Olkusz

Olkusz [ˈɔlkuʂ] (Yiddish: עלקיש Elkish, German: 1941-45 Ilkenau) is a town in southern Poland with 36,607 inhabitants (2014).

The origin of the name Olkusz is cited as the ancient Phoenician (Canaanite Hebrew) "Elkhuds" meaning "to chisel".

A first written historical document from the year 1299 refers to the city of Olkusz, although it was granted town rights earlier.

Francesco Nullo, hero of the fights for Italian and Polish independence died in the Battle of Krzykawka nearby, and then was buried at the cemetery in Olkusz.

During the joint German-Soviet invasion of Poland, which started World War II in September 1939, the town was invaded by Germany.

The German terror campaign against the local population was aimed at the planned Germanisation of the town and the region.

Early 20th-century view of the Rynek (Market Square)
The Bloody Wednesday Olkusz 1940. German soldier guarding prone men of Olkusz on 31 July. The picture has been described as "known to everyone in Olkusz". [ 3 ] : 212
Defensive walls
Memorial to Italian volunteers who fought for Polish independence in the January Uprising of 1863