Krakow: Jewish Ghetto and Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour

The Krakow: Jewish Ghetto and Płaszów Concentration Camp Tour offers a profound exploration of the city’s harrowing past. Guided by local experts, visitors explore the remnants of the Jewish Ghetto, uncovering powerful stories of resistance and suffering. The tour also includes a poignant visit to the former Płaszów concentration camp, providing an emotionally charged insight into the experiences of those imprisoned there. This deeply educational experience leaves a lasting impact, as visitors grapple with the complex histories embedded within Krakow’s landscapes.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour in English explores the Jewish Ghetto and the Płaszów Concentration Camp in Krakow, providing historical context and insights.
• Visitors witness the "Monument of the Chairs" memorial and learn about the daily life, resistance, and liquidation of the Jewish Ghetto.
• The tour includes exploring the former Nazi labor camp at Płaszów, highlighting its significant role in supplying workers and deportations to Auschwitz.
• The guide shares in-depth commentary on the camp’s dark history, including the stories of camp commandant Amon Göth and the suffering of prisoners.
• The tour meeting point is located near Schindler’s Factory in the Podgórze district, and the price starts from $35.15 per person, with a free cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Krakow: Jewish Ghetto and Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic sites associated with Krakow’s Jewish community during World War II.

Priced from $35.15 per person, the 3-hour tour is conducted in English. Guests can explore the remnants of the Jewish ghetto and the former Płaszów concentration camp.

The tour includes a tram ride to Płaszów and provides insights into the history and stories of this significant period. Knowledgeable local guides lead the group tour, which has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the Jewish Ghetto

As the tour begins, visitors explore the remnants of the once-vibrant Jewish ghetto in Krakow.

They witness the memorial of the "Monument of the Chairs", symbolizing the deportation of Jews to the Nazi death camps.

The guide shares stories about the ghetto’s daily life, resistance, and ultimate liquidation.

The guide shares stories about the ghetto’s daily life, resistance, and ultimate liquidation.

Visitors walk along the preserved fragments of the ghetto wall, gaining a visceral sense of the horrors faced by the community.

The tour then visits the Pod Orłem Pharmacy, a former hub of the underground resistance movement.

Throughout, the guide provides historical context, bringing the ghetto’s tragic past to life.

Visiting the Płaszów Concentration Camp

After exploring the remnants of the Jewish ghetto, the tour next takes visitors to the Płaszów concentration camp.

This former Nazi labor camp played a significant role, supplying workers and overseeing deportations to Auschwitz. Visitors learn about the camp’s dark history through photos and narratives.

They stand where prisoners once suffered, seeing the remaining fragments of the camp’s infrastructure. The guide provides in-depth commentary, highlighting the camp’s importance in Krakow’s wartime past.

This emotional experience allows visitors to better understand the horrors endured by those imprisoned here, as immortalized in Schindler’s List.

Learning About the Camp’s History

During the tour, the guide provides a rundown of the Płaszów concentration camp‘s dark history. Established in 1942, it served as a forced labor camp and deportation center.

Thousands of Jews, Roma, and Poles were imprisoned, subjected to harsh conditions, and brutally murdered. The guide shares stories of the camp’s commandant, Amon Göth, known for his sadistic treatment of inmates.

Visitors learn about the camp’s role in supplying labor and the deportation of prisoners to death camps. The tour illuminates this tragic chapter of Krakow’s history, honoring the memory of those who suffered and perished at Płaszów.

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Preserving the Memory of Wartime Events

The tour not only educates visitors about the atrocities committed at the Płaszów concentration camp, but also serves to preserve the memory of the tragic events that unfolded there.

The tour educates visitors about the atrocities of the Płaszów concentration camp and preserves the memory of the tragic events that occurred there.

Through:

• Detailed narratives and historical photographs, the guide brings the stories of the camp to life, ensuring the experiences of the victims are never forgotten.

• Visiting key sites like the monument of chairs, the tour provides a poignant reminder of the immense human suffering that occurred on these grounds.

• Connecting the site to the film Schindler’s List, the tour links the past to the present, ensuring Płaszów’s harrowing legacy remains a part of our collective consciousness.

Tour Logistics and Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Krakow: Jewish Ghetto and Plaszów Concentration Camp Tour is located near Schindler’s Factory in the Podgórze district. Guests will then take a tram ride to the Plaszów site, which costs approximately 4 PLN per person. The tour follows a group format, without any museum visits, so guests should dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, including a hat, rain/sun/wind protection, and comfortable shoes. The tour does not include entry to the Apteka Pod Orłem (Pharmacy Under the Eagle), but a knowledgeable local guide will provide insights and answer questions throughout the experience.

| Tour Details | Information |

| — | — |

| Meeting Point | Near Schindler’s Factory in Podgórze |

| Tram Ride | Included, approx. 4 PLN per person |

| Tour Format | Group tour, no museum visits |

| Dress Code | Appropriate for outdoor conditions |

Enhancing Cultural Understanding

By taking this tour, guests can enhance their understanding of Krakow’s wartime history, especially for those already familiar with Schindler’s Factory.

The tour highlights significant historical events in the area, offering a deeper perspective on the Jewish ghetto and Płaszów concentration camp.

Participants will:

• Learn about the role of Płaszów in the labor supply and deportation of prisoners during the Nazi occupation.

• Explore the remnants of the ghetto wall and other symbolic sites, gaining insights into the lives of those who suffered.

• Hear first-hand accounts and narratives that bring the past to life, fostering a more profound connection to the history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, approximately 2-3 kilometers over the course of the 3-hour experience. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions, as the tour takes place largely outdoors.

Are There Any Bathroom Breaks or Opportunities to Rest?

The tour involves walking for the full 3-hour duration, but there are opportunities to rest and use restrooms during the tram ride to the Plaszow concentration camp site. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they’re encouraged to be respectful of the sensitive historical sites and not disrupt the guide’s narration. Photography is permitted, but should be done with care and consideration.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour may not be suitable for young children due to the sensitive nature of the historical content. However, it could be appropriate for older children and families interested in learning about Krakow’s wartime history in a respectful manner.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour is an outdoor walking experience, so participants should dress comfortably and prepare for varying weather conditions. Recommended attire includes a hat, weather-appropriate outerwear, and sturdy, comfortable shoes.

The Sum Up

The Krakow: Jewish Ghetto and Płaszów Concentration Camp Tour offers a poignant and educational experience, guiding visitors through the city’s harrowing history. Knowledgeable local guides share powerful stories of resistance and suffering, providing insight into the experiences of those imprisoned at Płaszów. This deeply emotional tour helps to preserve the memory of wartime events and enhance cultural understanding.

You can check availability for your dates here: