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Katowice - Wikitravel
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Katowice (pronounced Kah-toh-veet-seh) is the capital and largest city of Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. The largest urban center in the Silesian Metropolis, Katowice stands with a population of over 300,000 in the city itself, and over 2.1 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. Located in the middle of the province on the banks of the river Rawa, Katowice's historical importance as Poland's main industrial centre has been indisputable for decades. Once synonymous as a crushingly gray industrial city, contemporary Katowice has expanded to become a vibrant cultural and business center, with the Silesian Philharmonic, the Silesian Museum, and its famous flying saucer-shaped concert hall, the Spodek, calling the city home. Intrepid visitors will find an interesting city with charming secessionist architecture from the early 1900s, historic reminders of the German and communist past, stunning modern architecture, hospitable and proud local people, and easy access to the Beskid Mountains and other neighboring communities. One of the hidden gems of Poland, Katowice especially delights the senses in April with its numerous flowering lilac trees.
Katowice sits at the intersection of major road and rail routes connecting Poland to the rest of Europe in all directions, making the city relatively easy to get in and out of. Until recently, the dominant economic sectors in the region were mining, steel, electrical machinery, electronics, and chemicals. Due to economic and political changes in the last three decades, this situation has changed dramatically, with heavy industry giving way to the commerce, tourism, trade fair and service industries.
The origins of Katowice date to 1397 when the settlement of Kuźnica was founded. Katowice was first mentioned as a village surrounded by dense forests in 1598. In the 18th century, numerous work colonies sprang up in the region, and by 1769 and 1770, the Prussian Duke of Pless established an underground coal mine in the area. The next industrial sites were the Hohenlohe steelworks in the village of Wełnowiec, founded in 1805, the Baildon steelworks in 1828 (named after their founder, a Scotsman), and the Wilhelmina zinc works in 1834.
Situated in the Upper Silesian Province of the German Empire, Katowice (then known by its German name, Kattowitz) achieved the status as a county town in 1873. By 1897, Katowice further grew after being crafted into a separate urban district, which also included the suburban municipalities of Bogucice, Zawodzie, Dąb, Wełnowiec and Załęże.
In 1889, one of the largest companies in Upper Silesia, the Kattowitzer Aktien-Gesellschaft, was set up with its headquarters in the city. As a result, major insurance companies and large-cap banks were attracted to Katowice. During the First World War, the steel industry continued to develop at a frenetic pace. Rail connections were also developed during this period, connecting the city throughout the German Empire and with neighboring Austria-Hungary.
In the aftermath of World War I, discontent with Katowice's Polish population with German authorities reached a boiling point. Beginning in 1919, Polish armed insurgents launched a series of uprisings against Weimar Germany, encouraged on by the newly-independent Second Polish Republic. After the Third Silesian Uprising in 1921, the most successful of all the rebellions, Katowice was annexed by Poland as part of Silesian Voivodeship under the terms of a German-Polish peace treaty. The Polish government gave the province considerable autonomy, with Katowice serving as the provincial capital and home of the Silesian Parliament. Between 1922 to 1939, Katowice experienced massive industrial and population growth.
In 1975, the neighbouring municipalities of Piotrowice [2], Ochojec, Panewniki, Kostuchna [3], Wełnowiec, Szopienice, Giszowiec, Dąbrówka Mała and Murcki were merged with Katowice. Construction works further commenced within the city center. The main communications artery (al. W. Korfantego) was widened and old industrial buildings to the west of this road were demolished. To the east, the historic Tiele-Winckler Palace was also demolished. In the market place, old buildings were replaced by modern shops, including Zenit, Skarbek, and also the Dom Prasy.
The construction of the flying saucer-like Spodek between 1964 to 1971 had a significant impact on the city. The Millennium Housing Estate on the border of Katowice and Chorzów, along with the Paderewski Estate to the east of the city, the Południe Estate in the suburbs of Kostuchna, Piotrowice, Ligota [4], and the Roździeński Housing Estate all contributed in shifting the character of Katowice to an ideal, urban socialist workers city. The fall of communism in 1989 and the economic changes that followed would significantly alter the city again towards the end of the 20th century.
Currently, Katowice is going through yet another transformation, complete with a massive refurbishing of the city's historic downtown core, new investments in buildings and transportation, and a large burst of growth in the service and commercial industries.
Travelers by plane can arrive at Katowice International Airport (KTW), known also as Pyrzowice. The airport is 34 km (21 mi) from the city center. Katowice is one of the major hubs for Hungarian low cost airlineWizzair, as well as a major destination for Ryanair. Major airlines, including Polish national carrier LOT and German carrier Lufthansa also operate routes to Katowice. A slew of seasonal charter flights additionally operate out of the airport during the spring and summer months, though mainly to southern Europe, Asia and northern Africa.
Regular services include:
LOT Polish Airlies: Warsaw,
Air Dolomiti: Frankfurt
Lufthansa: Franfkurt
Ryanair: Alicante, Athens, Bari, Malta, Milan-Bergamo, Catania, Dortmund, Dublin, Forli, London-Stansted, Oslo, Paphos, Rome-Fiumicino, Treviso
MetropoliaZTM is public transport operator in this area. It operates lines to nearby cities. AP is direct bus to Katowice, it stops only at few stops in Katowice (45min to main railway station). M11 is slower bus to Katowice (70min) via Sączów, Wojkowice, Siemianowice Śląskie. M14 to Gliwice via Tarnowskie Góry. M19 to Sosnowiec via Będzin. M116/M16 is direct bus to Gliwice via Piekary Śląskie, Bytom and Zabrze (note: it changes number in Piekary Śląskie). One way ticket is 6,60PLN (for 90min with unlimited changes or for the whole route of your bus). If your destination is closer cheaper ticket for 40min costs 5,60PLN. You can also buy tickets using some mobile apps, it gives you small reduction (e.g. 6PLN instead of 6,60PLN). There is also group ticket for 5 people for 13PLN (for 90min with changes or for the whole route of the bus). Ticket for one day is 12PLN (valid until midnight).
