Auschwitz concentration camp |
This site is home to a historic network of Nazi German Concentration and extermination camps during WWII.
It was originally constructed to house polish political prisoners but was soon transformed into a extermination camp 4 months after its first Prisoners arrived. 1/6 of the Jews killed in the holocaust died at Auschwitz. During its 4 1/2 years of being a part of the Nazis "Final Solution" plan over 1.1 million Jews were exterminated. Auschwitz was liberated on January 27th , 1945 by soviet soldiers being one of the first concentration camps liberated. |
Wieliczka Salt CathedralThis historic salt mine was constructed in 13th century Poland , and was still commercially used (Table Salt) until 2007. Being one of the oldest mines in the world it boasts a depth of 327 meters and is 287 km. long within its depths it holds 3 Chapels, a Cathedral and dozens of statues with the oldest statues being augmented by new contemporary artists carvings. It is currently a museum showcasing the work of many years of mining before mining was dis-continued in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding.
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Wawel Castle
This magnificent Renaissance palace was the center of Poland's culture & politics until the 16th century , Its original purpose was to be a small residence built by King Boleslaw Chrobry. The residence was later re-designed into a
Gothic castle by King Kazimierz Weilki but was burned down in 1499. King Zygmunt Stary took control of the castle and over a course of 30 years, Italian architects built the Renaissance palace we see today. The Castle became a museum with an impressive layout, visiting is divided until 5 different sections with each ticket being valid to one particular section. (State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Crown treasury, Armory, etc.)
Gothic castle by King Kazimierz Weilki but was burned down in 1499. King Zygmunt Stary took control of the castle and over a course of 30 years, Italian architects built the Renaissance palace we see today. The Castle became a museum with an impressive layout, visiting is divided until 5 different sections with each ticket being valid to one particular section. (State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Crown treasury, Armory, etc.)