Welcome to Katowice

In recent years Katowice has undergone a huge transformation. Not so long ago, the city stereotyped by many as a symbol of Silesia: the place of heavy industry, coal and steel.

The road that Katowice has travelled, becoming the modern capital of a metropolitan area with 2 million inhabitants, is also an example of the transformation that has taken place throughout Poland.

For years, the landmark welcoming the visitors to the capital of Silesia, was the coal mine winding tower. And it is still so today. However, the "Warszawa II" tower, visible from afar, has completely different functions. The tower's second life is an observation deck with a view on the colourful and modern Katowice. Its transformation was an element of revitalisation of the former mine area. The Culture Zone, a unique place not only in Poland, but in the entire Europe, was established in this area. The delightful buildings of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio, the Silesian Museum and the International Congress Centre were built here. The Zone is complemented by Spodek, i.e. a sports and entertainment hall referring to the shape of a spacecraft, and modern office buildings: an eye-catching structure of .KTW and the nearby Altus, the tallest building in the Silesian Voivodeship.

It is the Culture Zone that has become the new symbol of Katowice. The city where an extraordinary metamorphosis took place in almost all fields. There wouldn't have been without the transformation of the residents of Katowice, who fell in love with their city and became its ambassadors. This revival began for good a few years ago during the European Capital of Culture campaign. And it continues. The proud inhabitants of their small homeland are the greatest asset of Katowice. Their involvement activates changes in the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship, one of the best developing cities in Poland.

Public Transport

The Upper Silesian urban area, whose capital city is Katowice, consists of 41 cities with a population of 2.5 million. Residents commute daily to work, to school, often crossing borders different cities. Thanks to an extensive road and railway network, a journey to cities located up to 50 km apart does not take longer than 30-40 minutes. Katowice is the central hub in this transport system. They are among the best-connected cities in Poland.

• Silesian Railways-  https://www.kolejeslaskie.com/en/
• Polish Railways- https://rozklad-pkp.pl/en 
• Silesian Buses (also from and to Katowice Airport)- https://rj.metropoliaztm.pl/?lang=en 

What to do and visit in Katowice/ Silesia? 

Although Katowice is a relatively young city – the municipal rights were granted in 1865 – it can boast the oldest city part that is comparatively well-preserved. The main artery of the old Katowice city is composed of 3 Maja street stretching from Wolności Square to Main Square as well as its extension towards the east, i.e. Warszawska Street. It is here that one can see the most impressive tenament houses dating from the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century, industrialists’ mansions (e.g. The Goldstein Villa) as well as the oldest churches: the evangelical church from 1858 and the catholic church from 1870. The name ”Mariacka” given to the street is closely connected with the latter. Mariacka street is a pedestrian precinct full of cafés and pubs buzzing with life nearly all night long. 

Useful links:

• https://welcome.katowice.eu/en/attractions.htm
• https://www.slaskie.travel/
• https://welcome.katowice.eu/#

Source: welcome.katowice.eu