The Death Camp of Majdanek

Because of our wild traveling schedule these first few weeks, we came in areas where two concentration camps were located. This was not planned; but when in the area, you better see what history has to offer. Having just visited Auschwitz a short time ago, we weren't sure we wanted to visit another camp like this. Majdanek is located just 4 km from Lublin, and we were told that we should not miss it. They were right. If I were to visit only 1 museum of this kind, I would choose Majdanek. It was the first memorial of its kind, having been founded only 4 months after the camp's liberation. The barracks, the towers, the barbed-wire fences, the crematorium, the gas chambers remain as they were during WWII. Even the 100,000's of shoes still remain in the metal cages in which they were gathered. It is chilling.
We will never be back, but we will always have a deep appreciation for the people who lost their lives here.
An over-all view of the site. Most of the barracks have been destroyed (about 100) and sixteen remain. You can see the Mausoleum and crematorium in the background. This is a very large area.

The domed Mausoleum hovers over the ashes of many victims. The words etched over my head are "Let our fate be a warning to you."

This massive stone monument is at the entrance to the memorial. It is called the Monument of Fight & Martyrdom.