Culturally Attractive Area – Katowice

Description

You have just entered the borders of the culturally attractive area of Katowice. Nowadays, the industrial past of the area is the basis of its appeal. A large part of the region is occupied by green spots, although it seems even contradictory with the former character of Katowice. Remains of the Silesian forest create here excellent conditions for rest and recreation. The history of the area begins in the Middle Ages with agricultural settlements that were included in the administrative boundaries of the city of Katowice during the development of the region. The first mention of the capital of the district dates back to the late 16th century. As for the whole Upper Silesia, also in this city the moment of top development elapses in the 19th century. This is obviously connected with the discovery of coal deposits . The rapid growth of the importance of Katowice is proved by the fact of having granted the city rights already in 1865 and, after a short time, raised to the rank of district town. At the end of the 19th century were created several important institutions through which Katowice became a strong centre of industry and economy. In the early 20th century it were established here the Teatr Miejski (Municipal Theatre) and other cultural subjects , which made the city an attractive intellectual core. After the Silesian Uprisings and a referendum, Katowice was attached to the Polish state and, thanks to from the effort made under the Prussian, the industrial centre turned into the greatest economic base of our country and the capital of the Silesia province. The history of the culturally attractive area of Katowice is described in: the Muzeum Śląskie (Silesian Museum), the Muzeum Historii Miasta (Museum of History of the city), and the Museum “Izba Pamięci Kopalni Wujek " (House of Memory of Wujek Mine). You should start the tour of the city by visiting at least one of them. But, if time does not allow, we suggest you to direct your steps immediately toward General Ziętka roundabout, where there are two symbols of the city. The first is the Poland's largest monument dedicated to the fighters of the Silesian uprisings; the second, a sports hall called “Spodek”. It is said that Wojciech Bellon, seeing the size of the Spodek, began to wonder how the big cat they have in Katowice. We tear you out of these thoughts by presenting some interesting churches. The oldest in the city is a wooden church from 1510, standing in Tadeusz Kościuszko Park. You may be interested as well on the Roman-Catholic Archcathedral of Christ the King, the Evangelical church of Resurrection, the neo-Romanesque monastery of the Franciscans, and St. Mary's Church with its rich ornamentation. Post-industrial monuments are primarily Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec, two so-called city in the city, meaning uncommon patronage colonies. The destroyed industrial buildings recently gained new images and functions. In The former Gottwald mine there is the shopping ”Silesia City Centre”, and within the Wieczorek mine, in the building of the former pithead baths and shaft “Wilson”, is housed a Gallery of Modern Art . Katowice also boasts unique attractions at a European scale. Those are the Wystawa Najmniejszych Książek Świata (exhibition of the World Smallest Books), the Muzeum Nośnika Danych (Data Bearer Museum), and the Muzeum Organów Śląskich (Museum of Silesian Organs ). It is impossible to mention all the attractions of the area and, what is more, we want to leave you the opportunity to explore the charm of Katowice also on your own; we assure that a long stay in the city is going to be an unforgettable experience. The culturally attractive area of Katowice in terms of tourism development is second to none in the whole province. Located at the intersection between major Polish, but also European, routes. The network of rail and bus offers the ability to quickly move between towns. Nearby there is the “Katowice-Pyrzowice“ International Airport. The area also boasts a modern and yet extended base of accommodation and catering. We especially recommend the restaurants and clubs in the city centre. For more informations about the attractions waiting for you in Katowice, seek on the website www.kultura.slask.pl.