mala pevnost ("small fortress")

854fionad

This was a step up the emotional scale from the town - if you're not scared of small dingy spaces I recommend walking the tunnel. I made myself do it to think of what was at the other end - the execution ground, and I'm glad I did. The museum inside is also worth spending time in.If you want to take photos you need to pay extra, but it was worth it.

effloresce

I am not going to talk about my experiences here except to say that it is a must-visit, the point of my review is to explain a bit more whether it is possible to see the Small Fortress even without taking an organised guide tour. For full details of how to see Terezin without an organised tour, including how to get there, see my review on Terezin.When you first enter the Small Fortress, on the left there is a small gallery explaining the history of the fortress from when it was built by the Austrian empire till World War II - again all in English, and plenty to take in by yourself. There are free guided tours in English included in the price of the ticket lasting approximately 50 minutes, which provided all that one could want to know, with the additional opportunity of asking questions, so you don't need a private guide for this. Inside the Small Fortress is another museum explaining the history of the Fortress during World War II, and the Nazi uses of the fortress, again all in English.I spent about 1.5 hours here - would have been longer, but the second museum was closing!

ejit

So worth going to see. Our guide Pavel Batel was excellent. His knowledge made it so interesting as to what actually happened there.Should never have happened but as we all know it did and we should never forget that it did.So shocking to see cells that those poor souls had to share. I could weep when I think back to going there. Such barbarity and hatred for people who were not the same as them.

Margaretk012

we started our Terezin visit here buy the combined ticket and take the English speaking guide he is very good. Visiting in winter we had the place almost to ourselves and still needed a full day to explore, and understand the true horrors of persecution experienced here. Very moving but important to witness

Antalyaman

This shows the true horror of the way that people were treated just because of who they were. Visit the cells, the isolation cells, the showers with eight men to one cold shower, and the facilities just for propaganda. See where people faced the firing squads and the hangman's noose. See where the soldiers lived in luxury. Not a happy visit, but a necessary one.

unclegus

it is a very interesting place and can take quite a while to cover the area so give yourself plenty of time.

sophiebN1539VC

when you buy your tickets, make sure you ask when the guided tour starts- it's included in the ticket, and well worth the wait. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us so much insight. This is a really good place to learn about history and to hear testimonies of what it was like during the war.

Staufmann1

Small fortress is a gloomy place even during a beautiful day. When we talk about Terezin, this was the part of real horror. After long search through tripadvisor I found a few companies which offer private tours. I did bet on small company with a few truly dedicated guides before a famous and well commercialized ones. I couldn't do better! Terezin tour was "The experience" which I'll never forget. It made me realize something I sometimes forget. That I am a Jew and I always will be. Thank you again Pavel Batel!

AKlein777

Many people say that Terezin was not that bad as the camps in the east. Well everybody who says that missed narration of Pavel Batel or somebody who dedicated life to Terezin as him. Small fortress is very scary place!

isabel_obu

After watching the video in town, the short walk out to the fortress was an irreplaceable part of our trip to Terezin. Don't miss it.

289toc

Follow the guide for a good explanation of the history of the fortress and a detailed description of its use under the nazis. Many rooms are left just as they were used for the concentration camp , which gives an even more significant and horrific meaning to the place.The 50 crowns ticket to take pictures is really worth it!

740JaneS740

Cold frosty day, fog lingered making it an even more eerie experience. Guided tour very informative.

Gran7

This small fortress is so ri h in history. It has been there centuries and been used for many different regimes. Of corse we visited there for the concentration camp history but were intrigued by its longer history. The guides are friendly and well versed. It was a highlight of our day at Terezin!

PinkPanda1812

It's amazing what we do to each other as humankind. Make sure you take the tour which is given in many languages. It is included in the price of the tour. They will walk you through the whole process of being sent to this detention camp, from administration to execution. A very humbling and somber experience, but makes you think about how difficult it must have been to be a prisoner here. Wear comfortable shoes because there is a walk through tunnels. Restaurant there really only serve fast food, so eat before you go if you want a proper meal.

Ph0enixC

Worth the day trip from Prague. We drove here by ourselves but it might be a good idea to come here with a tour. The small fortress has guided tours in English (and other languages) and it's included in the ticket price. The tour is about one hour but give yourself time to take photos and also visit the other sites in the big fortress included on the ticket (ghetto museum etc). I enjoyed this and the ghetto museum the most.