About Katowice

History

 

The history of Katowice is a mirror reflexion of the history of the Upper Silesia. In the past these lands belonged to Poland, the Czech state (Czechia), Austria, Prussia and Germany. After Poland had regained its independence in 1918, the region's future was influenced by three Silesian Uprisings and the plebiscite (1919-1921). The city's great development in the twenties and the thirties of 20th century was discontinued by the outbreak of the World War II. After the war, the whole region of the Upper Silesia became a part of Poland. Modern history of Katowice has been marked, among others, with the tragedy in the "Wujek" Coal Mine (1981), the pilgrimage of the Pope John Paul II (1983) and prizes granted by the Council of Europe between 1998 and 2008. Source: http://www.katowice.eu/en/en/katowice-city/history

 

Tourist attractions in Katowice

 

Although Katowice is one of the youngest European metropolises, it has an interesting architecture. Among the Art Nouveau buildings we will find elements of eclecticism, modernism and neo-classicism. The one hundred years old workmen's housing estates Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec are unique architectural examples. Despite their primal character, they can make you feel the atmosphere of the early 19th century and move to the time of early industrial development of Katowice.

Among other architectural monuments in Katowice, the Arch Cathedral of Christ the King and an enormous house of the former Silesian Parliament is worth mentioning. Also the monuments to the Silesian Insurgents Monument like Wojciech Korfanty, Józef Piłsudski, Jerzy Ziętek and also the Parachute Tower in Tadeusz Kościuszko Park. Source: http://www.katowice.eu/en/en/tourism/tourist-attractions

 

Museums in Katowice

  • Silesian Museum (Polish: Muzeum Śląskie) A fascinating museum detailing the industrial, artistic, and cultural history of the Silesian region . In 2015, the museum moved to the sprawling grounds of a former coal mine next to the city center, all of which has been completely revitalized. The museum has art and an interactive walk through the history of Silesia. The museum is free on Tuesdays.
  • Katowice Historical Museum (Polish: Muzeum Historii Katowic). A museum detailing the historical life of Katowice and the surrounding Silesian Metropolis, this institution is divided into several parts, with its main building on ul. Ks. J. Szafranka 9 near the main railway station. The museum also operates the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
  • Hisotrical Museum of Computers and Information (Polish: Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki). A fine museum detailing the evolution of computer technology, geared to computer enthusiasts and young adults.
  • BWA Contemporary Art Gallery Katowice (Polish: Galeria Sztuki Współczesnej BWA). A modern art gallery, featuring contemporary photography and objects.
  • Wilson Shaft Gallery (Polish: Galeria Szyb Wilson). The largest private gallery of its kind in Poland and housed in a former industrial building named after American President Woodrow Wilson, the gallery houses modern artwork from domestic and foreign artists. The gallery is also frequently used for concerts, balls and parties.
  • Parnas Contemporary Art Gallery (Polish: Galeria Sztuki Współczesnej Parnas). A modern art gallery featuring contemporary Polish artists.
  • The Roundabout of Art (Polish: Rondo Sztuki). Two galleries and a cafeteria with concerts and parties are housed in a building located in the middle of a roundabout, close to the Spodek.  Source: https://wikitravel.org/en/Katowice

 

For further information you can also check following sites:

https://www.inyourpocket.com/katowice-about

https://www.local-life.com/krakow/articles/katowice

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/poland/katowice