Miejsce Pamięci i Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oświęcim (Poland) is a former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. It stands as a symbol of war, terror, genocide and the Holocaust. The museum preserves original barracks, gas chambers, crematoria, railway sidings and ramps, as well as photographs, documents, prisoners' clothing and personal belongings. The visit covers two main parts: Auschwitz I (20 ha) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (171 ha), located about 3.5 km apart. A free shuttle bus runs between them, or visitors can walk. Entry is only with a personalized ticket, which must be reserved online in advance (up to 7 days) at visit.auschwitz.org. The site is not recommended for children under 14. This memorial honors at least 1.1 million victims, mostly Jews, as well as Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners of war. It offers a profound, reflective experience suitable for adults, teenagers, organized groups and school trips.