Katowice Sights and Landmarks Guide, Poland

Katowice is the capital of the Silesian Voivodship and one of the biggest industrial centers in Poland. Because Katowice is a relatively new city and that it suffered important loses during the Nazi occupation, there is not so much to see in terms of historical buildings. Katowice sights don’t have the historic importance of Krakow Sights or Warsaw Sights, but its modern architecture and increasing number of cultural venues make Katowice a very interesting city.

Katowice Sights – Museums and Monuments

For a deep insight into the history and traditions of Silesia, you can start your walk at the Silesian Museum. After that, you can continue either with Katowice’s History Museum, or with the Modern Art Gallery. When it comes to contemporary arts, you have come to the right place; Katowice’s inventory of galleries includes the Art Exhibition Office, the Motion Picture Arts Center, the Wilson Shaft Gallery and the Exhibition Hall “SPODEK”. There is also a very interesting ethnographic open-air museum, called Kosciuszko Park. One of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the city, Wyspianski Silesian Theatre, dates back to the early 20th century and was designed by the famous architect C. Moritz. The Monument of the Silesian Insurgents is probably the best known among Katowice’s statuary groups.

Katowice Sights – Modern Architecture

If there is one modern city in Poland, that would be Katowice. With the oldest buildings dating from mid 19th century, Katowice displays a variety of architectural styles, from Art Nouveau (Goldenstein’s Residence) to Postmodernist (Silesian Library, Bank of Silesia). The historic centre of the city, concentrated around Market Square, Liberty Square or 3 Maja Street, is characterized by a mix of neo-historic styles (like Neo-Baroque or Neo-Renaissance), with elements of Art-Nouveau. There are also a number of beautiful churches among Katowice sights, built around the same years: Cathedral in Katowice, Church of St. Michael Archangel, St. Mary’s Church. The impressive late-modernist building of the Spodek sports centre has become one of Katowice’s symbols.

Katowice Sights – Sports and Cultural Events

The above mentioned Spodek is and has been the host of numerous events and sports competitions that brought Katowice in the attention of the whole world: the Ice Hockey World Championship or the Eurobsket 2009 are only two of them. Amateur sports persons can try their chances in the Half Marathon 4 Energy, or in one of Katowice’s numerous gyms, tennis courts, indoor climbing facilities and parks. Spodek is also the annual host of several music events, like Mayday, Metalmania or Rawa Blues Festival.

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