Auschwitz and Birkenau

Birkenau landscape

the upright structures are the remains of the fireplaces and chimneys of the huts

Birkenau, watch tower

Block 16

double fence was originally electrified 440 volts

Empty gas canisters

Our Guide

Birkenau landscape

This is the spot where the Auschwitz camp commander was hung

metal cookware confiscated from prisoners

Main gate " Work sets you free""

The Auschwitz 1 camp was mainly for non jewish political prisoners ... Jewish prisoners usually went to the Auschwitz 2 camp ( Birkenau )

watch tower

Main entrance

Prisoners would be marched off on work details every morning to the sound of the camp orchestra and ten hours later the would return once again to the sound of classical music .. Just inside the gate to the left is block 24 .. partly used as a brethel for Polish political prisoners and partly as a prisoners art gallery ... The bodies of prisoners who tried (but failed) to escape were also displayed here as a deterrent .

Remains of gas chamber crematorium

440 volts ................

Empty Zyclon B containers

Toilet and wash facilities

Old truck of the type used to transport prisoners to Birkenau

At the visitor centre

Old truck used to carry prisoners

Booth where the SS man responsible for conducting the roll call would shelter in bad weather

Auschwitz barrack blocks

Womens quarters

Early gas chamber

Entrance gate

The railway track that was the end of the line inside Birkenau

Block 24

Birkenau rail tracks