Tourist attractions in Katowice - Śląskie. Informacja Tur...

It is hard to enumerate all the interesting places and tourist attractions awaiting you in Katowice, as there are so many museums, sports centres, cinema and theatres. An unquestionable symbol of Katowice is 'Spodek', the saucer-shaped being home to Municipal Sports and Recreation Center. 'Spodek' is the sports arena built in 1962-1971. Nearby there is also located The International Congress Centre (Międzynarodowe Centrum Kongresowe), the new seat of National Symphonic Orchestra of the Polish Radio (NOSPR) and the Silesian Museum. In the Park Powstańców Śląskich (Park of Silesian Insurgents), near General Ziętek Rooundabout, there is one of the most recognizable Silesian monuments: the Statue of Silesian Insurgents by Gustaw Zemła and Wojciech Zabłocki, unveiled in 1967.

In the outskirts of Katowice there are two workers' estates at Giszowiec and Nikiszowiec. The Giszowiec estate was built in 1906-1910 for the workers of the Giesche mine, which had new shafts in 1903-1910. The estate for the workers of the Giesche mine, which had new shafts built in 1903-1910. The estate consists of one- or two-family houses with gardens, shingeld roofs and gravel roads. Giszowiec did not secure enough number of flats and a second estate was built at Nikoszowiec, consisting of three-floor blocks conected by characteristics passages and with internal roads. Giszowiec provided the location for Kazimierz Kutz's film 'Paciorki jednego różańca' (The Beads of One Rosary), the film story about a housing estate due to be demolished resembles the reality of Giszowiec in the 1970s, when there were plans to demolish the estate to build the modern skyscapers instead. When in Giszowiec visit Karczma Śląska (Silesian Inn), the Izba Śląska (Sielsian Chamber), the old beer bar 'Gwarek' (today the restaurant 'Pod Kasztanami', director's villa, pressure tower and the Forestry Inspectorate building.

A number of buildings were erected in Katowice in the inter-war period. These are today included in the Szlak Moderny (Modernism Trail). Among them there are the villas, tenments and the famous skyscarper at ul. Żwirki i Wigury. At the crossroads of ul. Skłodkwskiej-Curie and ul. Kopernika you will find the garrison church of St. Casimir Jagiellon, built in 1931, which was the first functionalist Catholic church in Poland. Due to its Modernist buildings Katowice gained the Polish Chicago label.

Date added: 24.11.2015

Objects on the trail

Silesian Museum

Katowice

The complex of buildings of the Silesian Museum, situated in the former Katowice coal mine, along with other institutions which are being built here will create the so-called Cultural District - the new centre of cultural life for the city. The coal mine "Katowice" operated from the third decade of the nineteenth century until the end of the last century. In total, about 120 million tons of coal were mined. Characteristic old buildings have remained of the mine, many of whom were built as early as the nineteenth century, and each individual building was given the features inspired by the Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Nikiszowiec Settlement

Katowice

The housing estate of Nikiszowiec together with nearby Giszowiec in Katowice is one of the most interesting examples of the workers’ colonies in Europe from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The both settlements designed at the request of the Georg von Giesche’s Erben Company by eminent architects from Berlin - Emil and Georg Zillmann. The construction of Nikiszowiec began in 1908 and ended in 1919. Nine brick blocks public buildings and even a church were built.

Giszowiec Settlement

Katowice

The housing estate of Giszowiec in Katowice is workers’ colony, which is unique in Europe. It was built in the years 1906-1910 for the workers of the industrial plants – mostly of the mine "Giesche" (later "Wieczorek") owned by the Georg von Giesche's Erben company. The colony was designed by Emil and Georg Zillmann, who implemented the idea of a city-garden. The blocks of apartments and public buildings have been preserved to this day.

The Museum of the History of Katowice

Katowice

The Museum of the History of Katowice was founded in 1983 as a continuation of the Social Museum of the History of Katowice and a branch of the Upper Silesian Museum. Currently, the museum is housed in an Art Nouveau building located in the city center street, at the Księdza Szafranka Street. The museum invites you to see two permanent exhibitions: one is devoted to the history of Katowice; the other presents recreated house interiors of the middle and upper classes. The Museum holds a collection of pastels by Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz - Witkacy.

