"Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oswiecim" Oswiecim by matcrazy1

Oswiecim Travel Guide: 362 reviews and 957 photos

The interior of the camp's barrack - Oswiecim

Former Nazi concentration camps

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Oswiecim is an old Town on the Sola River dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The World War II was the most tragic period in the history of the town because of the concentration camp founded by the Nazis here. Now there is a National Museum - Auschwitz Birkenau - a UNESCO world heritage monument.
"Schindler's List" - the famous movie by Steven Spielberg, awarded 7 Academy Awards was recorded here at Birkenau camp.
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All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. It was established by the Nazis in 1940, in the suburbs of the city of Oswiecim which, like other parts of Poland, was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. The name of the city of Oswiecim was changed to Auschwitz that time, which became the name of the camp as well.
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THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

The overall number of victims of Auschwitz in the years 1940-1945 is estimated at between 1,100,000 and 1,500,000 people. The majority of them, and above all the mass transports of Jews who arrived beginning in 1942, died in the gas chambers.

Where is it?

Map of Europe

Oswiecim (43,000 citizens) is situated in southern Poland about 20 km (14 mi) east of Tychy, my hometown - look at the map.
Distances from Oswiecim:
Krakow-Balice International Airport - 55km (34 mi)
Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport - 70km (44 mi).

Pros and Cons

Pros:Terrific and moving warning to the world
Cons:Rather not for very sensitive persons
In a nutshell:The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again

Last visit to Oswiecim: May 2002
Intro Updated Aug 2, 2003
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Reviews (12)

Oswiecim Castle and Sola river, - Oswiecim

Oswiecim castle Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Oswiecim castle is located on the bank of Sola River. Its history dates back to 12th century, but it was rebuild and... more travel advice

Crematory Favorites (4)

All bodies were burned in the crematory. You can see two of the three double-muffle furnaces of Crematorium I. Very sad... more travel advice

Near the railway station Hotels (4)

The Hotel offers single, double, triple rooms as well as suites. There is a restaurant which serves dishes of Polish and... more travel advice

For youth groups Hotels (4)

The International Youth Meeting Centre (IYMC) is earmarked for youths groups. It's vested with 100 places in 22... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Orientation

Things to Do (2)
See All AUSCHWITZ - THE EXTERMINATION CENTER

Comments (51)

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unaS Jun 13, 2009 at 10:31 PM

A very well done page Maciek. A necessary reminder to all thinking persons. Thank you.
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Bwana_Brown Apr 14, 2007 at 10:20 AM

This memorial to those who died at the hands of the Nazis is a sad reminder of how low the human race can stoop. I had not realized that these camps were so close to your home city. A very well done page Matt.
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volopolo Oct 14, 2006 at 1:12 PM

lovely page, Nikos
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jo104 Sep 11, 2006 at 5:39 AM

This page is very interesting Matt, thanks for sharing I'm currently reading a book by Lawrence Rees which is a real eye opener
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JLBG Apr 16, 2005 at 6:42 AM

Better Oswiecim than Auschwitz !
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easyoar Mar 15, 2005 at 12:27 PM

Very well written page on a very moving subject. One day I will have to visit to see it for myself.
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willy_wonka Mar 10, 2005 at 7:46 PM

matt, thanks for a beautiful page on such a tragic place. i personally don't think i could stomach a visit here, just too sad for me, so thanks for sharing your 'wonderful' pics with us all.
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richiecdisc Jan 28, 2005 at 9:31 AM

I was in Krakow for five days but did not manage to get here. Many told me not to go but I wish I had made the journey. How else can we learn that "Arbeit Macht Frei" could not be further from the truth. Thanks for the insights.
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sachara Jan 27, 2005 at 12:49 PM

Touching page, Matt ! I visited this shocking place 32 years ago, I was very impressed. Thanks for sharing this terrible part of history with us.
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aadil Jan 27, 2005 at 11:33 AM

Your "in a nutshell" is a real sparkling diamond makes one think about all the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jews. Very informative and thought provoking page!!! Wish it had never happened then and never happens ever again!!!