As it is important to remember the victims of the Holocaust, so that such a thing never repeats itself when in Prague you have an opportunity to visit a fortress which played a part in not-so-long-ago history. A short -drive- away from the capital we find Terezin. Originally built for the protection of Bohemia in the 18th century, with the rise of the Third Reich, it witnessed a major change of purpose. It became a Jewish concentration camp. But one thing should be clarified, it had a rich history before the Nazis. Architecturally, it consists of a citadel and fortified garrison. The Habsburg emperor Joseph II. had it built to secure the border on the rivers Elbe and Ohře against a possible Prussian invasion.
More recently, in 1940. as the Nazi war machine expands on Bohemia, it became a concentration camp and ghetto for Jews. During the operation of this horrible place, more than 150 000 people went through it, and for many the journey tragically ended here. When the war was finally over, from 1945. to 1948., its prison hosted the former captors as they awaited their trials, but also people whose only crime was being German. Nowadays, this fortress struggles to remain a world monument as it was vandalized several times during the 2000s.
When there, you can visit its memorial center and find out about the many unfortunate destinies of its late occupants. Being in the Ghetto Museum or the Magdeburg Barracks is truly a striking and deep moment which won't leave anyone indifferent. Often, exhibitions are held on various locations in the complex, offering insight into the life like it was once there. But, on the lighter side, people who wish to be active and do something different than just tour Terezin can decide on a different kind of trip. Those can practice their golf skills on the courses of Kotlina and soak in the beauty of the countryside the entire day and check the former camp along the way.
Even though the topics of the Second World War and the monstrosities that occurred are surely not pleasant ones, it should always be mentioned and understood in detail so such things would hopefully never repeat. Today, Terezin, with its history, serves as a reminder and a lesson provider for generations to come.