Guided Tour in Krakow-Plaszow Former Concentration Camp

Exploring the somber past of the Plaszow Concentration Camp in Krakow, Poland can be a powerful and poignant experience. This guided tour offers visitors an immersive look into the harrowing history of the site, where they’ll walk the grounds, visit the nearby quarry, and gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities faced by the prisoners. Through this comprehensive tour, travelers can honor the memory of those who suffered, while also reflecting on the importance of remembering such tragedies. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seek a meaningful connection to the past, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The guided tour provides an immersive exploration of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp, now a nature preserve with a memorial.
• Visitors can see the nearby quarry that served as the filming location for the camp replica in the movie Schindler’s List.
• The tour includes a stop at a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
• A knowledgeable guide provides insights into the camp’s history and the harsh realities faced by prisoners.
• The tour highlights the importance of remembering the past and honoring the memory of those who suffered and died at Plaszow.

Overview of the Tour

This guided tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp in Krakow, Poland – a location famously depicted in the acclaimed film Schindler’s List.

Over the course of around 3 hours, you will visit the camp itself, which is now a nature preserve with a memorial to honor the victims. They’ll also see the nearby quarry where a replica of the camp was constructed for the movie.

Plus, the tour includes a stop at a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall, providing historical context about the tragic events that unfolded in this region.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, this immersive experience offers an opportunity to reflect on this sobering chapter of history.

Historical Context of Plaszow

In 1943, the Plaszow Concentration Camp began receiving thousands of Jews from the Krakow Ghetto, as the Nazis intensified their efforts to imprison and eliminate the Jewish population in the region.

Life in the camp was profiled in the critically acclaimed film ‘Schindler’s List,’ which vividly portrayed the harsh realities that prisoners faced.

The camp was established in 1942 on the outskirts of Krakow to serve as a labor camp for Jewish prisoners.

Inmates were subjected to brutal conditions, including harsh work regimes, inadequate food and medical care, and frequent executions.

The camp commandant, Amon Goeth, was known for his sadistic behavior and random killings of prisoners.

Despite the horrors, some prisoners, like Oskar Schindler, risked their lives to save others from the camp’s brutal conditions.

Highlights of the Tour

The guided tour offers several highlights for visitors to experience the former Plaszow Concentration Camp. Travelers can visit the actual site of the camp, now a nature preserve, and see the memorial erected to honor the victims. Plus, the tour includes a stop at a nearby quarry that served as the filming location for the camp replica featured in the movie Schindler’s List. Visitors can also explore a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall, providing a tangible connection to the camp’s history.

Tour Highlight	Description	Significance
Plaszow Camp Site	Visit the preserved camp grounds	See first-hand where history unfolded
Schindler’s List Location	Tour the quarry used in the film	Experience the movie’s filming setting
Krakow Ghetto Wall	Explore a section of the historic wall	Understand the camp’s connection to the ghetto

Tour Details and Logistics

The guided tour in Krakow-Plaszow lasts approximately 3 hours, with a meeting point at Apteka pod Orłem on Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 and an endpoint at the bus stop on 57 Kamieńskiego Street.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a maximum of 15 travelers. It’s operated by Krakow Explorers and costs 1,862.73 PLN.

Visitors can look forward to:

1. Exploring the Plaszow Concentration Camp
2. Visiting the movie location (a camp replica in a nearby quarry)
3. Seeing a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall
4. Learning about the historical significance of the site from a knowledgeable guide.

Location and Meeting Point

The guided tour begins at the Apteka pod Orłem (Eagle Pharmacy) on Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 in Krakow. This is the meeting point for the tour, located near the former Plaszow Concentration Camp.

Participants will gather at this central location before embarking on the 3-hour exploration of the camp’s history and remains.

After the tour, the group will be dropped off at the bus stop on Kamieńskiego Street.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and group size is limited to 15 travelers.

The tour is operated by Krakow Explorers and is priced at 1,862.73 PLN per person.

Tour Duration and Accessibility

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering the former Plaszow Concentration Camp and its surrounding areas. It’s not wheelchair accessible, so visitors should keep that in mind when booking.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

The tour includes:

• A guided visit to the Plaszow Concentration Camp memorial
• A stop at the nearby quarry where the camp’s replica was filmed for Schindler’s List
• A chance to see a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall
• An opportunity to learn about the site’s haunting history from a knowledgeable local guide

The tour is operated by Krakow Explorers and costs 1,862.73 PLN per person.

Tour Operator and Pricing

Krakow Explorers, a local tour operator, offers this guided tour of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp for 1,862.73 PLN per person.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Despite the high price tag, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the historical site depicted in the film Schindler’s List. Visitors won’t only see the camp itself but also a nearby quarry that served as a movie location, as well as a fragment of the Krakow Ghetto Wall.

The 3-hour tour departs from Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 and ends at a bus stop on Kamieńskiego Street.

Remembering the Victims

Though the camp no longer stands, a memorial on the site serves as a solemn reminder of the thousands who perished within its confines during the Holocaust.

The memorial features:

• Granite tablets inscribed with the names of victims.
• A large sculpture depicting the anguish of the persecuted.
• A path winding through the former camp grounds.
• Informative plaques detailing the camp’s harrowing history.

Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the profound tragedy that unfolded here, honoring the memory of those who suffered and died.

The memorial stands as a powerful testament to the human capacity for both cruelty and resilience, reminding all who visit of the importance of remembering the past to ensure it isn’t repeated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience or disturbing other participants. The tour guide may provide specific guidance on photography during the tour.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities at the Camp Site?

There are limited restroom facilities available at the former Plaszow Concentration Camp site. Visitors should plan accordingly, as the site is primarily an outdoor memorial with minimal modern amenities. Nearby options for restrooms may be limited as well.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code, but visitors are recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Modest attire is encouraged out of respect for the historical significance of the site.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm any specific policies or restrictions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommended Age Limits for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but it is recommended for children aged 12 and above due to the sensitive nature of the content. Younger children may not fully appreciate the historical significance of the site.

Recap

The guided tour of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp in Krakow, Poland, provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors.

By exploring the camp site, the nearby quarry, and the Krakow Ghetto Wall, the tour highlights the historical significance of the site and the importance of remembering the harsh realities faced by the prisoners.

This tour offers a powerful and poignant way to honor the victims and learn from the past.