie Góry City Hall, which is a beautiful Renaissance building.
The St. Ann's Church, which is a beautiful baroque church located in the town center.
The Tarnowska Gallery, which is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Silver Mountain, a hill overlooking the city, offering a beautiful view of the region and the opportunity for a hike.

Visit the official website

Tours

Black Trout Adit Historic Monument Museum Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine UNESCO World Heritage site

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Guido Coal Mine

Guido Coal Mine & Museum

Guido Coal Mine – updated 13 January 2023.

The Guido Coal Mine, also known as the Guido Shaft or the Guido underground mine, was located in the city of Zabrze in southern Poland. It was one of the oldest and largest coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The mine began operation in the mid-19th century and was in continuous operation until it closed in 2001.

During its operation, it was considered one of the most important industrial sites in the region and a major employer in Zabrze. The mine’s Guido shaft, which was built in the late 19th century, was one of the deepest in Europe and reached a depth of over 1,100 meters. The mine was a major contributor to the local economy and had a significant cultural and historical impact on the region.

Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck

The mine gets its name from the founder, Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck who opened the mine in 1855.

Museum

Today, the mine is a museum and has been designated as an object of cultural heritage and a cultural monument in Poland. Two levels of Guido Coal Mine are open to visitors with depths of 170m and 320m below ground level, which makes it the deepest visitor mine in Europe. The underground museum is located at the deepest level.

Berlin hoisting machine

Visitors are transported down the shaft at a speed of 4m/s in an original Berlin hoisting machine dating from 1927. At the 170m level, there are chambers and galleries containing tools, rescue equipment and perfectly preserved horse stables, which are more than 100 years old.

At this level, visitors learn about the history of Silesian mining and the coal extraction methods which were used and also the role that horses played in the history of mining. On this level you will also find St. Barbara’s chapel.

Attractions

At 320m below ground, attractions include; a ride in a suspended railway, operational mining machines and a pub.

On this level, you are able to see simulations of mining disasters and visit an exhibition dedicated to the politically repressed soldier-miners of the 1950s who were youngsters forced to work underground instead of doing military service.

The Pub

The pub is the deepest drinking establishment in Europe and you are able to purchase Guido Beer, brewed locally in Gliwice and available as a lager or a stout.

Steep & dark

At times, the route can be steep and dark and visitors must wear a protective helmet at all times, flat shoes are recommended. The route is 3.5km long and takes around 2 ½ hours. The temperature underground is between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius regardless of season.

Visit the Guido Coal Mine website.

Guido Coal Mine Museum Zabrze

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Niepokalanów

Our Mary Immaculate and Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Niepokalanów – updated 12 January 2023.

Niepokalanów is a small town in Poland, located in the Masovian Voivodeship (province) in central Poland. It is most notable for being the site of a Franciscan monastery, the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe in 1927.

Maximillian Kolbe

The shrine is one of the newest in Poland but also one of the most popular, primarily due to the cult following of Saint Maximillian who was canonised in 1982.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Catholic priest and martyr who founded the monastery as a place for the Franciscan friars to live and work. The monastery quickly grew and became a major center of religious and cultural activity in Poland, attracting thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year.

The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception is one of the largest monasteries in the world, and includes a church, a seminary, a printing press, a farm, and a radio station. The monastery is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the church which is a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque styles.

The monastery also has a museum dedicated to the life and work of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, which includes artifacts, photographs, and documents related to his life and ministry.

Niepokalanów is considered as a pilgrimage destination and attracts many visitors, both Catholics and non-Catholics, who come to visit the monastery and learn about the life and legacy of Saint Maximilian Kolbe.

The Knight of the Immaculate

Prior to the Second World War, Niepokalanów was the largest monastery in the world, housing as many as 760 men. It contained a printing house producing many publications. One of these publications was called, ‘The Knight of the Immaculate’ and had a press run of 750,000 copies a month.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

During the Second World War, Maximillian Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau for the crime of hiding Jews from the Nazis. He died in the camp, giving his life for the life of another prisoner and it was this act of heroism, which fuelled the cult of St. Maximillian to become widespread at the end of the war.

