Former Auschwitz I Concentration Camp (Oświęcim)

Poland / Malopolskie / Oswiecim / Oświęcim / Stanisławy Leszczyńskiej Street
 museum, Second World War 1939-1945, place with historical importance, concentration camp, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp. This is the First Auschwitz camp of three and there were many other sub-camps. See simplethinking.com/home/auschwitz_1.htm

Auschwitz I served as the administrative center for the whole complex. It was founded on May 20, 1940, on the basis of an old Polish brick army barracks. A group of 728 Polish political prisoners from Tarnów became the first residents of Auschwitz on June 14th that year. The camp was initially used for interning Polish intellectuals and resistance movement members, then also for Soviet Prisoners of War. Common German criminals, "anti-social elements" and 48 German homosexuals were also imprisoned there. Jews were sent to the camp as well, beginning with the very first shipment (from Tarnów). At any time, the camp held between 13,000 and 16,000 inmates; in 1942 the number reached 20,000.

The entrance to Auschwitz I was (and still is) marked with the cynical sign "Arbeit macht frei", "Work (shall) make (you) free" (or "work liberates"). Although any work the prisoners had to do would not make them free, the officers felt giving prisoners some hope would result in more work. The camp's prisoners who left the camp during the day for construction or farm labour were made to march through the gate to the sounds of an orchestra. Contrary to what is depicted in several films, the majority of the Jews were imprisoned in the Auschwitz II camp, and did not pass under this sign.

The SS selected some prisoners, often German criminals, as specially privileged supervisors of the other inmates (so-called: kapo). The various classes of prisoners were distinguishable by special marks on their clothes; Jews were generally treated the worst. All inmates had to work; except in the associated arms factories, Sundays were reserved for cleaning and showering and there were no work assignments.

The harsh work requirements, combined with poor nutrition and hygiene, led to high death rates among the prisoners.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz_concentration_camp
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   50°1'37"N   19°12'15"E

Comments

  • This is where the world had seen the worst massive crime in history.
  • AUSCHWITZ- THE MEANING OF PAIN.
  • After the Liberation of the Death Camps the local people was brought to have a look what was happing in their back yard. Many Could not believe it. This I find it hard to believ, but it can. The Stink and smoke from the Crematoriums must have been enough to knock you over. Burn a piece of meat on the fire and you know how that is. But this is hundreds of Men, Women and Children being burnt. Not just one a day but all the time day in day out for 4 years. This should not happen again not just for US but for the Millions that have died in a Death camp.Each and every one of them should never be forgotten Not Now, Not Ever
  • "never again"
  • The old black-and-white photo (4th from left in Feb 2010) is, I think, not from here but from Auschwitz II Birkenau because is shows a railway unload area and also one-story barracks. Seems like most of Auschwitz I was two-story brick barracks.
  • No, it's Auschwitz I, just upside down with regard to the map.
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