Leaving Krakow, we head to Warsaw. On the way we visit the concentration camp at Auschwitz which is a permanent reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust.
I have always known of Auschwitz, and the events there, but did not realise there was the small Auschwitz I – the original location, where most of the executions occurred. Then Auschwitz II and III were added, as well more than 40 sub-camps.
The pictures speak for themselves.
As part of the process, inmates were stripped of their possessions. Here are just a small sample of their footware.
The killing wall was the location where prisoners were executed by firing squad.
After liberation, the first commandant was tried and sentenced by the Polish courts. He was hanged at the site he commanded.
One can only wonder at the feelings of those who worked the gas chambers and the ovens.
Probably more familiar to everyone are the visuals of Auschwitz II. A short bus ride down the road, this is the the location shown in the unloading of prisoners, and where they were ‘sorted’
Guard towers and quarters:
A typical train carriage used for transportation. Up to 90 people were jammed into each of these.
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa
On the way to Warsaw, we stopped at the Jasna Gora Monastery, to see the iconic Black Madonna. This has been damaged and badly restored, and is only a show for limited times. Unfortunately our visit did not coincide with a showing, but the pizza was good.
Outside the church was a statue of John Paul II’s parents
