50+30: From the end of WW2 to the 1989 democratic revolutions – Memorial walk in Košice

#5030Remember - Memorial Walk in Košice

On September 16, 2021, a group of young people gathered in Košice, led by our organization's mobility coordinator, Tomáš Nagy. Tomáš aimed to introduce participants to a part of Košice's history from the beginning of World War II to the present day, through various themes and stops at thematic buildings, which allowed the entire group to be transported back in time.

But let's start from the beginning:

The group of young people met at Námestie osloboditeľov (formerly known as Legionárske námestie, for example), where they learned interesting information about its past, as well as about both monuments located in its immediate vicinity.

We then continued towards Hlavná Street, where we had to push through crowds of people who came to see Peter Sagan and the ongoing race - Tour de Slovaquie.

The next stop was at the Dolná brána stage, where participants learned more about the 50+30 project, about the organization CoconutWork, our organization - Youthfully Yours SK, and of course, how the project would continue after the memorial walk.

After presenting the project and the organizations, we stopped in the park on Námestie slobody, where St. Elisabeth Cathedral and St. Michael's Chapel stand. Many people don't even know that an old cemetery was located there, and a chapel, which, along with Urban's Tower, served its purposes. As I mentioned, the theme of our meeting was World War II, focusing on the city of Košice. This theme is also connected with the Jewish inhabitants who were in Košice at that time, specifically around Palackého Street up to Južná trieda. Here too, the then-regime was very hostile towards Jews.

During this stop, we also recalled the more recent history of the Cathedral, its repairs, and its inscription as a national monument along with the entire historical center of Košice.

We must not forget the largest employer in the east - U.S.Steel, which also has an interesting history since its inception. At that time, it was still called VSŽ (Východoslovenské železiarne).

The last stop was between the State Theatre and the Fountain of Signs. There, participants could learn more about the Velvet Revolution. About the events in Košice, Bratislava, and Prague. We also discussed its impact on us and what era we have been living in since then.

The project 50+30: FROM THE END OF WW2 TO THE 1989 DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTIONS is financially supported by the Europe for Citizens program.