Free tour
Krakow under the swastika: the beginning of German Nazi terror
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Guru: Alfredo
Registered on 6 January 2026
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
This tour takes place entirely in the historic center of Krakow and explores how a monumental, cultural and university city was transformed into one of the main centers of Nazi power.
We begin in 1930s Krakow, the country's historic capital and home to one of Europe's largest Jewish communities. We examine their daily lives, their integration into the city, and how this reality was swiftly and systematically eradicated following the German invasion in September 1939.
From the Market Square, surrounded by buildings of great historical value, we explored the causes of the war, directly linked to the First World War: the Treaty of Versailles, the economic crisis, and the rise of National Socialism. Krakow then became the capital of the General Government.
During the tour, we used historical photographs and walked through Planty Park, where we analyzed the repression against Jagiellonian University and the Polish education system. We visited one of the most important buildings of the occupation apparatus to learn about Hans Frank, his role in the regime and his trial at Nuremberg, as well as the critical perspective of his son, Niklas Frank.
The tour continues at the Franciscan monastery church, where we learn the story of a monk who gave his life in Auschwitz to save another prisoner, and ends in front of the old St. Michael's prison, a symbol of fear and repression until the city's liberation in January 1945.
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Punto de encuentro
Meeting Point and Contact: The guide will be located in front of the main entrance of St. Adalbert's Church, the oldest church in Krakow, situated in the Old Town, just to the right of the Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square. To make it easy for participants to identify the guide, they will be carrying a black umbrella, a black backpack, and a name tag. For added convenience and safety, the guide will have access to WhatsApp, and participants can contact them by phone at any time to resolve any issues or ask any questions before the tour. This ensures that no one gets lost and that everyone can begin the experience in an organized and safe manner.
1
Outside visit
Cinema Under the Rams
2
Outside visit
Faculty of Law and Administration of the Jagiellonian University
3
Outside visit
Piwnica Pod Baranami
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 3 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or card payment accepted.
Krakow under the swastika: the beginning of German Nazi terror
