Katowice

Arena Spodek

The Spodek, or ‘flying saucer’ in Polish, is Katowice’s most iconic building. This extraordinary multifunctional complex, built in the 1960s, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture that dominates the city skyline. With its unique shape reminiscent of a flying saucer, the Spodek has become a symbol of Katowice and a cultural landmark.

Originally conceived as a sports arena, today the Spodek hosts a wide range of events, from music concerts to trade fairs and international sports competitions. Its versatility and capacity for up to 11,500 people make it the beating heart of Katowice’s cultural and social life.

If possible, attend an event here to fully experience the unique atmosphere of this venue. Excellent acoustics and panoramic views from every seat make every experience at Spodek unforgettable.

Silesian Museum

The Silesian Museum (Muzeum Śląskie) is a leading cultural institution offering a unique window into the rich history and culture of the Silesian region. Located in a converted former mining site, the museum itself is a brilliant example of how Katowice is transforming its industrial past into a culturally rich future.

The museum houses an extensive collection ranging from art to history andethnography. The permanent exhibitions tell the story of Silesia from prehistory to the present day, with a special focus on the industrial era that so profoundly shaped the region. The museum’s Polish art gallery is particularly remarkable, with works ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its architecture. Most of the galleries are located underground, in old mining tunnels, creating a unique and atmospheric atmosphere. The contrast between the restored industrial buildings and modern glass and steel structures is visually striking and perfectly symbolises Katowice’s transition into the future.

Nikiszowiec

Nikiszowiec is a historical district of Katowice that offers a fascinating insight into the city’s industrial past. Built at the beginning of the 20th century as a settlement for miners and their families, Nikiszowiec is today a remarkably well-preserved example of industrial architecture and social urbanism.

The district is characterised by rows of red brick buildings, connected by arches and adorned with unique architectural details. The cobbled streets, intimate squares and inner courtyards create an atmosphere that seems to stand still in time. The heart of Nikiszowiec is the main square, dominated by St Anne’s Church, an imposing neo-Baroque building.

Today, Nikiszowiec has become a lively artistic quarter. Many of the former miners’ flats have been converted into art galleries, cafés and craft shops. The Katowice Museum of History, located in a former laundry, offers an interesting insight into the daily life of miners and their families.

A walk through the streets of Nikiszowiec is like taking a trip into the past, offering visitors a unique insight into the working-class history of Katowice and its transformation into a contemporary cultural centre.

Katowice Culture Zone

The Culture Zone (Strefa Kultury) in Katowice is an outstanding example of urban regeneration and represents the beating heart of the city’s cultural life. This vast area, once occupied by a coal mine, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art cultural quarter housing some of Katowice’s most important institutions.

In the centre of the Culture Zone is the National Symphonic Hall of Polish Radio (NOSPR), an architectural masterpiece known for its exceptional acoustics. The building, with its red brick façade reminiscent of the city’s industrial heritage, hosts world-class classical and contemporary music concerts.

Next door is the International Convention Centre, a futuristic building with a green roof that seems to merge with the surrounding landscape. This multifunctional space hosts conferences, exhibitions and events of various kinds.

The third pillar of the Culture Zone is the aforementioned Silesian Museum, which completes this trio of top-class cultural institutions.

Between these buildings are large green spaces and public squares, which often host open-air events, festivals and art installations. The Culture Zone is not just a place to visit, but a space to experience, perfectly embodying the cultural renaissance of Katowice.

Kosciuszko Park

Kościuszko Park is a green oasis in the heart of Katowice, offering residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. At 72 hectares, it is the largest park in the city and a popular place for outdoor recreation.

The park, named after Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, was created in the late 19th century and has retained much of its original charm. Winding paths wind through mature forests, flower-filled meadows and around picturesque lakes, creating an idyllic landscape in the middle of the city.

One of the park’s main attractions is the 35-metre-high neo-Romanesque observation tower, which offers a spectacular view of Katowice and its surroundings. The park also houses several sculptures, including a monument to Kościuszko, and recreational facilities such as a children’s playground and sports fields.

During the summer, Kościuszko Park becomes a centre of outdoor activities, with concerts, cultural events and markets taking place regularly.

Galeria Katowicka

Galeria Katowicka is more than just a shopping centre; it is a modern hub combining shopping, entertainment and transport in the heart of Katowice. Located above the city’s main train station, this state-of-the-art facility is an example of how Katowice is embracing modernity while maintaining links with its past.