Culture Zone in Katowice

Culture Zone in Katowice is located between Spodek arena and new buildings which are the seat of the International Congress Center (MCK), The National Orchestra of Polish Radio (NOSPR) and the Silesian Museum. The location of the Space of Culture adapted the area of former coal mine "Katowice". There you can find, according to a characteristics for Upper Silesia urban designs and motifs, amazing buildings. Tourist can admire a fantastic view from the green roof of the MCK, and Hoist tower of the former pit shaft, on which a panoramic lift is mounted (the Silesian Museum)

The Archcathedral of Christ the King in Katowice

Katowice

The Cathedral of Christ the King in Katowice was being built over nearly 30 years. The construction work started in 1927, and the ceremony of its consecration took place in 1955. The building was built in the Classicist style, with a monumental colonnade in front of the main entrance and a distinctive central dome. This dome is 64 meters tall and is lower than the one originally designed by 38 m. The church is the largest arch cathedral in Poland.

The 'Spodek' Sport and Show Arena

Katowice

The 'Spodek' Sport and Show Arena, a symbol of the city of Katowice, in the opening year 1971 was the largest and most modern sports and entertainment facility in Poland.

The Building of the Silesian Library in Katowice

Katowice

The distinctive, modern building of the Silesian Library in Katowice is located on the Rada Europy Square (The Council of Europe Square). It was built in the late twentieth century. The building was designed by Marek Gierlotki, Stanislaw Jarecki and Jurand Kwaśniewicz. The library dates back to the early 20s of the twentieth century, when the institution named the Silesian Library was created. Currently, the Silesian Library has of more than 2 million volumes in its collection.

The Edifice of the Silesian Parliament in Katowice

Katowice

In the interwar period, the Silesian Parliament (Sejm) was in the legislative authority of the autonomous Silesian voivodeship. In the years 1925-1929, a magnificent edifice was built in Katowice, which became the seat of both the Silesian Parliament and the Voivodeship Office. The building was the largest in Poland at that time. It- was built in the neo- Classicist style. The Parliament Hall became a model for the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, which was being constructed at the same time.

National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice (Polish National Radio Symphony)

Katowice

National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1935 in Warsaw. The team created Fitelberg Gregory, who led her to the outbreak of World War II. In March 1945, the orchestra was revived in Katowice. Now represents the country on the international art scene. The NOSPR seat pretend to become the most modern music facility in Poland and Europe.

Wilson Shaft Gallery

Katowice

"The largest private art gallery in Poland is situated in Janów, a district east of the city center of Katowice. It is located in the pithead building and the bathroom at the shaft ""Wilson"" in the Coal Mine ""Wieczorek"". The gallery boasts of an exhibition area of nearly 2500 square meters! Monica Paca and Johannes opened the gallery, by inviting a group of artists, musicians, actors and other artists, and lovers of contemporary art. The gallery is located on the Industrial Monuments Route of the Silesian voivodeship. "

The Goldstein Villa in Katowice

Katowice

The Goldstein Villa in Katowice, also known as the Palace of the Goldsteins, or the Palace of the Industrialists, is a neo-Renaissance building, located in the western part of downtown Katowice, on the corner of today’s Jan Matejko Street and Plac Wolności (Freedom Square - formerly Wilhelmsplatz). It was built by Abraham and Józef Goldstein in 1872. They were rich Jews who came from the area annexed by Russia, and who for some time ran businesses in Upper Silesia.

Kinoteatr "RIALTO"

Katowice

Kinateatru Rialto building was erected in 1912, and the movie itself started its activities in the next year.

