Ležáky, Memorial site in Dachov, Czech Republic
Ležáky is a memorial for a former village in Dachov, Czech Republic, that was completely destroyed during the Second World War. The grounds show stone crosses at the spots where houses once stood, a granite monument, and the remains of an old stone footbridge.
Occupying forces shot the residents and destroyed all buildings in June 1942 after members of a resistance group had found shelter here. The site was transformed into a memorial after the war to remember these events.
The name comes from an old word for a resting place or camp that travelers once used in this area. Visitors today see a quiet site marked by simple stone crosses bearing only surnames, while a book preserves the personal stories of those lost.
The memorial is open daily and visitors can walk freely around the outdoor area, with guided tours providing extra background. The site lies in a rural setting, so sturdy shoes help on the paths between the memorial stones.
Only a handful of children survived the destruction of the settlement, including two sisters who later grew up in German families and were meant to forget their origin. After the war they returned home and shared their experiences.
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