Katowice – the heart of Silesia on the Vistula
The partner city of Katowice, located less than 100 km from Ostrava, is a frequent destination for Czechs—not only due to its proximity, but especially because of its extensive industrial heritage, impressive mix of culture, design, and the innovations the city has to offer.
Katowice boast a wide range of architectural landmarks from the interwar period, which are part of the several-kilometre-long Trail of Modernism. Thanks to this modern urban development, the city was nicknamed "the Polish Chicago." The tourist route includes 17 buildings, among them the Silesian Parliament building, which has been declared a historical monument. It even features a still-functioning paternoster lift—just like the one in the New City Hall in Ostrava.
Katowice is also part of the Industrial Monuments Route, which includes technical and industrial factories throughout the Silesian Voivodeship region. Apart from the Nikiszowiec workers’ housing area, built for mining families, visitors can explore the Silesian Museum located in a former coal mine, a historic rolling mill, a zinc museum, or a porcelain factory that has been transformed into a modern technology park.
Music lovers will especially enjoy Katowice, as UNESCO awarded the city the prestigious title of "Creative City of Music" a few years ago, making Katowice the first city in this part of Europe to receive the award. Every year, several music festivals are held here, the most famous of which is the OFF Festival Katowice alternative music festival. The prestigious National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio has also helped open the world to Katowice’s musical scene.
One of the most interesting modern buildings in the city is undoubtedly Spodek, which resembles a UFO in shape. It is a multifunctional arena, one of the most famous symbols of the city, and hosts significant political, cultural, and sporting events every year.
Do you prefer nature over the hustle and bustle of the city center? You won't be bored in Katowice, as half of the city's area is green space. Here, you'll find Kościuszko Park, one of the most visited parks in Poland, as well as the Valley of Three Ponds, which offers space for active relaxation, cycling, inline skating, and walking.
Near the city, you'll also find Legendia, the oldest amusement park in Poland, which will definitely thrill fans of fun and adrenaline, as well as one of the most modern planetariums and observatories in the country.
It is clear that Ostrava and Katowice, as partner cities, have much in common. Both cities take pride in their traditions of steel and mining industries, the transformation of former industrial spaces into modern forms, the development of modern technologies, and the annual music festivals held in former industrial areas.
Whether you visit the partner city for the beautiful Christmas markets, which are held annually in the main square, Rynek, or simply for a city tour, Katowice is definitely worth a visit.
More information, not just about what you can visit, can be found on the city's website.
| Katowice: | |
| Founding of the city: | 1865 |
| Area: | 164,73 km² |
| Population: | 278 090 (2024) |
| Mayor: | Marcin Krupa |