Katowice Dworzec PKP is the city's major railway center, and is a hub for rail transport throughout Silesia and much of southern Poland. The station serves as a hub for national rail operator PKP Intercity, regional rail company PolRegio, and provincial operator Koleje Śląskie. Completely remodeled between 2010 to 2013, Katowice's railway station is extremely convenient for travelers to use due of its numerous cafes, good signage, modern atmosphere, and its convenient location in the city center. Underneath the station is a central bus depot for travelers arriving and departing by buses, which has modern backlighting and nice colors to invite passengers on its 10 routes. Additionally, the train station is attached to the large and modern Galerie Katowicka shopping mall.
Trains from all parts of the country and elsewhere around Europe serve Katowice. There are fourteen trains per day between Warsaw and Katowice and twenty-eight trains per day between Kraków and Katowice during the day; the journey takes 180 minutes (from Warsaw) and 80 minutes (from Kraków). You can arrive by train directly from Vienna, Budapest, Kiev, Berlin, Ostrava, Prague, Bohumin, Bratislava, Zilina, Český Těšín, Hamburg, Moscow, and Minsk. Luggage lockers are also provided for at the station.
Long-distance bus services will arrive at Dworzec Autobusowy Katowice (sometimes abbreviated as D.A. Katowice or PKS Katowice) at ul. Piotra Skargi 1. One of the station's main operators is Eurolines, providing connections to a number of domestic and European destinations.
Unibus and Bus-Inter travel regularly (both operate twice per hour) throughout the day between Katowice and Kraków. The fare is 20 zł one way (17 zł discounted with student ID or younger than 26), and it is suggested that passengers should book in advance, especially during Polish holidays and during peak commuting hours. Unibus use large modern coaches suitable for passengers with a lot of luggage, while Bus-Inter uses modern minibuses which may struggle to take large luggage during busy periods. On the other hand Bus-Inter is generally more responsive to demand and puts on extra minibuses during peak periods. Both operators state the route Katowice-Kraków route takes approximately 80 minutes depending on traffic.
PolskiBus offers daily routes from Katowice to the following locations and times: Warsaw (near Metro Wilanow) via Częstochowa (6:10, 10:00, 16:45, 23:45); and Vienna via Bratislava (13:15, 23:00). Fares can be as cheap as 1 zł to as much as 60 zł.
There are also a number of smaller private minibuses which operate between to and from Katowice. One such minibus company is Tigerexpress, which connects Katowice with Krakow, Prague and other Czech cities, Vienna, and Bratislava and several Slovak cities.
Bus companies as Sindbad, Jordan, Agat, Eurobus, Eurores, Mądeltrans, Miś and Interbus provide year round direct connections between different cities in Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Italy.
Bus companies Retman, Eurobus and GlobTourist serve routes between Croatian cities of Zagreb, Karlovac, Sibenik, Trogir and Split from May to September.
FlixBus offers connections between Budapest, Gyor and Bratislava
Katowice is well-connected to Poland's highway network, and serves as an important crossroads city. Katowice lies on the important A4 motorway (E40), one of the main traffic routes for all of southern Poland. The motorway links city together with Opole and Wrocław from the west and Kraków, Tarnów and Rzeszów to the east. The city is also linked from the south by the A1 motorway, connecting the city to the Czech Republic. The motorway is expected to connect to Łódź in the coming decade.
There are also a number of expressways crisscrossing Katowice and connecting the city to the rest of the province and the country. The Drogowa Trasa Średnicowa, better known as the DTŚ (signed as DK79 and DW902) is a large inner city highway linking Katowice to neighboring cities in the Silesian Metropolis, including Ruda Śląska, Świętochłowice, and soon Gliwice. The S86 expressway links Katowice to neighboring Sosnowiec. National road DK86 connects the city to Tychy.
All public bus and tram transport in Katowice is supervised by KZK GOP, a comprehensive transit system that serves nearly the entirety of the Silesian Metropolis, with one of the largest tram networks in Poland. A twenty-four hour free hotline for the system can be found by dialing: 0 800 16 30 30.
Many bus stations of the Passengers' Municipal Communication are situated in the core center of the city. At each bus-stop there is an information board with bus routes and where they go. The full map with bus routes is usually available in City Information Centre near Rynek (adress: ul. Rynek 13; employees are multilingual).
There are also trams which transport passengers within the city and beyond the limits of the city. The dispatcher's office and information of the Municipal Tramway Enterprise are situated at the tram-stop in Rynek (the market square) in Katowice.
The same ticket type is used in bus and tram. Katowice offers many different tickets. One-zone ticket is suitable for traveling in the city limits. Zone bus stations (overstepping it in a bus or a tram means that one must buy next one-zone ticket or continue traveling with ticket suitable for more zones) usually are placed at the border of cities. Consider, if it is better to use one-ride ticket, week-ticket or monthly ticket. In the bus or the tram only one kind of ticket is available for sell - for three or more zones, for 4,20 PLN (or 2,10 PLN with reduced rate). One-ride tickets could be bought even in grocery stores. Newspaper stands or newsagent's stores sometimes are selling other kinds of tickets. Ticket inspectors and bus/tram drivers often speak only in Polish. When ticket inspector approaches one must show ticket and proper document which allows to use reduced rate tickets.