The shopping centre houses over 250 shops, restaurants and cafés, offering a wide range of international and local brands. It is the ideal place for shopping for fashion, electronics, cosmetics and much more. The food court offers a variety of culinary options, from international fast food to local Polish specialities.

In addition to shopping, Galeria Katowicka regularly hosts cultural events, exhibitions and children’s activities, making it a real social hub for the city. Its strategic location, directly connected to the railway station and public transport hubs, makes it easily accessible and an ideal starting point for exploring Katowice.

The architecture of Galeria Katowicka, with its glass and steel façade, blends harmoniously with the surrounding historical buildings, symbolising the mix of tradition and modernity that characterises Katowice.

Valley of the Three Ponds

The Valley of the Three Ponds (Dolina Trzech Stawów) is a popular recreational area for Katowice residents, offering a perfect balance of nature and outdoor activities. Located a short distance from the city centre, this vast green area is an ideal refuge for those seeking to escape the urban bustle.

As its name suggests, the park is characterised by three large ponds surrounded by forests and meadows. The well-maintained paths bordering the ponds are perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. During the summer, the beaches around the ponds become popular places for sunbathing and picnicking.

The Valley of the Three Ponds is particularly popular with birdwatchers, with a variety of waterbird species making their home in the ponds and surrounding areas. The park is also a popular place for recreational fishing, with permits available to fish in the ponds.

This green lung of Katowice is not only a place of recreation, but also an important natural habitat that contributes to the city’s biodiversity.

Monument to the Silesian Insurgents

The Monument to the Silesian Insurgents (Pomnik Powstańców Śląskich) is an impressive work of public art dominating Silesian Insurgents’ Square in the centre of Katowice. This monument, inaugurated in 1967, commemorates the three Silesian uprisings that took place between 1919 and 1921, when the Polish population of Silesia rebelled against German rule.

The 41-metre-high monument consists of three stylised wings representing the three uprisings. At the base of the monument are bronze sculptures depicting scenes from the uprisings and the lives of Silesian miners.

In addition to its historical significance, the Monument to the Silesian Insurgents is considered a masterpiece of post-war Polishmodernist art. Its bold, abstract form stands out against the Katowice skyline, creating a visually striking focal point in the heart of the city.

Goldstein Palace

The Goldstein Palace (Pałac Goldsteinów) is one of the most elegant and historically significant buildings in Katowice. Built in the second half of the 19th century, this neo-Renaissance palace is a splendid example of the residential architecture of the period and offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history.

The building is distinguished by its richly decorated façade, with sculptural elements and elaborate architectural details reflecting the status and wealth of its original owners.

Internally, the palace retains many of its original elements, including frescoed ceilings, ornamental stucco work and marble fireplaces. The rooms are furnished with period furniture, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle of Katowice’s high society at the end of the 19th century.

Today, the Goldstein Palace houses the offices of the Katowice Historical Society and serves as a cultural centre. Temporary exhibitions, lectures and cultural events highlighting the rich history of the city and the Silesian region are regularly organised.

Silesian Theatre

The Silesian Theatre (Teatr Śląski) is one of the main cultural centres in Katowice and an institution of great importance for the artistic life of the city. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this imposing neoclassical building is an architectural and cultural landmark.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the theatre has a rich and varied history. It has withstood two world wars and has seen some of the biggest names in Polish theatre pass over its stage. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with an elegant façade and richly decorated interior that includes frescoes, stucco work and a magnificent chandelier in the main hall.

The Silesian Theatre hosts a wide range of theatre productions, from classics to contemporary works, as well as concerts, ballets and operas. Its eclectic programming attracts both local audiences and visitors, offering high-level cultural experiences.

In addition to performances, the theatre also offers guided tours that allow you to explore its spaces behind the scenes, discover its history and admire its architecture up close.

Katowice Street Art

Katowice has embraced street art as a form of urban expression, turning many of its walls into canvases for local and international artists. Street art in Katowice has become a real attraction, adding colour and vitality to the urban landscape and offering visitors a unique and accessible artistic experience.

One of the best places to admire murals in Katowice is the Bogucice district, where numerous building facades have been transformed into large-scale works of art. These murals often reflect themes related to Silesian history and culture, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

The annual Street Art festival, usually held in the summer, attracts artists from all over the world and continuously adds new works to the city’s art scene. During this event, it is possible to see artists at work and participate in guided tours and workshops.

Another area rich in street art is the area around the railway station, where large murals decorate the walls of the subways and surrounding buildings. These works not only beautify the city, but often address relevant social and political issues, making street art in Katowice not only aesthetically pleasing but also intellectually stimulating.