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Katowice

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Katowice Travel Guide

Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Katowice is a city located in the large Polish industrial area of ​​Silesia. It was the large amounts of coal in the Silesian mountains that initially made Katowice a larger village when, after the Silesian War, it became Prussian in 1742. From the beginning of the 19th century, Katowice and this part of Silesia were industrialized with mining, steelworks, workshops and factories, and Katowice grew rapidly due to the industry and inflow of workers for the plants.

In the 1900s, Katowice became Polish again, and Polish soldiers arrived in the city on May 3, 1921. The local parliament was seated in Katowice, which thereby became the capital of the region. Germany annexed Katowice in 1939, and the city was under German control until liberation on January 27, 1945. Eight years later, for a period of three years, Katowice was renamed Stalinogród, the name was a tribute to the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

On a visit to Katowice today, you can see quite a few examples of the architecture that gave Katowice the nickname Little Paris in the decades around 1900. There was a lot of construction from the middle of the 19th century, and the inspiration came not least from the Renaissance, the baroque and from the contemporary art nouveau. Architecturally, you should also go to the district of Nikiszowiec with its characteristic red stone buildings.

If you want to walk the city center, the Rynek market square is a great place to start. It is mainly surrounded by modern buildings from the 20th century like the Silesian Theatre, which was built as a German theater in the years 1905-1907. The main streets of Katowice cross the Rynek, and a little to the south stands the impressive Christ the King Cathedral from the mid-1900s.

Top Attractions

Market Square
Rynek

The Rynek in Katowice is the city’s central square and has served as an administrative and commercial center since the city’s development in the second half of the 19th century. The area was originally a traffic hub for trade between the surrounding mining and industrial towns, and the first proper square was built in the 1870s, shortly after Katowice was granted city status in 1865. The square was quickly surrounded by representative buildings such as hotels, banks and municipal institutions, which emphasized Katowice’s growing status as an industrial city and administrative center in Upper Silesia.

The architecture around the Rynek is characterized by the city’s rapid growth in the period 1870-1930. On the north side was formerly the old town hall, which was later converted into a library, while on the other sides buildings were built in historicist and art nouveau styles. In the interwar period, modernist buildings were added, including high-rise buildings and office complexes, which changed the proportions of the square. In the 1960s and 1970s, several of the older buildings were demolished to make way for new traffic arteries, which significantly changed the entire city center.

In recent decades, the Rynek has been extensively rebuilt. From 2011 to 2015, the square was transformed into a modern urban space with light rail tracks, wide sidewalks and recreational areas. Instead of an enclosed square, the area now functions as a combination of square, park and traffic hub. Several of the historic buildings surrounding the square have been restored, while newer buildings add a mix of commercial and cultural activity. Today, the Rynek serves as the city’s most central meeting place and is an excellent starting point for trips to the city’s pedestrian streets, shopping areas and various attractions.

 

The Silesian Theater
Teatr Śląski

Teatr Śląski is one of Katowice’s oldest and most significant cultural institutions. The building was built in 1905-1907, when Katowice was still part of Germany, and it opened under the name Stadttheater. The architect was Carl Moritz from Cologne, who designed several large theaters in the then Empire. The theater was originally intended as a center for classical drama, and its location on the city’s central square, the then Marktplatz and current Rynek, emphasized its role as a cultural powerhouse in the rapidly growing industrial city. The first performance took place in September 1907, and in the following years the German repertoire became dominant until the city was incorporated into Poland after the referendum and the Silesian Uprisings in 1922, when the theater was taken over by Polish authorities.

Architecturally, the building was built in a mix of neoclassicism and early modernism. The facade is built around a high portico with columns, and the gable is equipped with classical decorations and ornaments. The building has three audience levels and a large horseshoe-shaped hall, which originally had space for about 800 spectators. The interior was equipped with richly decorated ceilings, stucco work and a large chandelier in the middle of the hall. The stage design was considered modern at the time, and the house housed a large orchestra pit, which made it possible to perform both drama and musical performances. The large main stage is now supplemented by smaller stages, which provide space for experimental and modern productions.

After changing its name to Teatr Polski in 1922 and later to Teatr Śląski in 1936, the building became a center of Polish drama and culture in the region. During World War II, the theater was again used by German authorities, but after the war it was recreated as the leading drama theater in Upper Silesia. The theater has had some of Poland’s most renowned actors on its stage over the years and still functions today as a central cultural institution. In addition to classical and modern drama, the house also presents productions with a regional focus, where Silesian history and identity play a role.

