Krakow - Religious Studies School Trip

Day 1 - Arrival, Krakow Old Town

Upon arrival in Krakow, transfer to your hotel by coach.

Meet your local guide and embark on a Krakow guided sightseeing tour of the city’s Old Town, exploring Krakow religious landmarks. Start by visiting St. Mary's Basilica, renowned for its exquisite Gothic architecture and the famous Veit Stoss altarpiece. This visit provides students with an opportunity to delve into Gothic religious art, the church's role in medieval society, and the use of religious iconography to convey spiritual narratives.

Continue to Wawel Hill, home to the majestic Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral, the coronation site of Polish kings and one of Poland’s most significant religious landmarks. Students can explore the cathedral's rich history, gaining insights into the development of Christianity in Poland and its influence on Polish culture and identity.

Next, visit the Jagiellonian University, the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. With a long tradition of religious scholarship, this institution offers students the chance to learn about the history of theology, philosophy, and the contributions of prominent religious scholars who studied or taught there.

Day 2 - Kazimierz, Schindler's Factory, Galicia Jewish Museum

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Kazimierz, Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter. Kazimierz serves as a profound symbol of Jewish religious life and culture in Poland. Explore Szeroka Street and the Remuh Synagogue, along with its 16th-century cemetery. Remuh is the oldest of the Krakow synagogues and the only one still in use. These sites offer a deep dive into the rich Jewish religious traditions, the role of synagogues, and the significance of the Jewish community in Poland before World War II.

Cross the Vistula River to visit the Ghetto area and Schindler's Factory Museum. This museum not only memorialises the lives saved by Oskar Schindler but also provides a poignant reflection on the intersection of Jewish faith, survival, and the moral dilemmas faced during the Nazi occupation.

Later, visit the Galicia Jewish Museum to explore its permanent exhibition. The museum commemorates Holocaust victims while also celebrating the resilience of Jewish culture and religious practices in Polish Galicia. Afterward, continue your exploration of the Jewish Quarter, deepening your understanding of Jewish religious heritage in Krakow.

Conclude the day with an evening of bowling, followed by dinner at your hotel.

Day 3 - Reflection and Remembrance at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Today, board a coach for the journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps. Here, over 1.1 million people, predominantly Jews, were murdered during World War II making it an important part of students Holocaust education. The site is a sombre reminder of the horrors of religious persecution and the ethical and moral lessons that emerge from such atrocities. A guided tour will provide students with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, the role of religious identity in the persecution, and the importance of remembrance in preventing future genocides.

Return to Krakow for dinner at your hotel, allowing time for reflection on the day's experiences.

Day 4 - Wieliczka Salt Mines

After checking out of your hotel, conclude your educational trip with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic mine, once a source of great wealth for Poland, also holds religious significance. Explore the underground salt chambers, lakes, and the famous St. Kinga's Chapel, a remarkable underground church entirely carved out of salt. The chapel's intricate decorations provide an opportunity to discuss the intersection of faith and artistry, as well as the spiritual significance of such a unique religious site.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight home, enriched by this Religious Studies school trip to Krakow.