Guest Post: A Trip to Kraków in Poland

Rynek Glowny/The Main Square (inside cathedral)

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The Wieliczka Salt Mine

During 2017 I was a student in my first year of sixth form studying History, Art & Design and Religious Studies at A Level. As part of my History and Religious Studies courses, we were offered the chance to go to Kraków in Poland. While each day we were free to go where we liked (within reason) for food and whatnot, our first organised trip was to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Apparently at a depth of 327 metres and hallways that span over 152 miles, it is one of the oldest salt mines in Poland (dating back to the 13^th century). The tour lasted around three hours where we explored the many carved out salt hallways and rooms of the mine along with its four constructed chapels that seemed to dwarf everything else. Another well known feature we were able to view as part of the tour were the underground saline lakes which reflected the illuminated ceiling of the caverns, creating some spectacular sights. However, leaving the mine was by far the most nerve wracking due to the fact many of us had to go up 327 metres back to the surface in only a small mineshaft lift, which was originally only built for the workers within the salt mine at that time.   

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Auschwitz-Birkenau

Another section of the trip we visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. It covered two areas over the course of two days, the first being Auschwitz and the second being the Birkenau camp. The first day within Auschwitz was dedicated to learning more about the history of the Holocaust. Buildings featured museum-like exhibitions regarding the timeline of events up to and throughout the Holocaust as well as a guided tour around the camp. The second day was Birkenau which was based in a more remote location, a long railroad leading up to the intimidating structure and barbed wire fence. The area itself covered around 175 hectares, so far that the wire fencing all around disappeared into the fog. It was here that we had a closer look at the shockingly poor living conditions the camp’s prisoners had to endure while in freezing temperatures as well as many of the other remaining buildings left behind, some of which had been partly burned down.

Overall, my trip to Poland was very insightful and put things far better into perspective when being able to see and learn more information in person.