 

Cathedral of Christ the King
Archikatedra Chrystusa Króla

Archikatedra Chrystusa Króla is the cathedral of Katowice and one of the largest church buildings in Poland. The plans for its construction were put forward shortly after Katowice was granted the status of a diocese in 1925, and it was necessary to create a cathedral that could match the city’s growing importance as a regional center. The foundation stone was laid in 1927, and the work was led by architects Zygmunt Gawlik and Franciszek Mączyński. Construction lasted almost three decades, as the economic crisis of the 1930s, World War II, and post-war political changes put the work on hold. The church was consecrated only in 1955, and from the very beginning it became the center of Catholic life in industrialized Upper Silesia.

The building is an example of monumental classicism combined with modern construction methods. It was built of dolomite stone brought from Imielin near Katowice, which gives the facade its characteristic light color. The large dome was originally planned to reach a height of 102 meters, but in the 1950s the project was changed due to demands from the communist authorities, and the dome ended up at 64 meters. The facade facing Aleja Pius XI is dominated by a wide staircase, a row of tall columns and a Latin inscription, which emphasizes the religious purpose of the church. Inside, the cathedral is designed with a beautiful, elegant and simple interior.

Historically, the cathedral has been the center of important religious and national events. In 1983, for example, Pope John Paul II visited the church during his second visit to Poland, which emphasized its status as one of the country’s most important Catholic centers. There is also a crypt under the church, which contains the tombs of several bishops from Katowice.

 

Silesian Parliament
Sejm Śląski

Sejm Śląski houses the Silesian Parliament, and is a monumental building located on ulica Jagiellońska in Katowice. It was built between 1925 and 1929, after the Upper Silesia region became part of Poland in 1922. The building was to house the special regional legislative assembly, which was established to give the region a certain autonomy within the Polish state. It was one of the most extensive construction projects in Poland in the interwar period and symbolized Katowice’s role as the new administrative center of the Polish part of Silesia.

The building was designed by architects Ludwik Wojtyczko and Kazimierz Wyczyński. It was built in a monumental neoclassical style with long, symmetrical facades, colonnades, and a distinctive portico at the main entrance. The building has several inner courtyards, grand staircases, and representative halls, which emphasize its function as a center of power. The materials are characterized by solid stone and concrete, and inside, the walls and ceilings were decorated with works of art and paintings that emphasized the Polish state power.

After World War II, the building changed its function when the regional self-government assembly was dissolved. The building was then used by the communist authorities and today houses the regional offices. The original parliament hall still exists, and the building stands as an important testimony to the Polish statehood in the interwar period and Katowice’s status as the political center of Silesia.

 

Silesian Philharmonic
Filharmonia Śląska

Filharmonia Śląska or Silesian Philharmonic was founded in 1907 and is located in the center of Katowice on Aleja Wojciecha Korfantego. The building was originally built as a Konzerthaus, while the city was still part of German Upper Silesia, and its purpose was to house orchestras, choirs and high-standard cultural events. After 1922, when Katowice became Polish, the building was transformed into the current Philharmonic, and it has since served as the region’s main concert institution.

The architecture is characterized by neoclassical features with symmetrical facades, columns at the main entrance and decorative cornices. The building houses several concert halls, the main hall of which can accommodate around 700 spectators and is equipped with a large stage and acoustic solutions that ensure optimal sound. The interior was equipped with artistic elements from the beginning, such as paintings, sculptures and decorative ceilings.

Historically, the Filharmonia Śląska has played a central role in both the culture and identity of Katowice. During World War II, many instruments and decorations were damaged, but the building survived without major structural damage. After the war, the Philharmonic was restored, and the orchestra played a significant role in the reconstruction of the region’s musical life.

 

Monopol Hotel

The Monopol Hotel was built in 1903-1904 as one of Katowice’s first luxury hotels. At that time, the city was experiencing strong growth as the administrative and commercial center of the German part of Silesia, and the hotel was centrally located on Dyrekcyjna Street, close to the railway station and the city’s business district. The hotel was originally intended as an exclusive place for businessmen, industrialists and artists, and it quickly became a cultural gathering point in the city.

The building was designed in a historicist style with elements of Art Nouveau, which is particularly evident in the decorative details of the facade and the design of the windows. The original interior contained large halls, a restaurant, a ballroom, a library room and a covered courtyard. The interior was characterized by materials such as wood panels, marble and brass, and many of the original details have been preserved through subsequent restorations.

