Great Synagogue Memorial Park
A minimalist green memorial park in Oświęcim, commemorating the destroyed Great Synagogue with symbolic design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for appreciating the design
Great Synagogue Memorial Park
Best Time
Best for appreciating the design
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A minimalist green memorial park in Oświęcim, commemorating the destroyed Great Synagogue with symbolic design.
"A beautiful way of remembering the destroyed synagogue. A minimalist, green memorial."
Visit with Respect
Approach this solemn memorial park with quiet contemplation and respect for its history. :pray:
Combine with Jewish Museum
It's a must-visit when in town, especially when visiting the Jewish Museum & Synagogue. :museum:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandstone Slabs
Central part of the park
Forty gray sandstone slabs mark the former synagogue's layout, leading to symbolic elements of the park.
Symbolic 'Well'
Central part of the park
A unique 'well' feature with a historical floor, offering a poignant connection to the past.
Water Pool and Benches
Central part of the park
A serene water pool and benches made of Corten sheet metal provide spaces for reflection.
Miniature Synagogue Display
Berka Joselewicza Street
A triangular display featuring a miniature of the former Great Synagogue.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit with Respect
Approach this solemn memorial park with quiet contemplation and respect for its history. :pray:
Combine with Jewish Museum
It's a must-visit when in town, especially when visiting the Jewish Museum & Synagogue. :museum:
Appreciate the Design
The minimalist, green memorial is a beautiful way to remember the destroyed synagogue. :art:
Check Chandelier Status
The copy of the original chandelier was destroyed in a storm; check if it has been replaced. :construction_worker:
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit with Respect
Approach this solemn memorial park with quiet contemplation and respect for its history. :pray:
Combine with Jewish Museum
It's a must-visit when in town, especially when visiting the Jewish Museum & Synagogue. :museum:
Appreciate the Design
The minimalist, green memorial is a beautiful way to remember the destroyed synagogue. :art:
Check Chandelier Status
The copy of the original chandelier was destroyed in a storm; check if it has been replaced. :construction_worker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Synagogue Memorial Park as a beautiful and minimalist green space that effectively commemorates the destroyed synagogue. Its symbolic design and serene atmosphere are highlighted as key strengths, making it a meaningful addition to any visit to Oświęcim, especially when combined with the Jewish Museum and Auschwitz. Some note the unfortunate destruction of a replica artifact, but overall, the park is seen as a successful and poignant memorial.
"A beautiful way of remembering the destroyed synagogue. A minimalist, green memorial. A must when visiting the Jewish Museum&Synagogue in town and the site of Auschwitz."
Tomasz Kuncewicz
"Great park"
Ewa Kubiak-Thornton
"The park commemorates the history of the synagogue destroyed eighty years ago. The synagogue in Oświęcim was built in 1863-1873 on the site of an older synagogue. The temple was burned by the Nazis on the night of November 29-30, 1939. In order to commemorate the temple, the park was rebuilt. Gray sandstone slabs were placed in the central part. There are a total of 40 of them, and they lead to individual elements of the park - an exhibition presenting the history of the synagogue, a "well" with a historical floor, a water pool, benches made of Corten sheet metal and a chandelier, which is a copy of an artifact found in this place during archaeological works. Unfortunately, the copy of the chandelier was destroyed during a storm. The park won in the category awarding the best public space among greenery."
Maciej Borski
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Synagogue Memorial Park in Oświęcim is easily accessible from Krakow. You can take a bus or train from Krakow to Oświęcim. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From the Oświęcim train or bus station, the park is a short walk or a quick taxi ride away. Many visitors combine a trip to the memorial park with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is also located in Oświęcim.
While specific parking details for the memorial park itself might be limited, there are generally parking options available in the town of Oświęcim, especially near the Jewish Museum and Synagogue complex. It's advisable to look for public parking areas in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Great Synagogue Memorial Park is generally a public space and does not require an entrance fee. It's designed as an open memorial for reflection and remembrance.
As an outdoor memorial park, it is typically accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check local listings or the Oświęcim tourism information for any specific seasonal hours or potential closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park commemorates the history of the Great Synagogue in Oświęcim, which was built in 1863-1873 and tragically burned by the Nazis in 1939. The memorial, with its minimalist design and symbolic elements, serves as a poignant reminder of the Jewish community's history and the destruction it faced.
The park features 40 gray sandstone slabs marking the former synagogue's layout, an exhibition on its history, a symbolic 'well' with a historical floor, a water pool, benches made of Corten sheet metal, and a miniature display of the former synagogue.
Yes, the park's minimalist and green design, with its symbolic elements, makes it a visually striking location for photography. Architects have highlighted its design in various publications. 
Visitors recommend approaching the park with respect and quiet contemplation. It's a place to reflect on the history and the beauty of the memorial's design.
The Great Synagogue Memorial Park is described as a 'small park,' making it a manageable and focused visit, often combined with other nearby historical sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The minimalist design, with the sandstone slabs, water features, and the miniature synagogue display, offers many opportunities for striking photographs. The clean lines and symbolic elements are particularly photogenic.
Generally, as an outdoor public space, photography is permitted. However, always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to visit during less crowded times, perhaps early morning, to allow for a more peaceful experience. Discuss the significance of the memorial beforehand to help children understand the context and the need for quiet respect. Combining this visit with the nearby Jewish Museum can offer a more comprehensive historical understanding for older children.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Visiting the park provides context for the broader history of the region and the fate of Jewish communities during World War II. It's often visited alongside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and the Jewish Museum, creating a layered understanding of the area's past. The architectural features themselves are also of interest, showcasing how contemporary design can engage with historical memory.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1 The design intentionally uses symbolic elements to evoke the memory of the destroyed synagogue.Key features include the 40 gray sandstone slabs that trace the footprint of the original building, creating a powerful visual representation of what once stood there. The use of Corten sheet metal for benches adds a contemporary yet durable element, contrasting with the historical context. The park's integration of greenery and water features contributes to a serene atmosphere, inviting contemplation and remembrance.
While the park is a beautiful tribute, it's worth noting that a copy of an artifact found during archaeological works, a chandelier, was unfortunately destroyed during a storm. This serves as a reminder of the fragility of memory and the challenges of preservation.
Historical Context and Remembrance
The memorial park was created to commemorate this lost history and to serve as a place of remembrance. The simple form and symbolic concrete slabs are designed to evoke the memory of the former synagogue, offering visitors a space to connect with the past. The park's location on Berka Joselewicza Street places it within the historical Jewish quarter of Oświęcim, further enhancing its significance.
Visitors often describe the park as a 'beautiful way of remembering' and a 'unique place reminding us of the beautiful history of Oświęcim, which was brutally destroyed during World War II.' It's considered a must-visit for those seeking to understand the town's complex past, often visited in conjunction with the Jewish Museum and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
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