Supposing you wish to visit the Auschwitz which is a former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland then you would be bothered about the cost to be charged for the activity, not mentioning the chances of touring the site. Let me focus this research and discover the answer to this question – Is it free to visit Auschwitz?
Historical Significance of Auschwitz
A federal state having such significance is Auschwitz because it is a grim reminder of the HOLOCAUST of World War II. It was during the period 1940- 1945 that more than 1.1 million harmless civilians particularly Jews were exterminated there. Today it functions as a memorial, museum and mausoleum which was intended to commemorate victims of the Holocaust.
Entry Fees at Auschwitz
Although the admission to this facility is free it is wise to take a look at the guided tours and how they can be accessed. Although the entry to the camp has no cost, the public is advised to undertake the services of a trained guide in order to tour the camp and appreciate the historical and cultural value of the camp.
Auschwitz – under the name Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Auschwitz main site can only be visited with a pass to participate in the course of an organized group tour which takes the form of a guided visit accompanied by an educator of the Auschwitz Memorial. These tours are helpful in gaining knowledge involving the background of Auschwitz than those involving the regular tour packages.
Guided Tours
The guided tours introduce structured visits, thus guaranteeing that they promote education and respect for the structures. This is because the number of learners per tour group is restricted to ensure that they provide the appropriate learning ambience.
In order to participate in a guided tour, a visitor needs to make a prior reservation of their seat. This can be done on this site at the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum or at the Osrodek Informacji i Wsparcia (Visitor Service Centre) near the entrance to the camp.
As it has been noted, similar guided tours are provided in several world languages to accommodate most tourists. This is possible since it helps to be more inclusive and by so doing create and pave way for better understanding of the history of Auschwitz.
Additional Amenities
Besides formal guided tours, there are areas of interest in the camp with various facilities to support tourists’ comfort. A number of audio guides are available for hire which will point especially to the exhibits and places of interest within the camp. Unlike those in museums these guides are closer to individual ones and this enable visitors to tour at their own pace.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, it is possible to visit several temporary exhibitions and to use educational services at Auschwitz Memorial. While these exhibitions shed a broad picture of holocaust they go deeper into certain aspects of holocaust and give out a better view of the sufferings that people underwent at Auschwitz.
Respecting the Memory and the Victims
Thus I believe that ‘proper’ way for a visitor like myself to think when visiting Auschwitz is to do so with a positive attitude or an open mind. This includes following the my rules and regulation as fixed my the memorial. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Photography Restrictions
It is permitted to take photos inside the memorial area, but one must remember that the Auschwitz is rather a place of the concentration. People should always respect other and should not take photos where they are not supposed to. Posters that summarize the conditions under which photography is prohibited are fixed in strategic positions all over the camp to avoid people taking photos where this is prohibited.
Silence and Reverence
Auschwitz is a sad place that leaves visitors obliged to keep quiet and be bout the solemnity of the place. When quiet and respecting the overall atmosphere, one can honor the victims, and other people in the area get to spend a worthwhile time.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
There is quite a lot of walking in Auschwitz therefore it is recommended that one dress in very comfortable clothing and shoes. There may be obstacles, changes in altitude, and always a lot of walking between the different objects within the complex.
Arriving Early and Planning Ahead
Since Auschwitz is amongst most visited concentration camp, it is better to arrive early and have a schedule on how you will be visiting the camp. This helps to make the whole process easier for instance getting a nice parking bay, or not having to wait for long.
Final Thoughts
Touring the facility classified today as Auschwitz is physically and mentally prohibiting, and yet, at the same time, informative and necessary. Though there is a free entry to the site, it is advised to join a guided tour so that the visitor has a better understanding of the history of a particular camp.
It must be said that you should arrive at the visit with reverence abiding every regulation specified in the memorial site. Thus, you contribute to the people’s memory of the victims and create conditions for further changes to preserve the memory.
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