Lublin Off The Beaten Path

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The new Jewish cemetery (Nowy cmentarz zydowski) was established in 1829 at a time when the Jews constitued almost half of Lublin's inhabitants. During WWII the cemetery was completely destroyed by Nazis.

The cemetery has been renovated by a foundation of private people. The newly built memorial room at the entrance houses a small exhibition. Unfortunately both the cemetery and the memorial room were closed when we visited the place in the late afternoon.

Directions
The new Jewish cemetery can be found about 1,5 kilometres northeast of Lublin's old town, just next to the Catholic cemetery (Cmentarz Rzymskokatolicki).

Lublin's old Jewish cemetery (Stary cmentarz zydowski) is the oldest known Jewish cemetery in Poland. It was in use between the 16th and 19th century, but unfortunately was destroyed several times; the last time in 1944 by the Nazis.

When we were there the completely walled cemetery was closed and my guidebook recommended to contact the caretaker to get in. As it was already late we decided to just have a look from the outside and wander around the place.

Directions:
The old Jewish cemetery is located on a hill know as Grodzisko, which can be found at the corner of the streets ul. Kalinowszczyzna and ul. Sienna; about 20 minutes on foot northeast of Lublin's castle.

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On our second day in Lublin, we took a day trip by bus to picturesque Kazimierz Dolny, which is situated at the river Wisla about 60 km west of Lublin.

The little town is home to many historic sights, with the Market Square and its quaint tenement houses being the touristy heart of the city.

Other points of interest include the ruins of a fourteenth century castle with its watchtower, an impressive Parish Church and the late 16th century Reformed Franciscan Church.

For more info on how to get to Kazimierz Dolny from Lublin, please read my transportation tips.

Website: http://www.kazimierzdolny.pl/

Ok, this is as much a "things to do" tip, but i put it here because it's a bit of a drive out of town... The 'museum' is an amazing experience, though also a very somber one. 78000 people were killed in this camp alone during WW2, which is a shocking statistic. From the reception hall, to the Mausoleum at the end of 5km walk, you are bombarded with images and facts about the way of life at Majdanek. From the Gas chambers, to the Shoe hall (quite literally, just a huge dorm FULL of shoes), and the crematorium (which i didn't even enter - i'd had enough by then), it's an experience i am not ever going to forget.

Entrance is free, though children under 14 are apparently not permitted.

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40kms north of Lublin and a couple of kms beyond Lubartow is the highway town of Firlej. Virtually nothing here at first until you turn right heading north of the highway and there's the lake and what is obviously a recreation centre for families. It's wonderful - a series of small cottages and huts around the lakeside - BBQ areas, access for swimming and baoting, campsites etc.. But all very low key and uncommercialised. It took us completely by surprise.

Approximately 35kms north of Lublin is the impressive Zamoyski Palace just to the west of Lubartow in the hamlet of Kozlowka. It is one of the grandest palaces in the region. Built in the 1740s by the Bielinski family before it came into the hands of the Zamoyski family, it's the usual barrage of excess - opulent, extraordinary, OTT. The grounds are extensive and were constantly worked on up until WWII.

On your way around Lublin Old Town you'll certainly see numerous dark passages and gates leading to nobody knows what. I'm really very fond of visiting those mysterious and dangerous places - off the beaten path but right in the middle of the most popular routes.

I can almost hear the walls talk...

The other place is Kazimierz Dolny. So beautiful, I wanted to stay there longer !
Kazimierz Dolny is situated on the bank of The Vistula River.
It is a picturesque town brim with outdoor activities surrounding the area.
There's also a castle ruins situated on the small hill over looking The Vistula River. It is about 13 km from Pulawy & about 44 km from Lublin.MY KAZIMIERZ DOLNY PAGE...[Please click on 'Kazimierz Dolny']