Bełżec's Final Solution

The Museum of Martyrdom “Under the Clock” is housed in a building that was notorious and feared during the Second World War. This was the headquarters of the Gestapo from 1940 to 1944.
There were cells in the basement and torture was carried out in the upper levels, with an estimated 200 people, mainly political prisoners, being murdered there.
The situation did not improve after the Nazi retreat, since the building then became the headquarters of the Soviet secret police.
Today's museum welcomes visitors and offers an interesting exhibition on the history of the building.
Open Hours Tuesday – Saturday: 09.00 – 16.00 Monday & Sunday: closed

Park you car and prepare to discover the fortified city of Zamość .

Zamość was founded in the 16th century, and was a planned Renaissance town. The town's architect, Bernando Morando, designed an incredible urban area, with the stunning masterpiece being the Great Market Square, and I loved wondering around this staggering space and studying its splendid Town Hall. It is easy to see why Zamość is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take careful note of the symmetry of the Town Hall building - the left-hand side of the facade is 130 cm wider than the right-hand side! That blew my mind.

After the Town Hall, the next most impressive buildings on the square, in my opinion, are the colourful Armenian Tenement Houses.
After admiring their lovely facades, checkout the The Zamojskie Museum, which is located within these buildings. The museum covers the archaeology, ethnography and history of the town and the Zamoyski family.

To learn about the history of the Jews in Zamość, a visit to the reconstructed Synagogue is essential. Through a series of multimedia displays held in this place of worship built in 1610, you get a sense of the tumultuous story of the Jews living in this area.

This cafe is handily located next to the Synagogue and is an ideal stop for lunch, coffee and cake.

Built as part of Zamość's defences in the early 19th century, the usage of the Rotunda took a sinister turn in 1940, when the Gestapo converted its rooms into a prison. It is thought that around 8,000 prisoners were shot here.
I found the Martyrs Mausoleum at the Rotunda very peaceful and a moving tribute to those who had lost their lives during the war. Most of the rooms are accessible, with many small displays giving information on the victims who lost their lives here.

Head back to your car and get ready to resume your journey.

When Operation Reinhard, the plan to exterminate the Jews of Poland, was initiated, the first extermination camp to be established was here at Bełżec. Operating between 17th March 1942 to the end of December 1942, it is estmated that the Nazis killed as many as 500,000 jews at this camp. Only seven Jews that were sent to the camp managed to survive the war.
Take time to view the absorbing displays in the museum on site, and also make sure to walk down through the imposing memorial.

The Synagogue at Szczebrzeszyn was built sometime during the 17th century, making it one of the oldest in Poland. The Jewish community established itself here during the previous century.
A centre for the Hasidic movement, Szczebrzeszyn had a Jewish community of around 3,200 people before the war, but sadly all were deported to Bełżec in May 1942.

Enter the Jewish cemetery through the metal gate in the wall, and discover the overgrown graveyard that still displays many venerable headstones. Look to the center of the cemetery and you will also see a monument commemorating the execution of the Jews of Szczebrzeszyn during the war.

Enjoy a well earned meal back at Hotel Luxor, eating at their Bianco Restaurant. Dining is an art here and you may feel guilty for devouring their beautifully presented meals.
After a finishing dinner with a full stomach, head to your room and relax, looking forward to the last stage of your journey.