Pope John Paul II

After the war the printing house in Niepokalanów was reopened and The Knight of the Immaculate was issued again. A new church was built between 1948-1954 and this and the monastery were visited by Pope John Paul II during his second Pastoral Visit in Poland on 18^th of June 1983. The visit of the Pope made Niepokalanów famous not only in Poland, but also abroad.

700,000 pilgrims – Niepokalanów

Today over 700,000 pilgrims per year come to Niepokalanów, to visit the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also the monastic cell of St. Maximilian. They also come to see the Panorama Theatre, which commemorates 1,000 years of Christianity in Poland and highlights the most important events in the history of the church in Poland.

Visit the Niepokalanów website.

Religious Tours

What to expect from this tour

This fascinating tour with a religious context will start from the pick-up from your accommodation in Krakow. At first, you will go to Wadowice, the hometown of The Holy Father John Paul II. Follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest Poles in history.

You will see the secondary school which young Karol Wojtyła attended. Then you will go to the Main Market Square named after John Paul II and visit the parish church. You will admire numerous paintings, chapels and famous baptismal font where future Pope had been baptized. Finally, you will participate in a guided tour at the Family Home Museum of John Paul II available in various languages.

From Wadowice you will go directly to Częstochowa often called the spiritual capital of Poland. Marvel the beauty and mystical atmosphere of Jasna Góra, the famous Polish shrine to the Virgin Mary and one of Poland’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Upon arrival enjoy your time having a lunch break at your own expense. Start your tour at The Monastery guided by venerable Pauline’s Monk. In the end, you will admire the miraculous painting of The Black Madonna of Częstochowa.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Niepokalanow Pope John Paul II Saint Maximilian Kolbe The Knight of the Immaculate

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Wadowice

Wadowice, birthplace of the Pope

Wadowice – updated on 13 January 2023.

Wadowice is a city in southern Poland located around 50 km southeast of Kraków and is the birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, better known to the world as Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope since the 16th-century Pope Adrian VI.

The Pope’s family home in Wadowice, which is now a museum, is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics. It contains personal mementos, photographs, and other items related to the Pope’s life and papacy. The house where he was born has been turned into a museum as well, where visitors can learn about his early life and see some of his childhood possessions.

Pilgrimage destination

Wadowice has evolved into a popular pilgrimage destination with more than 200,000 visitors every year. Pilgrims arrive to pay their respects to the Wojtyła family home, which is now a museum and to also have a slice of the famous kremówka, the Pope’s favourite cream-filled pastry.

The Pope’s former home is a modest apartment block located at 7 Kościelna Street and in the Pope’s own words, “It is the place where it all began.”

The Wojtyła family

The Wojtyła family first moved into the apartment in 1919 and rented two rooms with a kitchen on the first floor. Karol Wojtyła was born in this apartment on 18 May 1920. After his mother’s death on 13 April 1929, Karol and his father occupied only one smaller room and the kitchen. Wojtyła lived in this house until 1938, when he moved with his father to Kraków and enrolled at Jagiellonian University.

The apartment has been a historic house museum since 1984; it preserves its original structure and houses a collection of objects that belonged to the Wojtyła family.

Wadowice

Wadowice is a small town, but it has a number of notable churches, parks and monuments . Visitors can also explore the local market square and take a stroll along the picturesque town’s streets.

Museum

The museum also commemorates Wojtyła’s life and his work in Poland until he left Kraków for the Vatican in 1978.

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was elected pope by the second papal conclave of 1978, which was called after John Paul I, who had been elected in August to succeed Pope Paul VI, died after 33 days. Cardinal Wojtyła was elected on the third day of the conclave and adopted the name of his predecessor in tribute to him.

John Paul II is recognised as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland and the rest of Europe.

Visit the website – The Holy Father John Paul II Family Home Museum.

Religious Tours

What to expect from this tour

Karol Wojtyła kremówka Pope John Paul II Wadowice

polandtravel

February 5, 2021

Jasna Góra Monastery

Jasna Góra

Jasna Góra – updated 12 January 2023.

The Jasna Góra Monastery is located in Poland’s spiritual capital, the city of Częstochowa, within the Silesian Voivodeship in southern Poland. It is a pilgrimage site for Catholics and is home to the famous icon of the Black Madonna, which is considered to be one of the most important religious artifacts in Poland.

