This historic Polish town has a 13th-century castle, medieval Market Square, and Gothic St. Mary's Church. It's the location of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Oświęcim, a town in southern Poland, is known worldwide as the site of the former Auschwitz concentration camp. The town also has a rich history dating back to medieval times. You can visit a 13th-century castle, walk through the Main Market Square, or step inside the Gothic St. Mary's Church from the 14th century. The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
Exploring Oświęcim's Old Town
The center of Oświęcim is its Old Town, with the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) at its heart. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you'll see colorful tenement houses surrounding the square. The Old Town area is calm, contrasting with the atmosphere of the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. You can find several cafes and restaurants here, where you can try local Polish dishes and take time to reflect on the town's complex past.
St. Mary's Church: A Gothic Structure
St. Mary's Church, dating back to the 14th century, is one of Oświęcim's oldest landmarks. The church's Gothic architecture is visible in the town's skyline, with its tall spire seen from many parts of Oświęcim. Inside, you can see the detailed altar and colorful stained glass windows. The church has been part of the town's history for centuries and remains an active place of worship for the local community.
Oświęcim Castle: A Journey Through Time
Oświęcim Castle, with origins in the 13th century, is a testament to the town's medieval era. The castle has been renovated several times over the centuries, and today it houses the Castle Museum. Here, you can learn about Oświęcim's history before World War II, including its period as the capital of an independent duchy. The museum's exhibits show interiors from different time periods, giving you an idea of how life in Oświęcim has changed over the centuries.
Jewish Heritage in Oświęcim
Before World War II, about 40% of Oświęcim's inhabitants were Jewish. While much of this community was destroyed during the war, some sites remain. The Auschwitz Jewish Center, near the castle, includes a small museum and a restored synagogue. The center's exhibits tell the story of Jewish life in Oświęcim (known in Yiddish as Oshpitzin) before the Holocaust. You can use the center's Oshpitzin mobile app for a self-guided tour of former Jewish sites around town.
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, on the outskirts of Oświęcim, is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The museum has two main sites: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. A visit typically takes at least 3.5 hours to see both parts. The exhibits include personal belongings of victims, photographs, and documents that show the atrocities committed here. While it's a difficult experience, many visitors find it an essential way to remember those who suffered and died at Auschwitz.
Getting to Oświęcim
You can easily reach Oświęcim from major Polish cities. It's about a 1-hour drive or a 2-hour train ride from Krakow. If you're coming from further away, the nearest airport is in Krakow, about 60 kilometers from Oświęcim. From Krakow, you can get to Oświęcim by car, train, or bus. Public buses leave regularly from Krakow's main bus station (MDA) to Oświęcim. If you plan to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, remember that the trip from Krakow, including the museum visit, will take most of a day.
