Bunkers and Hiding Places

Take a morning walk through the historic heart of Rzeszów for a look of the imposing Lubomirski Castle.
The castle currently houses a provincial court, but during the Second World War, this building was used as a headquarters of the Gestapo and saw many unfortunate Polish citizens being tortured and executed there.
Heavy fighting occurred around the castle in 1944, and once the Gestapo were ousted from the castle, it became a base for the Soviet NKVD, and a new round of gruesome interrogations was undertaken.

Rzeszów's regional museum offers a variety of absorbing exhibits relating to the history of the city and region, housed within the confines of a 17h century Piarist monastery.
I found one exhibit of particular of interest, as it concerned the Polish soldiers experience of both world wars. “The Polish Soldier 1914–1945. The Jan Partyka Collection” displays military decorations, commemorative badges, emblems and the memorabilia of soldiers from the Rzeszów region. There are also informative installations, such as a recreation of the Polish headquarters during the battle for Monte Cassino in Italy.
Open Hours: Monday: closed Tuesday - Wednesday: 08:30 – 15:30 Thursday: 08:30 – 17:30 Friday: 08:30 – 15:30 Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Take a walk back to your hotel to pick up your car and get ready to continue your exploration of Subcarpathia's traumatic experience of World War Two.

I found that this moving museum was a fitting tribute to those who helped the Jews during the Second World War. Taking inspiration from the efforts of the Ulma family, the museum tastefully explores this sensitive period of Poland's history.
The museum is divided into seven sections. Firstly, there is a review of the relationship between Poles and Jews in the local region. Then a look at how the locals lived during the Nazi occupation. The exhibits then moves on to describe how the local Poles saved the Jews, with a further section describing the shelters and hiding places used. The subject of Poles executed for assisting the Jews is also covered, as is the role of the Ulma family. The exhibit finishes with the post-war period.
Open Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 Monday: closed

Take the opportunity to have a taste of Georgian cuisine in the heart of Subcarpathia. This restaurant serves authentic Georgian dishes, cooked by chefs that hail from this country nestled in the Caucasus. If you enjoy wine, then you can also have a glass of wine from Georgia, one of the worlds oldest wine regions.

I found this massive railway bunker at Stępina to be one of the most impressive structures left by the Second World War in Poland. The length of this bunker and the thickness of the walls are truly impressive.
Plans for the bunker were probably drawn up even before the war started, but construction wasn't undertaken until the Spring of 1940. The 393 metre long bunker was built to enclose a train and its carriages, with the walls, which were 2 to 3 metres thick, being strong enough to survive the direct impact of a half-ton bomb!
The tunnel was to be the base of the southernmost Nazi headquarters, where part of the invasion of the Soviet Union was to be coordinated. The tunnel also hosted a meeting between Hitler and Mussolini during August 1941.
This turned out to be the only visit by Hitler, but it was kept in a state of constant readiness to accept any staff trains. After capture by the Soviets, the tunnel was used as a field hospital and then prior to being opened up to the public a few years ago, it was used as a mushroom farm!
Open Hours

Park in the cemetery car park and walk towards the cemetery entrance.

This military plot contains the graves of 291 Soviet soldiers and prisoners of war, of whom 125 were identified.
This cemetery contains the graves of Polish war veterans from the first and second world wars.
North East corner - There are 35 Russian soldiers buried here. They fell in 1915.

Head back to your car and make the short drive to your car park.

Using only the best seasonal ingredients to cook tasty European dishes, this restaurant residing in the boutique Hotel Krzyski, is a great place to relax and eat following your adventures through Subcarpathia. Make a choice between its cosy bar restaurant or summer garden and enjoy your meal while discussing the thought-provoking sites that you have visited.