Katowice, located in the South of Poland, is a city of relative-ly short history, as it dates back slightly over 150 years. It is one of the most ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPED CENTRES in the country with large share in its industrial potential. It is the capital of Silesian voivodeship and – since 1 July 2017 – the biggest city of the Upper Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, population of which is estimated at over 2 MLN PEOPLE. Katowice is the seat of renown academic, medical and cul-tural institutions.

Its trade mark is the “SPODEK” ARENA with its UFO-like shape, which among other events hosted many concerts by stars of international stature.

Katowice Why Katowice?

URBAN METAMORPHOSIS

The revitalisation process of the post-mining areas enabled the city to create the CULTURE ZONE – ONE OF A KIND SPACE IN THE WHOLE OF POLAND. The new seats of the Silesian Museum, the National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) and the International Congress Centre along with the legendary „Spodek Arena” add to Katowice’s prestige and attract inhabit-ants of the region and tourists alike to the city-centre.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The region traditionally associated with coal-mining and heavy industry strives to become a LEADER IN INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES. Such aspirations are reflected in the development of modern sectors of business and investment projects for sus-tainable development.

ECO-RESPONSIBILITY

The city has rich experience in recovering the effects of long-term degradation of the natural environment. Due to the performed actions the air quality and the general state of the environment have improved, thus enhancing the QUALITY OF LIFE of the inhabitants.

METROPOLISNot only is Katowice itself a city with population of 300 hundred thousand, it is also the HEART of the Upper Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, which unites 41 cities, towns and villages, inhabited by over 2 mln people. The large urban organism estab-lished in July 2017 resulted from joint engagement towards the benefits of the region, as it provides an opportunity for a more rapid and dynamic devel-opment.

CENTRE OF EVENTS

Katowice, a host city of many international events is perfectly prepared to organise large scale conferences. The MOST MODERN CONGRESS CENTRE in Poland, well-developed lodging for visitors and transportation network are factors which make the capital of the metropolis a city of business tourism.

TRANSPORTATION

Three international airports (KTW and KRK, OSR), two motorways, national and regional roads, modern railway and public transport form a WELL- -DEVELOPED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK, which provides good connections from the city to virtually any other part of the country and the world.

A historic district of Katowice and one of its most atmospheric locations. It was erected in the period of 1908–1924, based on a design by Georg and Emil Zilmann. The mining estate, the neo-baroque st. Anne church along with “Wieczorek” coal mine form a unique townscape, enabling tourists to travel back in time to the beginning of the 20th century. Wilson Shaft Gallery is an-other attractive venue with its exhibition of works of modern art. In 2011 Nikiszowiec was added to the list of Historic Monuments.

GiszowiecThis picturesque garden-settlement was erected in the period of 1907–1910 and was inhabited at the time mainly by the workers of “Giesche” coal mine. Especially intriguing is the architectural design of the workers’ houses, built in the image of Upper Silesian cottages. The key venues of the district include also an original Silesian inn, Gawlikówka as well as the buildings of the forest management, schools and shops.

Route of modernismA touristic route bringing together Katowice archi-tectural works of the 1920s and 1930s. It comprises 16 modernist buildings situated on a route of total length up to 5,5 km. Visitors can visit historic villas, residential buildings as well as monuments such as the building of the Silesian Parliament and St. Casmir Garrison Church. The interactive kiosks help to learn the history of these places in an attractive, multimedia way. The trip along the route transfers the tourists to the interwar period, making it clear why Katowice was then considered the most Ameri-can of Polish regions.

With its conservation status of a vulnerable species, bison is a rare animal which you do not see everyday. Such opportunity, however, is provided by Pszczyna Historical Park within the premises of which two bison pens are located. On the total area of 10 ha one may also encounter other specimens of fauna of Southern Poland, such as: mouflons, deers, roe deers, and Daniel deers. The visitors can also experience the rich edu-cational route, they can also watch a video presenting the history of bisons in Poland.

Large leisure space located in Katowice district of Muchowiec, its name stemming from the actual three water basins within the nearest area. Visitors of the park can enjoy themselves away from the city noise and spend time doing sports, as within the large area (86 ha) walking and bicycle lanes, as well as an inline skating route are provided. Lovers of the open air can also benefit from beach volleyball courts, skatepark and a marina with a water sports equipment rental.

While on hot days, the bathing area is perfect for cooling down and relaxing on the beach.

One of the largest European city parks, located at the borders of Chorzów, Katowice and Siemianowice Śląsk-ie. With 620 ha of forest and entertainment areas it is frequently visited by walkers, cyclists and skaters. The Silesian Planetarium, Legendia, the completely refur-bished Silesian Stadium and Silesian ZOO Park are all perfect locations to spend a free afternoon at.

Industrial monuments routeA touristic cultural route created for car visitors, joining almost fifty industrial venues of the Silesian Voivodeship. It runs through 26 cities and villages where its 42 sights are located. These encompass branches of industry such as: mining, steelworks, energy production, telecommunication railway, water-works and the food industry. All key aspects of the region’s industrial heritage are represented, including Gliwice Radio Tower and Silesian Museum. The route does not only enable one to learn Silesian tradition, but also to observe its undergoing transformation.

Tyskie brewing museum Guido Coal MineThis coal mine was created in Zabrze in the 1850s and was a reflection of dynamic industrial growth of Upper Silesia. After several decades of operation the excavation of the resource was cancelled, while at present the mine took on the role of one of a kind tourist attraction in Europe. The visit to the unique underground monument gives tourists an opportu-nity to learn about mining technology, miners’ work and the history of the place. Apart from Guido Coal Mine, Coal Mining Museum is responsible also for “Queen Louise” Shaft.

Historic silver mineThe only such venue in Poland, a remnant of ore mines of silver, lead and zinc made available for the visitors with almost 2 km of touristic route running 40 meters underground. The programme of sightseeing can be com-plemented by a trip to Black Trout Adit, an unparalleled opportunity to experience underground travel in a boat. Both the adit and the mine have been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mine is also an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage.

Bison centre

Valley of Three Ponds

Tyskie Brewery is one of the oldest in Poland – beer has been made here since 1629. In 2004, to mark the 375th anniversary of the foundation, the first brewing museum in the country was established. Within the walls of a former chapel the visitors can get to know the production technology of the bever-age. What awaits them is a rich exhibition of beers (including unique 19th century bottles and cooper tools), a 3D movie and many multimedia attractions, while in the basement of the historical building one may get a good mugful of beer.

Silesian Park Nikiszowiec