The Monopol Hotel has been visited by a large number of famous people over the years. In the interwar period of the 20th century, many Polish artists and politicians used the place as a meeting place. During World War II, the hotel was seized by the German occupying forces, but after the war it returned to hotel operation. After a major restoration in the early 2000s, the hotel once again appears as one of the city’s most exclusive.

 

Nikiszowiec

Nikiszowiec is a historic residential district in eastern Katowice, which was built between 1908 and 1918 as a working-class district for miners at the Giesche mine. The district was planned by the brothers Emil and Georg Zillmann, two architects from Charlottenburg near Berlin who specialized in industrial architecture and workers’ housing. Nikiszowiec was part of a comprehensive strategy in which mine owners built entire housing complexes for workers and their families to ensure a stable workforce. The area initially consisted of around 1,000 apartments, intended for more than 8,000 residents, making it one of the largest planned workers’ settlements in the region.

Architecturally, Nikiszowiec is characterized by three-story red brick buildings, grouped together in large blocks with inner courtyards. The construction was carried out in a homogeneous style, with window frames, portals and arches in darker brick marking the facades. The neighborhood was built as a self-sufficient unit with schools, shops, a post office and a central square, where the parish church Kościół św. Anny was built in 1914-1927 as the religious center of the neighborhood. The architecture differs from many other contemporary workers’ neighborhoods in Upper Silesia by its rigorous overall plan and high building quality, which makes Nikiszowiec a unique cultural environment.

Historically, the neighborhood was closely linked to the development of the mining industry. During the Silesian Uprisings of the early 1920s, Nikiszowiec was a centre of workers’ mobilisation, and later during World War II the area was severely affected by forced labour and exploitation. In the post-war period, many buildings fell into disrepair, but in the 1970s a cultural-historical interest in Nikiszowiec began, and in 1978 the neighbourhood was officially recognised as a cultural heritage site. Today, Nikiszowiec is a protected urban environment, attracting tourists, artists and film productions, and it functions both as a residential area and as a living example of early 20th-century urban planning for industrial workers.

 

St. Mary’s Church
Kościół Mariacki

Kościół Mariacki, officially known as Kościół Marii Panny, is a neo-Gothic church located in the center of Katowice on Mariacka Street. The church was built in the years 1862-1870 as one of the first large Catholic churches in the city, which at that time was growing rapidly due to industrialization. The initiative came from the Catholic residents of Katowice, and the construction was financed through contributions from both private citizens and industrial companies. The construction of the church marked the development of Katowice from a small village to a proper city with religious and administrative institutions.

The building was designed in the neo-Gothic style by the architect Alexis Langer, who was one of the most significant church architects in Silesia in the second half of the 19th century. The facade was built in red brick with decorative details in sandstone, and the distinctive spire rises 71 meters, making the church visible from large parts of the city center. The church is designed as a three-nave basilica with a high nave, flanked by lower aisles and chapels. The windows are decorated with stained glass, and the interior contains a high altar and several side altars with figures and paintings.

During World War II, many of the church’s treasures were confiscated, but the building survived without major damage. In the post-war period, the church was restored, and today it functions as a parish church with an active congregation. The street in front of the church, ulica Mariacka, is today one of the city’s liveliest areas with cafes and restaurants, which emphasizes the church’s position as a central landmark in this part of Katowice’s cityscape.

 

Church of the Resurrection of Jesus
Kościół Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego

Kościół Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego is an evangelical church built in 1856-1858, making it the oldest church in Katowice. It was built on the initiative of the growing Protestant congregation, which consisted of many German civil servants, engineers and industrialists who moved to the area in line with industrialization. The church was consecrated in 1858 and marked the establishment of a permanent Evangelical congregation in the young industrial city.

Architecturally, the church was designed in the neo-Gothic style by the architect Richard Lucae, who later became known for larger projects in Berlin. The building was built of brick with high, pointed windows that emphasize the Gothic inspiration. The tower, which rises 43 meters into the air, is placed asymmetrically on the facade of the church, which gives the building a characteristic look. Inside, the church is designed as a simple hall, where the pulpit and organ dominate the space. This is completely in accordance with the Protestant tradition, where preaching and music play a central role.