One ride ticket price:
within one zone (or 15 minutes) 3,20 PLN/ 1,60 PLN (reduced rate)
within two zones (or 30 minutes) 3,40 PLN/ 1,70 PLN (reduced rate)
within three or more zones (or one hour) 4,20 PLN/ 2,10 PLN (reduced rate)
Taxi-stops are situated in several places in Katowice:
at the entrance of the railway station on the ground floor from 3 Maja St.
Plac Oddzialow Mlodziezy Powstanczej
the "Silesia" hotel
ul. Piotr Skargi
the "Katowice" hotel
Korfantego Av.
Dworcowa St.
When you take a taxi, always ask for the price beforehand unless you are willing to pay anything. Different types of taxis can charge very different prices which can vary up to 5 times the regular fare depending on location and time.
Although Katowice is not blessed with an ancient historical core like Kraków, Wrocław, or Zamość, the city does contain enough attractions to draw in visitors. Thanks to massive revitalization projects in the city center in recent years, Katowice has started to lift its notorious reputation as a industrial gray landscape. Some of finest examples of Modernism (both International Style structures and Bauhaus-inspired buildings) are easily found in the downtown Śródmieście district. The Śródmieście also contains a significant number of Art Nouveau (Secesja) buildings, along with communist giants such as the Spodek or the Superjednostka housing block.
St. Mary's Street (Polish: Ulica Mariacka) [5]. Once a dilapidated part of the city, St. Mary's Street was given a massive makeover in the early 2010s. Today, this pedestrianized zone has become a popular place for Katowicians attracted by its many pubs and growing number of restaurants. At the end of the street is St. Mary's Church, the road's namesake. St. Mary's Street is also a popular venue for outdoor events, and can be crowded on warm spring and summer nights.
Cathedral of Christ the King (Polish: Archikatedra Chrystusa Króla w Katowicach) [6]. Built between 1927 to 1955, the Cathedral of Christ the King is the largest cathedral in Poland. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1983. Its dome is a familiar site in the Katowice skyline. There's a religious art museum nearby.
3rd of May Street (Polish: Ulica 3 Maja). Often cited as one of the most expensive streets in the country, the busy ul. 3 Maja is one of Katowice's primary centers of public life and commerce. The street runs next to the central railway station, and is home to numerous shops, restaurants and tram stops. Between 2012 to 2014, the street was extensively modernized and refurbished.
Spodek[7]. Completed in 1971, this indoor sports arena and concert hall has been described as a tilted UFO landing in the middle of a city. Indeed, its unusual part socialist, part science fiction design have made the Spodek one of the most famous arenas in the country and a symbol of the city.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Polish: Kościół św. Michała Archanioła w Katowicach) [8]. Built in 1510 in the southern Silesian village of Syrynia, this quaint wooden church was delicately moved to Katowice's Kościuszko Park between 1938 to 1939 as part of a planned provincial cultural center. Work was halted during the German occupation in World War II (which the church miraculously survived), and is today a focal point in Kościuszko Park. Today, St. Michael the Archangel is the oldest structure in the city.
Silesian Insurgents Monument (Polish: Pomnik Powstańców Śląskich). A communist-era monument unveiled in 1967, this winged memorial commemorates the Polish insurgents of the three Silesian Rebellions between 1919 to 1921, who fought Weimar German forces in Upper Silesia in order for the region to join the Second Polish Republic.
Jewish Cemetery[9][10] Built in 1868, the cemetery is the resting place of Katowice's once-thriving Jewish community. The cemetery was partially destroyed by occupying German forces during World War II, but thankfully much survived. In recent years, refurbishment efforts have begun to restore the burial grounds.
Silesian Parkhttp://www.en.parkslaski.pl/ The park is almost 2x bigger than New York's Central Park. In the park there are several restaurants and cafes, a zoo, a planetarium, an ethnographic museum, and a gondola "Elka."
Kościuszko Park (Polish: Park im. Tadeusza Kościuszki). Dating back to 1888 and named after the legendary Polish-American general Tadeusz Kościuszko, the location today is one of Katowice's most visited parks, greatly influenced by English garden layouts. Within the park is the Katowice Parachute Tower, built in 1937 and originally used as a training ground for parachutists.
Nikiszowiec . Unique city -like workers' colony built in the beginning of 20 century and designed by Berlin architects Georg and Emil Zillman.
Giszowiec. Workers colony from beginning of 20 century composed by tiny houses with gardens.
American workers' colony in GiszowiecGórniczego Stanu Street. A complex of six houses built in 1926 for nine American families from Montana.
Murcki A lovely district located near the oldest still working coal mine in Europe. It's also famous by Sacred Heart church with one of the biggest stain glass window in Poland and a pile hałda - a great point of view.
St. Luis and Assumption churchPolish kościół św. Ludwika i Wniebowzięcia NMP. Neoromanesque Franciscan church and monastery located in Panewniki district. It's famous by beautiful polychromies, cribs and open air Calvary.
Saint Stephen church Polish kościół św. Szczepana. Neogothic church located in Bogucice district with beautiful polychromies.
Saint Anthony churchPolish kościół św.Antoniego. Neobaroque church with interesting polychromy just near the main road from Sosnowiec to Katowice.
Tysiąclecie settlementOsiedle Tysiąclecia. Modernist apartment houses settlement located not far from Park Śląski and divided on Upper and Lower parts Tysiąclecie Górne i Dolne. There're two interesting contemporary churches and artificial Maroko lake.
The busy ul. 3 Maja.
Settlement of StarsOsiedle Gwiazdy. Modernist settlement not far from city center having its name by star-shaped apartment houses.
Murckowski forest. Big forest area with many nature reserves and walking paths in Murcki district.
Panewnicki forest. Big forest area in Panewniki district with many walking paths and many artificial ponds.
Saint Jadwiga church. Neogothic church in Szopienice district with lovely polychromies and stain glass windows.