The Silesian Theatre in Katowice

Katowice

The Wyspiański Silesian Theatre in Katowice is the largest drama stage in Upper Silesia. Its traditions date back to 1922, when in the capital of the new, autonomous Silesian voivodeship forming part of reborn Poland, a Polish theater was established. The theater building was erected in the eastern part of the Katowice market square in the years 1905-1907 for the German City Theatre. Architect Karl Moritz gave it the neo-Classicist style with elements of Modernism.

Hotel Monopol Katowice*****

Katowice

An exclusive hotel in the 1930’s style, once one of the most luxurious hotels in pre-war Poland

The Roundabout in Katowice

Katowice

The area around the General Józef Ziętek Roundabout in Katowice is one of the most recognizable places in the capital of Upper Silesia. Even today visitors are impressed by the bold shape of the Sport and Show Arena known as Spodek ("Saucer in Polish). On the opposite side of the roundabout there is the Monument of the Silesian Insurgents and close to it the bronze statue of General Ziętek. An unusual memento of the communist times is the so-called Super Unit. A more recent landmark is "Rondo Sztuki", a an art and cultural centre.

The Academy of Music in Katowice

Katowice

The Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice is the oldest Polish institution of higher education in Silesia. It is housed in several buildings in the city center, of which the neo-Gothic main building (the former building school) and the Centre for Contemporary Arts and Music Education "Symphony" distinguish themselves. Since 2002, the Museum of Silesian Organs has been operating in the Academy, featuring antique musical instruments, as well as archival documents related to them.

The Historic Cemetery at Francuska St in Katowice

Katowice

There are 23 cemeteries in Katowice. In many of them well known people are buried, and we can admire beautiful tombstones. But the most important necropolis of Katowice, the counterpart of Warsaw’s Powązki and Cracow’s Rakowice, is the cemetery of the parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary located at Francuska Street. The Avenue of Honor can be found here, including the graves of Wojciech Korfanty, Józef Rymer and General Józef Ziętek.

The Wooden Church of St Michael Archangel in Katowice

Katowice

The wooden church, still standing at the highest point Kosciuszko Park in Katowice Brynów, is a building erected in the early sixteenth century and moved to this place from Syrynia, a district of Rybnik in 1938. It is the oldest monument in Katowice. Next to the church, there is a seventeenth-century bell tower, which was moved here along with the shrine. The whole complex is surrounded by a stylish wooden fence with three gates. The church moved here at the initiative of the then mayor Adam Kocur - a future priest The property is located on the Silesian Wooden Architecture Trail of the Silesia province.

The Garrison Church of St Casimir in Katowice

Katowice

The church of Saint Casimir in Katowice was built between 1930 and 1933, as a garrison church serving the soldiers of the 23 Infantry Division of the Polish Army stationed in the city. The church was the first religious building in the country built in the style of simplified modernism, or functionalism. Its designers were Leon d'Arma Dietz and Jan Zarzycki. The interior is decorated in the Art Deco style.

The Tadeusz Kościuszko Park in Katowice

Katowice

The Tadeusz Kościuszko Park in Katowice is the largest municipal park in the capital of Upper Silesia. The beginnings of the garden areas to the south of the city center date back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was then named the South Park. In 1925, it changed its name to Tadeusz Kościuszko. Currently, the park occupies 72 hectares. We will encounter almost 100 species of trees and shrubs here, as well as historical artifacts - such as a parachute tower or a wooden church of Saint Michael the Archangel.

The Wujek Massacre Memorial and the Memorial Museum of the Coal Mine "Wujek" in Katowice

Katowice

Attempts to commemorate the victims of the communist crime of December 16, 1981 were taken immediately after the pacification of the mine, but all the symbols were instantly destroyed by the communist authorities. The monument was unveiled on December 15, 1991. It was designed by Alina and Andrzej Grzybowski. The monument consists of a 33-meter-tall cross and an urn with the soil from the graves of the nine miners. In the Memorial Museum we can see a documentary and an exhibition with a display illustrating the tragic events, accompanied by the sounds of tanks, helicopters and guns, which makes you feel the horror of the pacification.