The church has played an important role in the history of Katowice, as it served for periods as a gathering point for the German population in the area. After the Polish takeover of Katowice in 1922, the congregation continued its activities, but the number of members decreased after World War II, when many German residents left the region. The building was preserved, however, and it continues to serve as the church of the Evangelical-Augsburg congregation in Katowice. It stands today as one of the most important architectural monuments of the early development of the city.

 

Archangel Michael Church
Kościół św. Michała Archanioła

Kościół św. Michała Archanioła is the oldest preserved wooden building in Katowice and one of the few remaining historic wooden churches in the region. The church was originally built in 1510 in the village of Syrynia near Wodzisław Śląski. In 1938, it was moved to Katowice and rebuilt in Park Kościuszko as part of a conscious effort to preserve traditional Silesian wooden architecture. It was placed in a green area to create a historical contrast to the modern industrial city, which is otherwise dominated by brick and concrete buildings.

Architecturally, the church was built in the Gothic style entirely of wood without the use of nails, which is typical of the wooden churches of the region. The building consists of a nave, a choir and a tower with a pointed roof, which were added later than the original construction. The interior is simple, with a small high altar and decorations in the folk art tradition. Historically, the church has survived several reconstructions and the move to Katowice without losing its authenticity. Today, it is both an ecclesiastical and cultural-historical monument, providing insight into the architecture and construction methods that were widespread in small Silesian villages in the Middle Ages and in the early modern period.

 

Skyscraper
Drapacz Chmur

Drapacz Chmur, literally meaning the skyscraper, is one of Poland’s first high-rise buildings and a striking example of modernist architecture in Katowice. The building was built in 1929-1934 as a residential complex for civil servants and employees of the Polish state. The project was led by architects Tadeusz Kozłowski and Stefan Bryła, the latter a pioneer in reinforced concrete structures. Upon completion, Drapacz Chmur, with its 14 floors and 60 meters, was the second tallest building in Poland.

The building was a pioneering example of modernist architecture and functionalist design. The construction was made of reinforced concrete with a modular structure, which made it possible to erect a building to an unprecedented height for the period. The facade was kept in a strict geometric form, and the upper floors contained modern apartments with balconies, central heating, built-in wardrobes and elevator access, which was very advanced in 1930s Poland.

Historically, Drapacz Chmur acquired great symbolic significance as a sign of Katowice’s status as the modern administrative capital of the Polish part of Silesia. During World War II, the building was seized by the German authorities, and in the post-war period it continued to be one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Although many newer high-rise buildings have since been built, Drapacz Chmur still stands as an icon of the architectural ambitions of the interwar period and is today a listed cultural monument.

 

Railway Station
Stacja Kolejowa

Stacja Kolejowa Katowice is the main railway station of Katowice. It was first opened in 1847 as part of the railway connection between Mysłowice and Wrocław. The first station was a small building that quickly became too small for the growing traffic created by industrialization. Already in 1859, a new and larger station was inaugurated, and over the next decades it was expanded several times as Katowice developed into an important transport hub in Silesia.

In the 1950s, it was decided to build a completely new station that would match the city’s status as a regional center. The new station was built in 1959-1972 according to designs by architect Wacław Kłyszewski and his team. The building is one of the most striking examples of brutalist architecture in Poland. It is characterized by a series of characteristic concrete structures shaped like inverted cones that support the roof over the platform hall. These shells were made of prestressed concrete and represented the most advanced construction technology in the country at the time.

The station was renovated and modernized between 2010 and 2012. During this thorough reconstruction, the historical concrete structures were preserved and integrated into a new complex that combines station functions with shopping mall and office space. Today, Katowice Main Station is one of the largest transport hubs in southern Poland, serving as a railway station, regional transport center and architectural landmark.

 

The Old Railway Station
Stary dworzec kolejowy

The Old Railway Station in Katowice is the city’s old main railway station, built in 1859 to replace the first smaller station from 1847. The station was designed to handle the rapidly growing traffic between Mysłowice and the rest of Silesia, as the railway was of great importance for the transport of coal, steel and industrial materials. The original building was built in the classicist style with symmetrical facades, high windows and a central entrance with steps, and it quickly became a hub for both passengers and freight.

The architecture is characteristic of mid-19th-century station buildings in Central Europe. The facade was built in red brick combined with decorative sandstone details, and the roof structure consists of a combination of pointed gables and low-sloping roofs with copper cladding. The station originally had two covered platforms, dispatch rooms, waiting rooms and baggage facilities, making it a modern and functional building for its time.

