Stalag VIII A

Stalag VIII A was a former German prisoner-of-war camp from the Second World War, established in Görlitz, present-day Zgorzelec. Today a memorial site and education centre operate on the grounds of the former camp, with the remains of its buildings existing as ruins.

History of the camp

The camp was established on 26 August 1939 and operated until 9 February 1945, when it was liberated by the Red Army. At its peak it held nearly 50,000 prisoners of war of many nationalities: Poles, French, Belgians, Yugoslavs, Soviet soldiers, British, Americans, Italians and Slovaks. Soviet prisoners endured the harshest conditions, and between 10,000 and 12,000 of them died.

A quartet composed in the camp

The French composer Olivier Messiaen was held in the camp, and it was here that he created his "Quartet for the End of Time". The work premiered on 15 January 1941, performed for fellow prisoners on the grounds of the camp.

A memorial site today

In 1976 a monument dedicated to the deceased prisoners was unveiled on the grounds of the former camp. On 15 January 2015 the European Education and Culture Centre was opened here, which organises concerts, workshops and educational programmes, including annual January concerts recalling Messiaen's quartet.

Nearby

On the other side of the Lusatian Neisse, towards the centre of Zgorzelec and Görlitz, are the Zgorzelec-Görlitz Old Town Bridge and the Lusatian Museum in Zgorzelec.

Practical information

• Location: Koźlice near Zgorzelec, Zgorzelec County
• The remains of the camp buildings today exist as ruins; part of the grounds is occupied by the European Education and Culture Centre
• The centre's programme, visiting hours and admission rules are worth checking before a visit on its website or by phone