The Evangelical Church of the Resurrection in Katowice

Katowice

The Evangelical Church of the Resurrection is the oldest stone church in Katowice. It was built in the years 1856-1858 – and it is the oldest building in the city. Later, it was expanded and restored many times. It is a neo-Romanesque shrine, also referring to the early Christian architecture. Inside the church it is worth noting the original pulpit, stained glass windows in the chancel and valuable organ.

The Educational House in Katowice

Katowice

The Educational House of the People's Libraries Society at Francuska Street in Katowice is one of the most spectacular examples of modernist architecture created in interwar Poland. The building was erected in the years 1929-1934, and the designers were Stanislaw Tabeński and Józef Rybicki. The edifice presents all the features of a modern building, recommended by the master modernists - French architect, Le Corbusier.

The "Altus" Skyscraper in Katowice

Katowice

Katowice is the second city (after Warsaw) in Poland which boasts the largest number of high-rise buildings. The tradition of such constructions in the capital of Upper Silesia dates back to the interwar period, when the first “skyscraper” in the country was erected in Katowice. Currently, the record high building is the skyscraper "Altus", which is 125 meters tall and has a total area of about 69 000 square meters.

The Old Grand Hotel in Katowice

Katowice

In 1984, the reactivated Silesian Museum in Katowice was moved into the impressive building of the former Grand Hotel at today’s 3 Korfanty Street. The construction of the building was financed by Max Wiener, an entrepreneur from Katowice in 1899. It was designed by Ignatz Gruenfeld or Gerd Zimmermann. The building is made of brick, giving it an elegant, neo-Renaissance form with decorative gables and projections.

The Puppet and Actor Theatre "Athenaeum"in Katowice

Katowice

The Puppet and Actor Theatre "Athenaeum", created in 1945, is one of the oldest institutions of this kind in Poland. The current theater repertoire is mainly addressed to children. It includes both the classic fairy tale and contemporary items. The performances combine in a way that differs from the staging schemes forms of puppet theater with live-action scene. The Athenaeum Gallery also operates at the theater.

The Archdiocese Museum in Katowice

Katowice

The Archdiocese Museum in Katowice is housed in the building of the Archbishop’s Curia at the Jordana Street, near the Archcathedral of Christ the King. It has been operating since 1975, but its origins date back to the interwar period. The most valuable part of the museum collections are monuments of religious art, but the institution also collects books, medals and memorabilia of the "Solidarity". Among the pictures displayed here are the works attributed to Raphael, Poussin or Zurbaran.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Katowice

Katowice

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is currently the oldest surviving Catholic church in the center of Katowice.The parish church of Saint Mary’s, was built in the years 1862-1870. This beautiful neo-Gothic church stands at the eastern end of Mariacka Street (originally Richard Holze Street) Inside, there are, among others, beautiful stained glass windows, designed by Adam Bunsch.

The Church of St Stephen in Katowice Bogucice

Katowice

The Church of Saint Stephen in Bogucice, a district of Katowice, was built in the 90s of the nineteenth century. The neo-Gothic brick building was designed by Paweł Jackisch, a famous architect from Bytom. It replaced an old wooden church. The fifteenth-century miraculous image of Our Lady of Bogucka is especially venerated in the church. The image was adorned with crowns consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Katowice

Katowice

The church of Saints Peter and Paul in Katowice was built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, as the seat of the second Roman Catholic parish in the city. The designer of the church was Joseph Ebers, a building advisor to the diocese from Wrocław. The neo-Gothic church is made of brick, on a Latin cross plan. Interestingly, in the years 1925-1957, it served as the cathedral church of the diocese of Katowice

The Old Railway Station in Katowice

Katowice

The building of the old train station in Katowice was erected at the beginning of the twentieth century, and for many years it was one of the flagships of Upper Silesia. In the course of time, the railroad station was becoming less and less sufficient for the needs of the growing passenger traffic. This situation resulted in the several extensions of the building by adding upper floors, and after the Second World War, it was decided to build a new facility, which was opened in 1972. Currently, the old train station building belongs to a private company.