Historically, the Old Railway Station played a central role in Katowice’s development as an industrial and commercial city. The station enabled the efficient transport of coal and steel from the region to the rest of Poland and to export ports, which contributed to the city’s economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the construction and opening of the modern main railway station in 1972, the building lost its original function, but it still stands as an important cultural-historical monument and testimony to Katowice’s early industrial and transport importance.

 

Spodek Arena

The Spodek Arena is perhaps Katowice’s most famous building and one of the most iconic architectural works in post-war Poland. Construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1971. The project was developed by architects Maciej Gintowt and Maciej Krasiński together with designer Wacław Zalewski. At the time of construction, the construction was technically groundbreaking, as the dome shape of the arena was supported by an innovative system of steel cables, which made it possible to create a freely suspended roof surface without central columns.

The arena is circular with a diameter of 126 meters and a dome that rises 32 meters. It can accommodate up to 11,500 spectators at sporting events and around 13,000 for concerts. The exterior shape of the building resembles a flying saucer, which is why it was named Spodek, which means saucer in Polish. Inside, the building is flexibly designed to accommodate sports, concerts, trade fairs and congresses. The complex also includes a small gym, hotel and conference facilities.

 

The Super Unit
Superjednostka

Superjednostka is a large residential complex built in the 1960s as part of the modernisation of Katowice’s city centre. The building was designed by architect Mieczysław Król and completed in 1972. It was constructed according to ideas inspired by Le Corbusier’s vision of modular apartment blocks, where a large number of people could live in a simple and efficient structure. The name Superjednostka refers to the building’s role as one of the largest housing projects in post-war Poland.

The building is 187 metres long, 51 metres high and has 15 floors. It contains over 760 apartments, distributed in a modular system, with each apartment built to standardised dimensions. Architecturally, the building is characterized by a brutalist style with a strict, functionalist facade dominated by concrete and simple window bands. Inside, there are long corridors and apartments, originally equipped with common facilities to make everyday life easier for residents.

Superjednostka was built at a time when Katowice was undergoing intense urbanization, and it was intended to serve as a model for future housing construction in Poland. However, the project was never repeated on the same scale, as experience showed that the building was difficult to maintain and that the social dimension did not work as planned. Nevertheless, it stands today as one of the most striking examples of large-scale construction during the communist era and has become part of the city’s architectural identity.

 

Parachute Tower
Wieża spadochronowa

Wieża spadochronowa or Parachute Tower in Park Kościuszko was built in 1937 as a training tower for parachutists. The tower was 50 meters high and the first of its kind in Poland. It was used for both military training and recreational sports, where paratroopers and civilians could practice jumping under controlled conditions. The construction of the tower was closely linked to the Polish state’s efforts to strengthen the country’s military readiness in the interwar period.

The tower gained particular importance at the beginning of World War II. In September 1939, it was used by a group of scouts and volunteers from Katowice to defend the city against the advancing German troops. The battles around the tower quickly became legendary, and although the defense only lasted a short time, the Wieża spadochronowa became a symbol of the resistance. The original tower was destroyed during the war, but it was rebuilt in a lower version in the post-war period and today serves as a memorial.

Today, the tower stands as one of the most important monuments in Park Kościuszko, and it is an element of Katowice’s historical narrative. No longer used for parachute training, it serves as a symbol of both the city’s military traditions and the civilian resistance of 1939. Every year, ceremonies are held at the tower to commemorate the young people who took part in the fighting, and it has become a landmark that connects Katowice’s modern city life with its dramatic past.

 

Silesian Museum
Muzeum Śląskie

Muzeum Śląskie is a museum located in Katowice’s former coal mines. It was established between 1929 and 1935 as a regional museum focusing on the history, art and industry of Silesia. The building was designed by architect Wojciech Zabłocki and is built on the site of a disused mine, making it one of the early examples of industrial architecture converted into a cultural function. The aim of the museum was to document and preserve the region’s industrial development, folk traditions and cultural heritage, which made the location relevant.

The museum building consists of several interconnected halls, with the main hall initially used for permanent exhibitions of archaeological finds, historical objects and regional works of art. The museum was later expanded with special exhibition halls, administrative buildings and research facilities, making it one of the most comprehensive museum complexes in Poland.

Historically, Muzeum Śląskie has played a central role in documenting the history of Upper Silesia. During World War II, many of the museum’s collections were confiscated, but most were returned after 1945. In the following decades, the museum underwent several modernizations, and in 2015 it was moved to a new, partially underground complex on the former mining site, where old mining buildings are integrated into the modern museum structure.

