Poland

Krakow’s Treasures and Auschwitz’s Testimony.

3 min read
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From Warsaw I travelled to Southern Poland. As the train slowed, I realized we were pulling into the same locomotive station depicted in the first scene of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List film in Krakow. I made my way to Old Town and checked into a historical hotel near the well-preserved medieval core of the ancient city. This city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a true gem with a beautiful open market piazza (Glowny square), Schindler’s Factory Museum, and the old ghetto in the Jewish quarter.  Once a Renaissance-era trading outpost, the town is home to St. Mary’s Basilica, a Gothic church from the 14th century, and bohemian cafes.  I strolled through the city, filled with cobblestone laneways, and still surrounded by a portion of its medieval wall, with eclectic dining spots adding a touch of modern charm to this enchanting destination.

Restaurants line Glowny Sqaure.
Carriages for hire.
A fountain in the middle of Glowny Square.
Musicians, tourists, food, and energy.
A portion of the ancient wall.
Taking a tour.
Historic architecture.
Beauty in many forms.

Leaving Krakow behind, I embarked on a solemn pilgrimage to Auschwitz and Birkenau. These sites, established by the Nazis during World War II, held immense historical significance and served as a reminder of humanity’s darkest chapter.  Established in 1940 by WWII Nazis, Auschwitz was an enormous labor camp and death factory. There were two main camps: the administrative center, and the extermination camp.  During the Holocaust an estimated 1.1 to 1.6 million people were exterminated.

As I walked through the gates of Auschwitz, a wave of somber reflection washed over me. The visit provided an opportunity to confront the depths of human cruelty and reflect on the unimaginable suffering endured by the Jewish people and countless others who fell victim to this horrific symbol of terror and genocide. Exploring the grounds of Auschwitz was both terrifying and deeply moving. As I encountered the haunting remnants of the past, from prisoner barracks to gas chambers, a profound sense of sorrow and respect filled my heart. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

Sleeping quarters.
The death camp.
The primary administrative building.
Railcar.
Somber thoughts.
Ovens of death.
Memorials at the “Wall of Death”.
Signage.
Gas chambers.
Camp buildings.
Living quarters entrance.
Shoes of the dead.
A place of remembrance.
A place of remembrance.
"Work sets you free"
“Work sets you free”
Prison fencing.
Prison fencing.

My journey through Krakow, Auschwitz, and Birkenau provided a mirror into the human soul and served as a tool for self-reflection as I imagined what the Jewish people endured at this horrific symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. From the captivating beauty of Krakow’s medieval streets to the somber reflection within the walls of Auschwitz, I gained a deeper understanding of history’s profound impact on our present.

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