Step into a place that embodies the courage and resilience of Kraków’s Jewish community during World War II at Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta). Located in the Podgórze district, this historic square once stood at the center of the Kraków Ghetto established during the German occupation.

Today the square is both a historical landmark and a place of remembrance. Its open space and symbolic memorial elements invite visitors to reflect on the tragic history of the ghetto and the lives of those who once lived there.

A square shaped by wartime history

In 1941, the German authorities created the Kraków Ghetto in Podgórze, forcing thousands of Jewish residents to live within its walls. Ghetto Heroes Square became an important point of daily life, where residents gathered for food distribution, work assignments and forced relocations.

The square also witnessed tragic moments during the liquidation of the ghetto in 1943, when many inhabitants were deported to concentration and extermination camps. Today the site serves as a powerful reminder of these events and of the people who suffered there.

The square’s most recognizable elements include:

• the symbolic memorial chairs installation, representing belongings left behind during deportations
• historic buildings surrounding the former ghetto area
• informational plaques explaining the history of the site
• nearby locations connected with the history of the Kraków Ghetto

A place of remembrance

The large empty chairs placed across the square are part of a modern memorial designed to symbolize the absence of the people who were once forced to leave their homes. Their quiet presence creates a powerful visual reminder of the events that took place here during World War II.

Today visitors can walk through the square, learn about the history of the Kraków Ghetto and reflect on the experiences of the Jewish community during the occupation. The surrounding district of Podgórze still preserves traces of this past in its streets and historic buildings.

Useful information for visitors

Key information for planning your visit:

• Location: Podgórze district, south of the Vistula River in Kraków
• By foot: about 20–25 minutes from the Main Market Square
• By public transport: tram lines connect Podgórze with the Old Town and other districts
• Opening hours / access: the square is open to visitors at all times

Why visit Ghetto Heroes Square?

Ghetto Heroes Square is one of the most meaningful historical places in Kraków. The memorial installation and preserved urban setting provide a powerful reminder of the experiences of the Jewish community during World War II.

For visitors interested in history and cultural memory, the square offers a moving opportunity to reflect on the past while exploring an important part of Kraków’s heritage.