 

Valley of the Three Lakes
Dolina Trzech Stawów

Dolina Trzech Stawów is a large recreational area in the south-eastern part of Katowice. It was established in the 1970s on a former industrial area with landfill and small mines. The area was planned as a combination of a park, sports facilities and water reservoirs, giving residents access to green spaces in the middle of a highly industrialized city. The three lakes were created artificially, and the area quickly became a popular place for both exercise, leisure and recreational events.

Architecturally and in terms of landscape planning, the area is divided into zones with paths, bridges, trees and sports facilities. The area includes cycling and running paths, small cafes and public recreational facilities. The shores of the lakes are designed with sloping slopes and small piers for fishing and sailing, and several small bridges and footpaths connect the three water bodies. Historically, Dolina Trzech Stawów is an example of post-war urban planning, where green spaces were integrated into industrial urban environments.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

Krakow, Poland

Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful and charming city, which is Poland’s former royal capital and one of the country’s cultural strongholds. The city has cozy streets and squares that belong to the most charming of any European city. You will find an abundance of beautiful buildings and fine churches and much more.

The old royal and cultural center was the castle Wawel, where the rulers were forward thinking as one of the major cities in the country and region with, for example, one of Central Europe’s oldest universities. Krakow’s large and beautiful market square is another of the many places to visit while in the city.

More about Krakow

 

Czestochowa, Poland

Częstochowa

Częstochowa is a city in southern Poland, located on the Warta River. It is an old town that dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have obtained status as a city in 1356. The town prospered in the 14th century, and the decades around the year 1500 was a booming time as well, since Częstochowa was allowed to charge money to cross the site’s bridge over the Warta. Later, industrialization contributed to great growth in the city.

The town plan of Częstochowa is characterized by the large square, Plac Władysława Biegańskiego, where the town hall and the city museum are located. From here, the wide and long street Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny goes both east and west, and it forms the central axis of the city. Near the eastern end of the street is Częstochowa’s old market square, the Rynek, and the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral. To the west, the Jasna Góra Monastery.

More about Częstochowa

 

Ostrava

Ostrava is a city on the river Oder. It is the third largest city in the Czech Republic and is located at the point where the smaller Ostravice River flows into the Oder River. Ostrava was founded in 1267, and it developed easily with the city’s strategically good location on the border between Moravia and Silesia. Later, Ostrava became the center of an extensive coal mining and metal industry, which lasted until the end of the 20th century.

Today, Ostrava is a beautiful and cozy city with an old quarter that is suitable for good walks and sights within close distance to each other. The square Masarykovo náměstí is the center of the city, and on the square, you can see a plague column erected in 1702 and the city’s old town hall, now set up as the Ostrava Museum. At the museum, you can learn more about Ostrava’s history through pictures, documents, archaeological finds, and more.

More about Ostrava

Geolocation

In short

Katowice, Poland Katowice, Poland[/caption]

Overview of Katowice

Katowice is a city located in the large Polish industrial area of ​​Silesia. It was the large amounts of coal in the Silesian mountains that initially made Katowice a larger village when, after the Silesian War, it became Prussian in 1742. From the beginning of the 19th century, Katowice and this part of Silesia were industrialized with mining, steelworks, workshops and factories, and Katowice grew rapidly due to the industry and inflow of workers for the plants.

In the 1900s, the city became Polish again, and Polish soldiers arrived in the city on May 3, 1921. The local parliament was seated in Katowice, which thereby became the capital of the region. Germany annexed the city in 1939, and the city was under German control until liberation on January 27, 1945. Eight years later, for a period of three years, the city was renamed Stalinogród, the name was a tribute to the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

On a visit to Katowice today, you can see quite a few examples of the architecture that gave Katowice the nickname Little Paris in the decades around 1900. There was a lot of construction from the middle of the 19th century, and the inspiration came not least from the Renaissance, the baroque and from the contemporary art nouveau. Architecturally, you should also go to the district of Nikiszowiec with its characteristic red stone buildings.

About the Katowice travel guide

Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English

About the travel guide

The Katowice travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Polish city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.

Katowice is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.

Read more about Katowice and Poland

Poland Travel Guide: https://vamados.com/poland
City tourism: https://visitkato-wice.pl
Main Page: https://www.vamados.com/

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Stig Albeck

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