The Jewish Cemetery in Katowice

Katowice

Since its beginnings in 1865, the history of the industrial city of Katowice was inextricably linked to the presence of Jews. At that time, the Jewish community gained great importance, both in the economic and in social life. In 1868, the young Jewish community founded its cemetery at Kozielska Street. There are 1,500 graves preserved to this day, among them the beautiful tombs of the distinguished Jewish families of the Gruenfeldsów, Goldsteins, Panofskys, and many others.

The Church of St Hedwig in Katowice Szopienice

Katowice

The Church of Saint Hedwig in Katowice Szopienice was built in the 80s of the nineteenth century. It replaced an older and smaller shrine, which had served the faith only for 20 years. Earlier, the residents of Szopienice and of neighboring Roździeń used the parish church in Mysłowice. The new parish church is a neo-Gothic building. The monument was The nearby Chapel of Gethsemane is also registered as a monument. It was erected at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Skyscraper at Żwirki and Wigury St in Katowice

Katowice

In 1934, the construction of the building housing the Tax Office was completed in Katowice. The building was a sensation on a European scale, Not only was this "skyscraper" tall, but it was also the tallest 17-storey building in Poland and one of the tallest in Europe. It was erected in the then revolutionary construction of steel frame technology. The architectural design was prepared by Tadeusz Kozlowski, and the steel construction was designed professor Stefan Bryła.

The Evangelical Church in Katowice Szopienice

Katowice

Szopienice, which is now part of Katowice, is an old village, already mentioned in 1360, and probably founded at the end of the thirteenth century. It was destroyed in 1430, during the Hussite wars. The village was abandoned for almost for a half century. In the middle of the sixteenth century, the neighboring village of Roździen became a Protestant center, with its own chapel. After several centuries, the village was absorbed by Szopienice. The present church was built in the Gothic style at the turn of the nineteenth and early twentieth century.

The Historic Buildings at Mickiewicza St in Katowice

Katowice

The Mickiewicz Street in Katowice is one of the showpiece streets of the capital of Upper Silesia. Its "career" began in the second half of the nineteenth century, as the Nadbrzeżna Street, and later was called the Augusta Schneider Street. We can find a lot of interesting historical buildings from the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, such as the neo-Gothic edifice of the Adam Mickiewicz III secondary school, Art Nouveau and Modernist buildings, and modern skyscrapers.

The Church of St Joseph in Katowice Załęże

Katowice

The church of Saint Joseph in Katowice is located a few kilometers from the city center, in the district of Załęże. This impressive, neo-Gothic church was designed by famous architect Ludwik Schneider. The building was erected between 1898 and 1900, but an independent parish was separated two years earlier. The residents of Załęże, shocked by the catastrophe in the mine "Kleofas" in 1896, dedicated to Saint Joseph, the patron of good death.

The Town Hall in Katowice Dąbrówka Mała

Katowice

The town hall in Dąbrówka Mała, the northernmost district of Katowice, was built in 1907, when this industrial settlement was an autonomous commune. Communal authorities operated in it until 1951, when Dąbrówka Mała was incorpotared into Szopienice. The building was built of brick, in the Eclectic style. The most characteristic feature of the town hall is the centrally located tower with a dome and a decorated pediment with volute slopes.

The Church St Anthony of Padua in Katowice Dąbrówka Mała

Katowice

The church Saint Anthony of Padua in Katowice Dąbrówka Mała was built at the beginning of the last century. The church was built at the initiative of Ludwik Skowronek, parson of the parish in Bogucice. The building was designed by architects Meyers and Fischer from Wroclaw. The design is a plagiarism of Johann Klomp’s work, an architect of Dortmund. The church is a three-nave basilica with a distinctive tower, crowned with a bulbous dome and eclectic interior designs.

The Franciscan Monastery in Katowice Panewniki

Katowice

In Panewniki, a south-western district of Katowice, on can find a historic Franciscan monastery, which is visited especially by numerous people at Christmas time, because of the Europe's largest altar Christmas crib. The Basilica of Saint Louis the King and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the monastery buildings were built in the neo-Romanesque style in the early twentieth century. Noteworthy are also the Lourdes Grotto, the Panewniki Calvary and a church graveyard.

