Katowice is the capital city of the Silesian Voivodeship in southern Poland. The city itself has a population of about 300000 and is considered as a heart of GZM Metropolis, which comprises 41 cities, inhabited by over 2 million people.
In the past, Katowice has been associated with coal mining and steel industry centers. In recent years, the city has undergone a huge transformation, becoming one of the leaders in innovation and new technologies. Due to the post-industrial buildings and facilities, the site has exceptional architectural and historic value. The rapid development, rich culture and well developed means of communucation turned Katowice into a place that hosts exceptional cultural and business events.
Katowice offers a wide range of tourist attractions and safety – you can move around without concern for your security. The social life goes on in Culture Zone, which incluedes the buildings of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio, the Silesian Museum, the International Congress Centre and many more. The most well-known part of Zone is spacecraft- shaped Spodek hall.
Muzeum Śląskie in Katowice was established in 1929, and now it is the largest museum in the region (witch exhibition area of over six thousand square metres). The whole architectural complex is located on the grounds of a former coal mine, combining the city’s industrial traditions with modernity. The Museum’s activity is mainly focussed on the historical relations of multi-cultural Silesia with Poland and the rest of the world. More info: www.muzeumslaskie.pl/en/.
Is a historic, more than 100-year-old area with mining settlements, known as familoks. In this place it is possible to feel the atmosphere of the old industrial Silesia. Since 2011 the Nikiszowiec settlement has been entered on the list of Historic Monuments and tracked by the National Heritage Board of Poland. More info: www.welcome.katowice.eu/en/attractions.htm.
Katowice makes also a great base for day trips throughout southern Poland and Silesian Voivodeship.
Tychy Brewery working since 1629 is one of the oldest in Poland. Since the 2004 the brewing museum has been opened, where visitors can not only learn about the technique of beer brewing, but also enjoy a mug of beer.
The only site in Poland, being a remnant of the ancient ore mines of silver, lead and zinc, which isa vailable to visitors. The trail known as Black Trout Adit, which is almost 2 km in length gives an unique opportunity to travel by boat (40 m underground). The complex is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and Historic Monuments. More info: www.kopalniasrebra.pl/en/