Barbara and Janina ponds. Two lovely ponds hidden in the forest in Giszowiec district.
Grunfeld pond. A small pond in the city center green area.
Morawa lake. Lake located in Stawiki Lake Complex inhabited by many water birds like swans.
Uthermann Steel Works ruins. Ruins of 19 century steel works and water tower located in district of Szopienice
Prittwitz castle. Former Gieshe Steel Works administrative building located in Szopienice.
Borki. Small district near Szopienice with abandoned workers' colonies. Borki's a very calmy place.
Silesian Museum (Polish: Muzeum Śląskie) [11]. 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) [12]. 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.
Historical Museum of Computers and Information (Polish: Muzeum Historii Komputerów i Informatyki) [13]. 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) [14]. A modern art gallery, featuring contemporary photography and objects.
Wilson Shaft Gallery (Polish: Galeria Szyb Wilson) [15]. 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) [16]. A modern art gallery featuring contemporary Polish artists.
The Roundabout of Art (Polish: Rondo Sztuki), [17]. 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.
Silesian Center of Solidarity and Freedom[18]. A museum dedicated to pacification of Wujek Coal Mine protests in 1981. The museum organizes many events and concerts.
Forest Education Center (Leśna Izba Edukacyjna). Museum presenting by multimedia Katowice region forests' wildlife, not only for children.
Boża Męka Cross (God's Suffering). The object is located on Jankego street in Ochojec district.
There's a painted in yellow chapel located in Murcki, in Mary's Revelation place. The chapel was built in 1933 year. There're some benches.
There's a Saint Barbara figurine located on Kopalniana street, surrounded by workers' houses (familoki). It was built in 1933.
There's another Boża Męka cross located in Brynów district (Załęska 43)
You can find another Boża Męka cross on Burowiecka street
There's a brick-made chapel on crossroad of Dębowa and Źródlana streets (Dąb district) built in 1893
There's another Boże Męka cross in Dąbrówka Mała on Le Ronda street. It was built in 1896. There're also another Boża Męka cross and small home chapels on this street. There's also Boża Męka cross on Strzelców Bytomskich street built in 1866.
There's a Boża Męka cross on Gliwicka street (Załęże district)
There's a contemporary Mary figurine on Na Alpach settlement (Bogucice district)
There's a white cross from 1801 on Przodowników street (Brynów district)
There're two crosses (including one Boża Męka) on Morawa street
Cross Elevation church (Barlickiego 2). A church on Witosa Settlement with an interesting mosaic in presbytery.
Assumption church (Graniczna 26) A church near Three Ponds Valley (Dolina Trzech Stawów) with big stain glass in presbytery.
Holy Names of Jesus and Mary church(Przyklinga 12). Church in Brynów district with blue and cloudy sky presbytery decoration and interesting stain glasses.
Saint Barbara church (Młodzieżowa 10). Church in Giszowiec district, there're interesting stain glasses and polychromy.
Holy Trinity church (Boya-Żeleńskiego 34). Church in Kostuchna district with interesting interior and polychromy.
Sacred Heart church (Misjonarzy Oblatów 12), A beautiful church in Koszutka district with vivid color decorations, mosaics and stain glasses.
Saint Jack church(Leśna 14). Church in Ochojec district with vivid color satin glasses and polychromies.
Our Lady of Piekary church (Ułańska 13). Church on Tysiąclecia Settlement with an interesting interior and comet-shape tabernacle.
Cross Elevation church(Mieszka I 6). Church on Tysiąclecia district with an interesting interior.
Sacred Body and Blood church(Radockiego 251). Church in Piotrowice district with beautiful presbytery decoration.
Our Lady of Relentless Help church (Siewna 25). Church in Szopienice district with an interesting interior and chapel.
Our Lady of Rosary church (Zadole 36). Church in Zadole district with an interesting building and interior.
Our Lady Mother of Church and Immaculate Freedom Dawn church(Gawronów 20) A beautiful church with beautiful, Byzantine like decorations. There's a Mercy Chapel. There'a a missionary museum near the church. You can visit it on request.
Bogucice cemetery (Leopolda street). beautiful old cemetery with many family mausoleums and massive cemetery chapel built in neoromanesque style.
Sienkiewicza street cemetery. Large cemetery in Katowice, there're buried such famous people as Zbigniew Cybulski, Kazimierz Kutz, Wojciech Kilar and Henryk Mikołaj Górecki. There's a nice cemetery chapel. Cemtery's located near the cathedral.
Francuska street cemetery. Old cemetery in the city center. There's a famous Silesian historical figure- Wojciech Korfanty buried. There's a beautiful cemetery chapel.
Gliwicka street cemetery. Cemetery with beautiful, neogothic chapel.
Światowid[19], 7 3-rd Maja Street. The primary place for art-house film in the city centre
Rialto[20], 24 St Jana Street. An artist run venue which specialises in more experimental film and music and has a lovely cafe too.
Cinema City - Punkt 44[21], 44 Gliwicka Street modern multiplex type cinema with approx 13 screens and IMAX 3-D system.
Cinema City - Silesia City Center[22], 107 Chorzowska Street. A modern multiplex type cinema with 13 screens. It is located inside the biggest shopping mall in Katowice, Silesia City Center.
Helios[23], 13 Uniwersytecka Street. A modern multiplex type cinema with approximately 9 screens, located in the Altus center, the highest building in Katowice.
Bolina Sport area located in the forest area with two small ponds. There're also a restaurant and horse stud.
Three Ponds Valley Dolina Trzech Stawów .Artificial lakes complex with watersports center and public beaches.
Morawa pond. The pond's a part of Stawiki- a group of artificial ponds spread between Sosnowiec, Katowice and Mysłowice. There's a beach on the pond. It's located in district of Szopienice.
