The Best Travel Guide to Katowice (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Katowice

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Overview

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Katowice The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

Prosperity and extensive growth in the late 19th century was brought to Katowice by the coal and steel industry, turning it into a Silesian metropolis. Today heavy industry has disappeared, and new small businesses are creating a flourishing, modern city. Walk the beautiful old township of Nikiszowiec during the day and be inspired by art and music all over the city. Drop into the lovely shops, and when the evening comes be prepared to spend a long night dancing.

Facts

Population:	307,200
Currency:	1 Polish zloty = 100 groszy
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency Number: 112 Police: 997 Fire brigade: 998 Medical: 999
Newspapers:	Dziennik Zachodni¨ Gazeta Wyborcza Fakt Echo Miasta Metro International Nowy Przegląd Katowicki
Opening hours:	Shops in Katowice are usually open from 10.00 to 19.00, Monday-Friday and 10.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets have longer opening hours, sometimes they are even open all night long.
Tourist information:	Convention Bureau Katowice ul. Rynek 13, Katowice Phone: +48 32 259 38 08 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00 - 18.00, Sat 9.00 - 16.00

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Section in Katowice

Katowice continues to steadily add museums and attractions to a growing list of eclectic sites that make the city absolutely unique. There may not be any palaces or castles around, since industrial tourism is what most attracts visitors to the booming heart of Poland’s Industrial Revolution. Churches, growing business centres, and old townhouses are all a pleasure to look at, while an evening in the opera or theatre will complete your day perfectly.

Silesian Museum

Silesian Museum

The Silesian Museum exhibits Polish paintings from 1800 to 1939 and features various temporary displays from its immense collections such as archaeology or local history and culture.

Katowice History Museum

Katowice History Museum

The museum deals with the history Katowice and Silesian culture in general. The exposition helps visitors understand the essence of the city showing original objects, maps and traditionally furnished apartments.

Cathedral of Christ the King

Cathedral of Christ the King

The Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955, is the largest cathedral in Poland. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral once in 1983. The cathedral is easy to locate - its dome stands out in the Katowice skyline.

Nikiszowiec

Nikiszowiec

You will love this place, a whole township with traditional red brick houses in fine Silesian architecture. If you are already there, go and visit the bakery Michalski with the best cakes in Katowice.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel

Church of St. Michael the Archangel

The church is one of the oldest buildings in Katowice, located in the beautiful Kosciuzko Park. Originally it was constructed in 1510 in the village Syrynia from where it was moved to its present location in 1938. The uniqueness of the church is and was always admired.

Silesian Theatre

Silesian Theatre

The Silesian Theatre is located on Katowice market square. It is up to you whether you choose modern and bold staging of a play or go for an entertaining evening with good comedy - Silesia's oldest theatre will certainly not disappoint.

Kinoteatr Rialto

Kinoteatr Rialto

The cinema-theatre Rialto is an artist-run venue that specialises in independent film and music. Here, visitors will be able to catch a movie that isn't shown in ordinary commercial cinemas, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee at the artsy on-site cafe.

Silesian Philharmonic

Silesian Philharmonic

The Silesian Philharmonic is regarded as one of the most distinguished orchestras in Poland.The list of prominent pianists who have played here includes (but is not limited to) Witold Malcuzynski and Sviatoslav Richter.

NOSPR Concert Hall

NOSPR Concert Hall

The new concert hall just opened in 2014 and exceeds all expectations in acoustics as well as in architecture. The National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra playing here is another one of Poland’s premier classical music orchestras.

Park Kosciuszko

Park Kosciuszko

One of the most attractive green spaces in Katowice, the Kosciuszko park is an attractive spot for a relaxing walk not too far from the city center. It is frequented by locals, who come for strolls and bike rides.

Spodek

Spodek

In Spodek there are concerts, matches, festivals and markets and it is well known for being a great event venue in Katowice. Although you get no chance to get in, it is worth to see from outside. It is literally like an UFO that has landed in the middle of the city. In the evening there is beautiful illumination on the Spodek, it changes depending on what event is celebrated at the moment.

Valley of Three Ponds

Valley of Three Ponds

The valley of Three Ponds is a large park in the southern part of the city. The green grass and the blue water invites you to lie in the sun and have barbecues. This is a great place to visit with your family, friends and colleagues.

Silesian Insurgents Monument

Silesian Insurgents Monument

The communist-era monument commemorates the Polish insurgents of the three Silesian Rebellions between 1919 and 1921. The imposing structure is shaped in the form of three eagle wings flapping and is interesting to take a look at.

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

40km away from Katowice lies the Holocaust memorial of Auschwitz. The site consists of two former concentration camps: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. In 1979, the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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