The Old Cracow Ghetto
Podgórze (Ghetto with Schindler's factory)
45 min | 300zł per cart
Podgórze is, a district full of contrasts and significant memories from Krakow’s history. This remarkable area is filled with stories of hope and remembrance at every corner. A place that gives you the chance to understand the past more deeply.
Melex Tour: Podgórze (Ghetto and Schindler's Factory) – Everything You Need to Know
Heart of the district
The heart of the district is Podgórze Market Square, dominated by the majestic St. Joseph’s Church.
This neo-Gothic temple, resembling a castle, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Podgórze.
Its impressive architecture and towering spires serve as a landmark for the entire area and testify to the district’s former grandeur.
Ghetto Heroes Square
However, the history of Podgórze is inextricably linked to the tragic events of World War II. It was here that the Nazis established the Krakow Ghetto, to which all Jews from Krakow were forcibly relocated. Today, these painful events are commemorated by Ghetto Heroes Square, where the starkness and symbolism deeply affect visitors. The empty chairs scattered across the square represent the furniture taken from homes during the ghetto’s liquidation, serving as a poignant monument to the victims of the Holocaust.
Schindler's Factory
Just next to the square is Schindler’s Factory, which became a symbol of hope in dark times. The museum, housed in the former enamelware factory, tells the story of Krakow and its residents during the occupation in a profoundly moving way, focusing on the history of Oskar Schindler and his heroic actions, through which he saved over a thousand people from annihilation.
A District Full of Contrasts
Podgórze is a district full of contrasts, where beautiful architecture and green spaces (like Krakus Mound) coexist with places of remembrance. It is a must-visit spot on the map for anyone who wants to understand the full, complex history of Krakow.
From the melex's perspective
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