There's a city beach Rawa beach in the city center
Bogucice park is a green area with an amphitheatre
Borki and Murcki are calmly district ideal for walks.
Bogucice, Załęże, Dąb, Wełnowiec, Szopienice , Zawodzie, Brynów, Dąbrówka MałaandBurowiec are districts full of old, brick-made buildings, just ideal places for cultural walk.
There's a camp place located in Murckowskie Forest.
There're forest walking paths in Zadole.
There are two open air swimming pools Bugla and Rolna.[[24], [25]
Katowice is blessed with a lively theatrical scene ranking among one of the best in the country. Unfortunately for non-Polish speakers, the scene is largely restricted to the Polish language, meaning that most productions will be linguistically inaccessible for visiting foreigners. However, there are occasional productions offered in English.
Silesian Theatre (Polish: Teatr Śląski) [26], 2 Main Market. Katowice's main repertory theatre, located in the city center.
Theatre Korez[27], 2 Plac Sejmu Slaskiego. A theatre company well-known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in Katowice.
Theatre Cogitatur[28], 9a Gliwicka Street. An experimental theatre troop known also as the former organizers of A Part Festival.
Theatre A PART[29]. A contemporary visual and physical theatre group, formed by Marcin Herich, actor, director and organizer of theatre events. They are also organizers of A Part Theatre Festival.
Silesian Theatre of Doll and Actor Ateneum[30], 10 Sw. Jana Street. One of the oldest marionette theatres in Poland. They are organizers of International Festival of Doll Theatres Katowice, advertised mainly for children.
Teatr 'Gry i ludzie'[31] ('Games and People' Theatre), 2 Niepodległości Av., experimental and mainly outdoor theatrical group having their scene in the old railway station.
Silesian Philharmonic (Polish: Filharmonia Śląska) [32]. One of the most prestigious orchestras in the country is based in Katowice. Some of the most famous pianists of the 20th century have played for the Silesian Philharmonic, including Witold Małcużyński and Sviatoslav Richter.
National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (Polish: Narodowa Orkiestra Symfoniczna Polskiego Radia) [33]. Another one of Poland's premier classical music orchestras, the symphony (known also as NOSPR) is a regular act in the Katowice high cultural scene.
The Tauron Festival, held outside the new Silesian Museum.
Katowice is one of the epicenters for cultural events in southern Poland. Exhibitions, concerts, a festival are regular occurrences in the city's galleries, clubs and theatres. It is impossible to list all of the events, as many occur without any regular schedule. To get up-to-date information, it is suggested to have a look at internet releases from conventional press organs like Ultramaryna or the cultural pages of Gazeta Wyborcza, bringing cultural news for the entire metropolitan region. Below is a list of events that happen at regular schedule.
Silesian Beer Festival March 24-26, 2017.
Polish Directors' Art Festival "Interpretacje"[34]. A theatrical and television drama festival, the event is a competition of directors for the Konrad Prize.
"A Part" Theatre Festival[35] An international review of alternative and experimental "OFF" theatres rather than classic ones.
Summer Theatre Garden[36] "LOT" are summertime outdoor weekend theatre meetings with comedy and cabaret spectacles. It is organized by the Korez theatre.
"Cult" Film Festival[37] A festival for filmbuffs, complete with inside and outdoor movies and concerts.
"Rawa Blues" Festival[38] One of the the biggest indoor blues festivals in the world, this annual festival has occured since 1981, led by the bluesman Irek Dudek.
"Metalmania" Metal Music Festival[39] The most prestigious metal festival in Poland and in Central Europe.
Mayday[40] The Polish edition of the international technoparty, located in the Spodek hall.
Grzegorz Fitelberg International Competition For Conductors[41] A prestigious open competition for conductors of all nationalities.
International Students' Festival of Folklore[42] Annual festival of folk music and dance takes place at the end of summer not only in Katowice but also in many other places in the region. It is organized by Silesian University.
ARTerie young art festival[43] An annual festival of students' from art universities and faculties, taking place in the autumn.
Tauron Festival[44] A techno and dance rave that takes place in the Industrial Museum Complex, during August, not far from Spodek.
Off Festival[45] Polish and Foreign alternative music, during July.
Multi-City festivals like Męskie Granie or Letnie Brzmienia Festival[46] also occur in Katowice in Summer time. Remeber that Letnie Brzmienia Festival is dedicated to 18 y.o people and up. Both festivals use to show Polish alternative music artists.
Pride March ( Katowicki Marsz Równości). The biggest LGBTQ event in Silesian voivodeship. Usually occurs in the beginning of September.
Katowice Tattoo Konwent[47]- the tatoo festival, different studios and artist, fashion vendors, ecological organisation corner, food trucks, live concerts, different fashion vendors, game zone, end of August, [48].
There're many hiking trails in Katowice as Szlak Bohaterów Wieży Spadochronowej, Szlak Hołdunowski or Szlak Żwakowski. There's a forest trail in Panewnickie forest, it starts on Kijowska street. There're also many trails in Murckowski Forest and district of Zadole .
As one of the most populated urban areas in the country, Katowice and its surrounding metropolitan area contains a large degree of higher educational institutions to choose from. For non-Polish speakers, consult with the universities first to see if there are courses that are offered in your native language, whether it be English or another.
University of Economics in Katowice[50] (Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach)
Silesian Academy of Music[51] (Akademia Muzyczna w Katowicach)
Silesian Academy of Sports[52] (Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Katowicach)
Medical University of Silesia[53] (Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny)
Silesian Academy of Fine Arts[54] (Akademia Sztuk Pięknych w Katowicach)
Silesian University of Technology[55] - Faculty of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Faculty of Transport and Faculty of Management (all the rest of University is located in neighbouring towns)
The Silesia region (particularly Katowice) is a major business center of Poland. As Silesian Voivodeship is the main industrial hub in the country, its economy was primarily focused on coal, metallurgy, energetics, and chemicals in the recent past. Nowadays, it is converting to a more modern profile, including services, information technology, and conventions. Most of the city's iconic industrial works are located outside of the city in the surrounding region, while corporate offices are beginning to populate Katowice's core.