The Historic Buildings of the Old Zinc Foundry in Katowice Szopienice

Katowice

To the east of the district of Szopienice, in the city center of Katowice, there are meager remnants of the once powerful Uthemann zinc smelter. This plant was already put into operation in the 1830s. In the first decades of the next century, it was expanded. Of the once monumental facilities the characteristic building housing management offices with a clock tower and a water tower has been preserved. Near the old smelter we can also see a zinc rolling mill hall with some old equipment.

The Reserve "Las Murckowski" (“Murckowski Forest”) in Katowice

Katowice

The Reserve "Las Murckowski" (“Murckowski Forest”) lies in Murcki, a district in the south of Katowice. The reserve consists of two parts separated by the motorway, which links Katowice and Bielsko-Biała. The reserve protects a forest community similar to the natural woodland, which once formed the Silesian Forest. It is the main habitat of lowland beechwood with monumental specimens of beech trees and oaks, which are up to 150 year old.

The Valley of Three Ponds in Katowice

The Valley of Three Ponds occupies over 60 hectares of green spaces located in the downtown district of Katowice - Muchowiec. They attract inhabitants of Katowice offering large bodies of water with partially landscaped banks. Here, we can find, among others, a harbor, a bathing beach or Cycling and roller skating trails. The Valley also often hosts large musical events.

The Nature Reserve "Ochojec" in Katowice

Katowice

The Reserve "Ochojec" lies within the boundaries of Katowice, in the south of the city, in the district Piotrowice-Ochojec. It is part of the Murckowski Forest - a large forest complex, whose parts have been preserved in a state close to natural. The Reserve "Ochojec" belongs to floral reserves. Above all, it protects the most abundant (apart from European mountains) the community of clasping twistedstalk. We can find numerous other protected species of plants and animals in this reserve.

The Educational Forest Chamber in Katowice Panewniki

Katowice

For years, the Katowice Forestry Management has been involved in environmental education and tourism. One of the most interesting projects is the Educational Forest Chamber established in the seat of the Forestry Management in Katowice Panewniki. There you can learn about the species of animals living in the forests of Silesia, and how to distinguish between trees and shrubs, touch animal skins, and visit a reconstructed former forester's office.

The Silesia City Center in Katowice

Katowice

Silesia City Center in Katowice is one of the largest in Silesia - a shopping, service and entertainment centres located west of the city centre, adjacent to the green spaces of the Silesian Park. The center was built on the site of the former coal mine "Eminencja" (later "Gottwald"). Therefore, millions of customers can admire a winding tower and brick buildings of the machine and boiler stations.

The Polish Stage Design Center in Katowice

Katowice

The Polish Stage Design Center in Katowice is a unique institution in the whole country. It is also a department of the Silesian Museum. It brings together the most important works of Polish theater and film designers or extra-drama activities. It intends to expand the collection of works of artists associated with TV theater and animation film. The centre was established in 1991.

The Krystyna Bochenek Cultural Center of Katowice

Katowice

The Krystyna Bochenek Cultural Center of Katowice is one of the most important cultural institutions on the map of Upper Silesia. The center arranges exhibitions and conducts educational activities, organizing festivals and concerts. The Korez Theater, the Centre of Polish Stage Art and music clubs operate in the building. It was built in the 1970s as the Educational and Ideological Center for Workers’ Cadre.

The Cemetery at Sienkiewicza St in Katowice

Katowice

The cemetery located at present Sienkiewicza Street in Katowice was set up for the newly established Roman Catholic parish of Saints Peter and Paul at the beginning of the last century. Over time, the cemetery has become one of the main graveyards of the city, where people especially meritorious for Silesia and Polish have been buried, among them, Stanisław Ligoń, Zbigniew Cybulski, Alfred Szklarski and Henryk Mikołaj Górecki. There are a lot of interesting gravestones and a Modernist cemetery chapel in the graveyard.

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