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November in Toruń: Discovering the Memorial Sites of Stalag XXA Prisoners of War

November in Poland is a unique time dedicated to reflection and remembering those who have passed away. It's a month when cemeteries glow with the light of thousands of candles, and memorial sites take on special significance. Toruń, a city with a rich and diverse history, also holds painful memories from World War II that are worth exploring—especially the stories of the prisoners of war from Stalag XXA.

Memorial Sites Dedicated to the Prisoners of War

In addition to its famous landmarks and charming Old Town, Toruń is home to places that remind us of the tragic fate of thousands of POWs held in Stalag XXA. This German-run prisoner-of-war camp housed soldiers from the Allied forces, including British, Russian, and Italian troops, who endured some of the harshest conditions during the war.

One of the most significant memorials in Toruń is the monument dedicated to the victims of the Stalag XXA POW camp. In November, when the city is enveloped in a spirit of remembrance, this monument becomes an especially moving symbol. It's a place where both locals and visitors can pause, light a candle, and pay their respects to those who never returned home to their families.

Stalag XXA monument

Stalag XXA monument


The Garrison Cemetery and the Solitary Grave of an Italian Prisoner of Stalag 20A

Garrison Cemetery held the graves of many prisoners. Today, only one solitary grave remains—the resting place of an Italian soldier. This single gravestone, surrounded by an air of silence and solemnity, carries stories of loss, separation, and the passage of time. Despite the years, the memory of these events endures thanks to the efforts of the local community, who continue to care for the cemetery, leaving flowers and lighting candles.

As guides, we understand the emotional impact this site can have on visitors, especially those whose loved ones endured hardship here. Many families travel from far and wide, hoping to find even the smallest traces of their ancestors' stories. We are always eager to share photographs and stories that testify to the enduring memory of these events.

Italian POW grave in Torun

Cemetery with old Stalag XXA POW Section

Cross which is visible on old pictures from Stalag 20A

Main gate to cemetery


The Russian Prisoners' Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance

Another poignant site is the Russian Prisoners' Cemetery, filled with modest yet deeply symbolic graves. In November, this cemetery takes on a special atmosphere, where one can witness how Toruń's residents continue to honor the memory of those who died in captivity, far from their homeland. The cemetery stands as a testament to the lasting legacy of memory, preserved and respected by younger generations who ensure the history is never forgotten.

Cemetery of Russians Stalag 20A Prisoners of War

Grave ov Russian Soldier. Victim of Stalag

Monument in front of camp cemetery


Remembering in a Month of Reflection

November in Toruń is a time when the history of prisoners of war takes on a profound significance. It is not only a story of wartime tragedy but also of the extraordinary power of remembrance that keeps these events alive in our collective consciousness. For those visiting Toruń, seeing the sites connected to Stalag XXA is not just a historical lesson but a meaningful act of paying respect to the departed.

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