Historic tour of Terezin Concentration Camp

The Terezin Concentration Camp is a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the history of mankind. Nearly 150,000 jews were deported to Terezin by the Nazis during the Second World War. Most of the survivors were deported to extermination camps such as Auschwitz and Treblinka.

Due to the appalling conditions of the camp, almost 33,000 people died in the ghetto. Despite the dire situation, the people at Terezin showed tremendous resilience and courage. They continued to uphold their beliefs and rituals, and even went on to have celebrations and conduct operas. Several prominent musicians, scholars, artists and philosophers added to the cultural life at the camp. It exemplifies hope and belief, while simultaneously depicting the ghastly side of human nature.

It serves as an excellent educational experience that can make one truly understand the horrifying acts of the Nazis under Hitler. Terezin served a double role under the Nazis. It was part of the propaganda to falsely depict happy living conditions of the Jews in the camp to the Red Cross. It also served as a camp allowing the Nazis to get closer to the Final Solution.

You will have to reach the meeting point at the Discover Prague Tour Office in Celetná 12, close to the Old Town Square by 10 AM. A ride to the notorious Terezin camp, located about 60 kilometres away will take about an hour. Meanwhile, you can witness the beauty of the countryside of Prague. You will begin your tour with a visit to the Ghetto Museum, an emotionally exhausting exhibition of World War II, and its impact on the Jews. The famous Children’s Drawings, which is a collage of the drawing made by the imprisoned children is visible here. A part of the Propaganda Movie which was shown to the Red Cross delegates, that has survived over the years can also be seen.

Your next stop will be at the Magdeburg Barracks, which once served as accomodation for the military garrison of the fortress. Also known as the Seat of the Council of Elders, you can see a copy of the dormitories of the people who lived there during the dark period. You will see the Jewish Prayer Room, the existence of which indicates the limited tolerance of the Nazis. The Columbarium and Ceremonial Halls were built with to portray the image of a peaceful and happy congregation of Jews at Terezin. You will also visit the GESTAPO prison cells, where the Jews were held captive and the SS camp headquarters. The Terezin barracks, which hold beds, benches and tables provide a glimpse into the life of the concentration camp prisoners. With hundreds of Jews put in such small rooms, the vile living conditions are very apparent.

Riddled with horrors of the World War II under Nazi rule, the Terezin Concentration Camp has a dark past that stains history books. Try and stand in the shoes of thirty-three-thousand prisoners; people who were disease ridden, tortured mercilessly, made to suffer inhumane conditions, and ultimately starved to death. Imagine the echoes of their cries resounding in the passage ways as they screamed out in agony, their voices haunting and chilling. This sorrowful place and its legacy make up a large part of world history, and is something that should be acknowledged. This tour is an ode to all those men, women and children who died, promising peaceful times and a reminder to not repeat history.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back to the meeting point.