There are several institutions supporting the development and economic growth of the Silesian Metropolis:
There is also a company-organizer for the numerous trade shows and fairs in Katowice:
International Katowice Fair[58]
For those interested in renting office spaces there are various offers. For 19th and 20th century adapted houses and old factories (like B-class old printing house[59]) to A class skyscrapers. The two most noticable are the Altus and Chorzowska 50.
Galeria Katowicka, 3. Maja 30, 40-097 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 41 41 290, [x]. Mon-Sat: 9:00-21:00, Sun: 10:00-20:00. A large and comprehensive shopping mall in the heart of the city, attached to the city's main railway station.
Silesia City Center, Chorzowska 107, 40-101 Katowice, ☎ +48 74 660 44 11, [x]. Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun: 10:00-21:00; Fri: 10:00-22:00. The largest shopping center in the region, the Silesia Center is a good place for those looking for big brand shops. Paris Hilton opened the mall a few years ago.
Altus, ul. Uniwersytecka 13, 40-007 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 603 00 14, [x]. Located next to Silesia University, this part mall, part hotel and part conference center is located in one of southern Poland's formerly highest buildings.
Yatta, Kochanowskiego 3. A branch of shops dedicated to popculture. You can find there manga/anime, comics , gadgets as well as Asian goods. In the city center
Złoty Osioł, ul. Mariacka 1, ☎ +48 501 465 690. 10:00-22:00. A popular vegetarian restaurant for Katowician Bohemians, although the atmosphere is austere.
Dobra Karma, ul. świętego Jacka 1, ☎ +48 784 903 662, [x]. Translated as "Good Karma", this cozy vegetarian place serves up breakfasts, pizzas, soups and pastas.
Bar Mleczny Europa (Europa), ul. Mickiewicza 8 (Near Galeria Katowicka and the adjoining rail station.), ☎ +48 322 596 696. A leftover from communist times, this milk bar serves hearty Polish meals in a cafeteria atmosphere, a favorite of students and travellers without a fat wallet.
Ulica Mariacka (St. Mary's Street) is a popular location for nightlife in downtown Katowice.
Patio, ul. Stawowa 3, ☎ +48 327 815 555, [x]. Mon-Sat: 10:00-23:00; Sun: 12:00-23:00. A traditional Polish restaurant with a rustic interior.
Dominium Pizza, ul. Staromiejska 12 (Near Galeria Katowicka and the adjoining rail station.), ☎ +48 322 596 696, [x]. 11:00-23:00. Besides the standard fare of pizzas, the Dominium serves a variety of other meals in a nice Atmosphere with big rooms and high ceilings. Try the "Gorale," with bacon, smoked cheese, and cranberry sauce.
Sakana Sushi Bar, ul. Mielęckiego 6, ☎ +48 322 042 770, [x]. Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00; Sun: 13:00-22:00. Part of the Sakana sushi chain, this restaurant offers all that you can expect from Japanese cuisine.
Karcma pod Strzechom, ul. Grzyśki 13, ☎ +48 322 527 650, [x]. A cottage-shaped restaurant located in an area dominated by apartment buildings, the Karcma pod Strzechom specializes in the folk cuisine of the Podhale region in Lesser Poland, with prices from modest to high.
Gaudi Cafe Wawelska 2. Cozy atmosphere located underground and modeled after the work of Gaudi, with warm colors and curvy columns and candlesticks. A great place for a nice cup of coffee and great desserts.
The Spodek arena is both a local and regional landmark.
Dickery Wafflehouse, Staromiejska 15. Cafe serving waffles in genitals shapes, in city center
School Youth Hostel Ślązaczek, ul. Sokolska 26, ☎ +48 32 35 11 956, [x]. checkin: 6PM; checkout: 10AM. Located just about centre of the city in building of technical high school. Special rules apply as this is a youth hostel[1].25 - 35 PLN + 8 for linen.
Jopi Hostel, ul. Plebiscytowa 23, ☎ +48 32 204-34-32, [x]. 28 beds in 2, 4, 6 person rooms. Six bathrooms. Free WiFi.41 - 54 PLN.
Hostel Katowice Centrum, ul. Andrzeja 19, ☎ +48 32 733 10 79, [x]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. 40 beds in a 2, 3, 4 and 8 person rooms30 - 50 PLN.