Bright Hill

Jasna Góra is a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was founded in 1382 by Pauline monks. The Paulite order named the hill in the western part of the city ‘Jasna Góra’ (Bright Hill) and erected the monastery, which has been a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. It was a place of refuge during times of war, and it was also the site of several battles.

The Black Madonna

The icon of the Black Madonna, also known as the “Our Lady of Częstochowa,” is believed to be a Byzantine icon dating back to the 14th century. The icon is housed in the monastery's main church, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is open to the public for viewing.

The image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa, to which miraculous powers are attributed, is one of Jasna Góra's most precious treasures.

4 million pilgrims

Each year, thousands of believers are drawn to the site to see the Black Madonna painting in the Chapel of Our Lady and to look around the monastery. It is estimated that over 4 million pilgrims visit the shrine every year from as many as 80 different countries. Many Polish pilgrims travel there by foot with the average distance for a pilgrim group to travel being around 350 km over an 11-day period. Pilgrims usually plan their journeys so that they arrive in Jasna Góra in time for the Assumption of Mary.

The Chapel of Our Lady

The Chapel of Our Lady is the oldest part of the monastery, and this is where the Black Madonna can be viewed. The picture is unveiled from 6am to noon and from 1.30pm until 9.20pm. During weekends times are 6am to 1pm and 2pm until 9.20pm.

Pontiffs

Several Pontiffs have recognised the venerated icon, beginning with Pope Clement XI who issued a Canonical Coronation to the image on 8 September 1717 via the Vatican Chapter. Pope John Paul II, a native son of Poland, prayed before the Madonna during his historic visit in 1979, several months after his election to the Chair of Peter. The Pope made another visit to Our Lady of Czestochowa in 1983 and again in 1991.

The legend

The legend concerning the two scars on the Black Madonna’s right cheek is that the Hussites stormed the Pauline monastery in 1430, plundering the sanctuary. Among the items stolen was the icon. After putting it in their wagon, the Hussites tried to get away, but their horses refused to move. They threw the portrait down to the ground and one of the plunderers drew his sword upon the image and inflicted two deep strikes. When the robber tried to inflict a third strike, he fell to the ground and writhed in agony until his death. Despite past attempts to repair these scars, they had difficulty in covering up those slashes as the painting was done with tempera infused with diluted wax.

There’s a lot more to Jasna Góra than the Black Madonna such as the 17^th century basilica with its opulent baroque furnishings, the 106m tall bell tower, an arsenal with an impressive collection of Turkish weapons from the 1683 Battle of Vienna and a museum.

Museum

You’ll find some very interesting artefacts in the museum such as the founding documents of Jasna Góra from 1382 and a cross made from steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center.

The museum houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. It also has a gift shop, a restaurant, and accommodation for pilgrims.

Lech Wałęsa

Among the monastery's most important exhibits is the medal from the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize received by Lech Wałęsa, the former Polish president and trade-union organizer and rosaries made from breadcrumbs by concentration camp prisoners.

Etiquette

There are typically numerous pilgrims and tourists at Jasna Góra Monastery, and the volume of excited voices can be high. However, upon entering the Monastery, it is expected etiquette for visitors to be silent or as quiet as possible out of respect. Often, there is a long line of people who wait to approach the shrine of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. Upon arriving at the place of the shrine at which one would pass in front of the icon of Our Lady, it is expected and a sign of respect for pilgrims to drop to their knees and traverse the anterior of the shrine on their knees.

The Monastery is open to visitors all year round and it's a place of pilgrimage, so visitors should be aware of the dress code, which requires modest dress and head covering for women.

FAQ

What is the significance of the Jasna Góra Monastery?

The Jasna Góra Monastery is one of the most important religious destinations in Poland and a pilgrimage site for Catholics. It is home to the famous icon of the Black Madonna, which is considered to be one of the most important religious artifacts in Poland.

How old is the Jasna Góra Monastery?

The Jasna Góra Monastery was founded in the 14th century.

What can I see at the Jasna Góra Monastery?

Visitors can see the famous icon of the Black Madonna, which is housed in the monastery's main church, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monastery also has a museum that houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

Are there any restrictions on visiting the Jasna Góra Monastery?

There is a dress code which requires modest dress and head covering for women. Visitors should also be aware that the Monastery is a place of pilgrimage, so it is expected to be quiet and respectful.