World War II and Jewish Wrocław

Wrocław is situated right at the heart of Europe. Throughout centuries, it stood as a prominent hub of Jewish life within Central Europe. Collaborating with Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, the Jewish community contributed to the prosperity of one of the most affluent cities in the German Empire. Despite being expelled during the Middle Ages, they later returned, and during the 19th century, Wrocław emerged as a central bastion of Haskalah, the Jewish Enlightenment movement that left an indelible mark on Judaism. The legacy of Wrocław's generations of rabbis is indispensable for understanding the evolution of modern Judaism.

This vibrant and diverse world encountered an abrupt halt during the 1930s with the rise of the Nazi regime. Subjected to humiliation and persecution, the Jewish population of Wrocław found themselves sharing the tragic fate of other European Jews, falling victim to the Holocaust orchestrated by the Germans and their collaborators. However, the tides of war eventually shifted, and in 1945, the Third Reich crumbled before the relentless advance of the Red Army. Adolf Hitler mandated Wrocław to be transformed into a "Festung" – a fortress intended to safeguard the vision of a thousand-year Reich, even if it meant the last ounce of blood and the final bullet. Consequently, the city turned into the backdrop for one of the most intense urban battles of World War II, ultimately succumbing to the Allies even after the fall of Berlin itself.

We invite you to delve into the historical and contemporary Jewish narrative of Wrocław, as well as the city's devastating experiences during the conclusion of World War II. Embark on a journey through the captivating heart of the city – the district of four denominations. Uncover a space where the profound and captivating history of Wrocław unfolds, alongside witnessing the resurgence of culture and the transformations that have transpired over the past two decades.

ℹ️ ⚠️ ATTENTION - booking rules

Please note that our free tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups only. Hence, we do not accept parties of 8 or more people on regular free tours and guides have the right to deny participation to such groups. If you travel in a party of 8 or more please book a private tour in advance.

If you show up at the meeting point with the bigger group our guide will ask you for the payment (10 eur/person) before the tour or cancel your reservation on the spot. To confirm your reservation please arrive 10 minutes before starting. We can not guarantee participation when you will be late.                                  

Please note that multiply bookings (under different names) for 7 people who belong to one group will still be treated as one organized group and the guide has the right to deny participation to such parties.

This policy is implied in the best interest of our individual visitors. 

Please respect our rules.