Rynek 7 Hostel, Rynek 7, 40-001 Katowice, ☎ +48 534 722 223, [x]. Hostel is located in the city center
Klimczoka 6, Klimczoka 6, 40-857 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 359 58 02, [x]. Hostel located in Załęże district
Kamienna Centrum, Kamienna 4, 40-000 Katowice, ☎ +48 606 752 009. Hostel is located near Kamienna Sport Center, only 400 m from main railway station
Kaktus, Kaktusów 7, 40-164 Katowice, ☎ +48 690 886 667, [x]. Small hostel in Koszutka district, not far from the city center
Mariacka 13, Mariacka 13, 40-014 Katowice. Hostel located in most famous street in Katowice- Mariacka
Loli, Skłodowskiej-Curie 48, 40-057 Katowice, ☎ +48 501 535 772, [x]. Hostel is located in the city center just next to Katowice Cathedra
K3, Klimczoka 1, 40-857 Katowice, ☎ +48 501 411 234, [x]. Hostel is located in old tenement house in Załęże district
Gwarek Hostel, al. Korfantego 71, 40-161 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 203 38 76, [x]. Hostel located about 400 m from famous Spodek
Twój Hostel Katowice, Klimczoka 7, 40-857 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 202 30 25, [x]. Hostel with restaurant located in Załęże district
Ondraszka, ul.Ondraszka 12, 40-857 Katowice. Guest rooms with shared bathrooms and living room. There's a restuarant in neighbor building
Saritas, ul.Józefa Wolnego 14, 40-857 Katowice. Guest rooms in Załęże district with WI-FI and restaurant
hostel mPark, Krakowska 14. Hostel located close to A4 motorway and S1 way in Szopienice district , free WiFi, close proximity to Hubertus ponds, Morawa ponds and Stawiki
hostel Sentral, Mickiewicza 22/3. Hostel in city center, free WiFi
Kathia, Armii Krajowej 64 A. Guest rooms in district of Piotrowice, garden
hostel Polonia, Kochanowskiego 3. Hostel in city center, WiFi
hostel Terminal, Lotnisko 1. Object located 3 km from city center, near Muchowiec airport, in old, pre- war terminal building, WiFi, summer terrace, barbecue place, bike rental,
hostel DAB7, Dębowa 7. Hostel located not far from Silesian Park and Silesia City Center Mall.
hostel mPark, Sobieskiego 11. Hostel in close city center, Internet, shared and private bathrooms
Korczaka Guest Rooms, Deszczowa 4. Object located in Burowiec district, not far from Morawa and Borki lakes, private bathrooms, WiFi
Hotel Zaleze, ul. Gliwicka 106. in a secure, but a little miners' area two kilometres west of the railway station and downtown
Hotel Jantor, ul. Nałkowskiej 10 (In old mining estate Nikiszowiec), ☎ (032)255, [x]. Not modern but clean and cheap 2-Bed Rooms. The hotel has a free guarded car park and a restaurant.
Katowice Economy, Al.Korfantego 9, 40-096 Katowice. Big hotel with restaurant located in the city center
Diament Spodek, al. Korfantego 35, 40-005 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 832 89 70, [x]. A part of Spodek. It has a free WIFI and an indoor swimming pool
Novotel Katowice Centrum, al.Roździeńskiego 16, 40-202 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 200 44 44, [x]. Big hotel in the city center with swimming pool, spa and restaurant
Q Hotel Plus Katowice, Wojewódzka 12, 40-026 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 740 99 40. Guest rooms located 4 km from city center, restaurant, rooms with private Modern hotel located 400 m from main railway station with bar and restaurant. It offers air conditioned rooms
Vienna House Easy Katowice, Sokolska 24, 40-086 Katowice, ☎ +48 32 783 81 00, [x]. Elegant hotel in the city center, rooms with WIFI
Makara, Pod Młynem 20.
Noclegi Active, Barbary 2. Guest rooms in city center, shared and private bathrooms
Guest Rooms, Dębowa 7. Guest rooms located 4 km from city center, Internet, garden, close proximity to Silesian Park.
Dworek Pod Lipami, Przyjazna 9. Object located in a heart of Giszowiec, restaurant, Internet, free car park
Savoy Mariacka Apartments, Mariacka 4. Apartments located on famous Mariacka street, bar, restaurant
Zacisze, Słowackiego 15/7. Guest rooms in city center, WiFi
hostel DAB7, Dębowa 7. Hostel located 2 km from city center, close to Silesia Shopping Center and Silesian Park, barbecue place, WiFI,
hostel Podkowa, Gnieźnieńska 16. Hostel located 2 km from city center, in Wełnowiec district, not far from Park Śląski, shared bathrooms, internet
Apartamenty Madera, Bielska 20. Apartment house in Murcki, not far from Murckowskie Forest.
Apartamenty Silesia, Armii Krajowej 70. Apartment house located in district of Piotrowice, bar and convinient stores nearby.
Apartamenty Hetmańska, Hetmańska 14/3. Apartments located in district of Ligota, garden with gazebo and barbecue facilities, Internet
Apartamenty Petrowitz, Armii Krajowej 74. Apartments located in district of Piotrowice, WiFi
Marysin Dwór, Pukowca 17 A. Hotel in Załęże with a good restaurant, bar, WiFi,
Helio hostel, Bocheńskiego 94. Hostel in Załęże, WiFi, shared bathrooms
Mia Mia House, Zgrzebnioka 29 A. Guest rooms between Katowicki Forest Park and Kościuszko Park
hotel AWF, Mikołowska 72C. Hotel in the city center, sport facilities, WiFi
Hotel Monopol, ul. Dworcowa 5 (near Rynek and train station), ☎ +48 (0/32) 782 82 82 ([email protected], fax: +48 (0/32) 782 82 83), [x]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 1PM. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this grand old hotel was opened in 1903.
angelo Hotel Katowice, ul. Stawowa 24 (500m from Spodek and train station), ☎ +48 (0/32) 783 81 00 ([email protected], fax: +48 (0/32) 783 81 03), [x]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. Modern, four-star hotel located in the centre. It features 203 comfortable rooms and apartments and the biggest conference center in the area with 12 conference rooms with total area of 1 350m2.From €59. (50.263846,19.016451)
Biały Dom, Bytomska 3. Apartment house located near Park Śląski (3,5 km from city center), internet, barbecue facilities
Hornigold. Luxury accommodation located in two places- "W Zielonej Kamienicy" and "W Drodze do domu".
