Auschwitz I

[metaphorge]

DSCF0485, originally uploaded by metaphorge.

What's commonly known as "Auschwitz" is actually three separate concentration camps.

Auschwitz I was first established in 1940 and served as the administrative hub for the whole complex (and is the current site of the museum exhibits).

At any time, the camp held between 13,000 and 16,000 inmates; in 1942 the number reached 20,000. It was the site of the deaths of roughly 70,000 people, mostly Poles and Soviet prisoners of war.

There are more photos of Auschwitz I here; obviously, some of you may find them trigger-y.

Comments

[prettyoctopussy.livejournal.com]

When I visited there, it was summer and everything was disconcertingly bright and pretty. Green lawns, beautiful poplars, sunshine. Even inside the buildings it all seemed so clean. Mostly I felt confused, because I thought I was supposed to feel horrified, but I just couldn't connect it with what I'd read, which had reached me much more.