Terezin Memorial

The Czech town of Terezin is located 38 miles (60km) from Prague.

Built as a garrison town by Emperor Joseph II in the late 18th century, Terezin was designed to protect the Czech lands from the Prussians. Terezín was established at the end of the 18th century as a fortress; still surrounded by its massive ramparts, the town lies at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe) and Ohře (Eger). The Main and Lesser Fortresses at Terezín, although modern for their period, gradually became obsolete, and having lost their military function fell into disregard.

Only in the relatively recent past has Terezín once again entered the world's public consciousness as a tragic symbol of the sufferings of the tens of thousands of innocent people who died here during the Nazi occupation of their homeland.

Terezin is known for its use during World War II as a Jewish ghetto and Nazi concentration camp. While many Jews passed through Terezin en route to the Polish concentration camp Auschwitz, numerous others were imprisoned or died at Terezin.

Today travelers to Terezin can visit the Ghetto Museum, the Small Fortress (used as a Gestapo prison during World War II), and the Terezin Memorial. Additionally, visitors can walking through the well-preserved town of Terezin. The key mission of the Terezin Memorial, the only institution of its kind in the Czech Republic, is to commemorate the victims of the Nazi political and racial persecution during the occupation of the Czech lands in World War II.

More informations : http://www.pamatnik-terezin.cz