ABI Noclegi, Żółkiewskiego 3. Object dedicated mostly for workers in district of Zawodzie, near Three Ponds Valley, shared bathrooms
Noclegi Silesia, Chorzowska. Guest rooms dedicated mostly for workers, located in close city center, minimum of nights are 4. They also have other object on Wróblewskiego 7 B street
Guest Rooms, Zbożowa 20 H. Rooms mostly dedicated for students and workers, in Piotrowice district, shared bathrooms, Internet
Workers' Rooms, Szeligiewicza 12. Guest rooms mostly for workers located in city center, shared bathrooms
Villa Gloria, Ligęzy 14. Object mostly dedicated for students and workers, located in Ligota district, garden, barbecue facilities
Camping 215. Year- round camping located in Three Ponds Valley. It offers bungalows as well as tent places.
There're other camping places in Katowice, they're located on Morawa and Borki ponds in Szopienice.
You can sleep in camper on Bolina, there's located in the forest on the right from Hodowców street, you should read gravel road. It's rather small, for 1-2 campers.
Katowice's area code (for landline numbers) is 032 when dialed from within Poland or +4832 from outside Poland.
Wifi Internet access points are on the rise across Katowice. Pronounced in Polish as wee-fee, many businesses will advertise wifi access with a sign on their windows. Some common chain cafes and central locations offering wifi access points are:
Starbucks — located both in the Silesian City Center and Katowice Dworzec PKP.
Costa Coffee — located in the Silesian City Center.
Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport — numerous wireless hotspots in the terminal.
Katowice Dworzec PKP — the main hall at the train station has a free hotspot.
Katowice is generally a very safe city to stay in, and should not cause concern for visitors. In previous years, the rail station was a magnet for petty thefts, although since its refurbishment and expansion, this has considerably decreased. As in other European cities, people should keep their wits, particularly in crowded places.
Important phone numbers: police: 997, fire department: 998, ambulance: 999; all three share the common universal number 112.
Municipal guard: +48 32 986
Watch out for pickpockets in public transport and busy places.
Park your car in a safe place, in an attended guarded parking lot if possible.
Most long-distance trains have compartments, choose the occupied ones so you don't ride alone. During night travel, make sure that at least one person is not asleep.
Katowice as other big cities is LGBT friendly and couples showing public affection won't catch anyone's attention but stay cautious and discrete while visiting it after dusk (especially side streets). Staying discrete in big blocks of flats settlements as Tysiąclecie or Gwiazdy is recommended. Katowice, as many bigger Polish cities, hosts an annual pride march (Marsz Równości). There's a naturist beach on Staw Starganiec (on border with Mikołów).
Katowice has not entered the common European tourist lexicon yet, meaning that English is not as universally spoken as in other tourist-heavy areas of Poland like Warsaw or Kraków. However, visitors will be more than able to get around and pantomime to be understood. Thankfully for English speakers, English can be widely understood by many younger Poles below the ages of 30 to 35. Older Poles may potentially have some knowledge of Russian or German. Related Slavic languages, such as Czech and Slovak, are also partially understood, albeit with several humorous differences. The easiest way for tourists to avoid any potential language problems would be to learn a few key Polish words and phrases, a fact that will not be lost with Katowicians.
Because of Katowice's excellent transportation links, major tourist attractions in southern Poland are not far away, making the city a good base to explore (or get away to) other locations in Silesia and the neighboring province of Lesser Poland. Additionally, the border with the Czech Republic is also within easy reach.
Sosnowiec — located 7 km from Katowice - postindustrial city with multicultural heritage, place where Jan Kiepura, Władysław Szpilman and Pola Negri used to live.
Będzin — located 13 km from Katowice - medieval origin city with a castle, Gzichów palace and Jewish heritage.
Dąbrowa Górnicza — located 16 km from Katowice- popular tourist spot with artificial Pogoria lakes ( I, II, III and IV) and famous Błędowska Desert
Czeladź — located 10 km from Katowice- small city with neoromanesque St. Stanislaus church and workers' colony Piaski called "little Nikiszowiec"
Mysłowice — located 15 km from Katowice - unofficial capital of Polish alternative music
Jaworzno — Mountainous city famous by Sosina artificial lake
Pszczyna — located 38 km from Katowice- place with a beautiful palace and park
Świerklaniec — located 24 km from Katowice- place with a nice palace and park
Piekary Śląskie — located 16 km from Katowice - small town with Our Lady of Piekary sanctuary
Tarnowskie Góry — located 27 km from Katowice- old city with UNESCO World Heritage Black Trout Adit
Ogrodzieniec — located 47 km from Katowice- small town famous by big medieval castle ruins, limestone rocks and Our Lady of Rocks sanctuary
Niegowonice — located 36 km from Katowice- village famous by Limestone rocks Kromołowiec Hill with a beautiful view point.
Oświęcim — located 36 km (22.3 mi) from Katowice in Lesser Poland, the quiet town is the location of the German Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, arguably the most infamous concentration camp during the Nazi occupation.
Kraków — Poland's second city and former capital is a historical gem, drawing tourists around the world. Kraków is only 79 km (49 mi) east of Katowice, and is easily accessible via the A4 motorway and through numerous train and bus connections. There are several bus lines that run to and from Krakow every 15 minutes. Most charge between 12 and 15 zl ($4-$5) one way.
Częstochowa — site of the Jasna Góra Monastery, the home of the Black Madonna, Częstochowa is one of Poland's most spiritual sites.
Tychy — a city making up the south of the Silesian Metropolis, known for being the home of the informative Tyskie Browarium.
Zabrze — 20 KM away is the Guido Coalmine, which, at 320 meters deep, makes it the deepest pub in the world.
Cieszyn — a medieval town on the Czech-Polish border with a nice town square.
Ostrava — long considered the Czech twin of Katowice, Ostrava is the Czech Republic's third largest city, located 100 km (62 mi) southwest. Ostrava is known for its gritty industrial atmosphere, numerous bars and clubs on Stodolní ulice, and its straightforward and hearty inhabitants.
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
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