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Katowice, located in Upper Silesia, is the largest and most important city in the region. With the expansion of the local airport, more and more tourists are stopping through the city. But that’s not the only reason we want to introduce you to Katowice’s most beautiful sights. We’ve both been to the city several times and think it holds its own against other Polish cities. Not only are there many sights to see here, The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, which is one of the reasons it holds the title “UNESCO City of Music.” Like the rest of Poland and Upper Silesia, the city has spruced itself up and, along with Gliwice and Zabrze, is well worth a longer stay as a base for excursions throughout Silesia.
History of Katowice
But first, a few words about the city’s fascinating history, which will also help you better understand Katowice when you visit. The area was already settled in prehistoric times, and settlements in what is now the Dąb district (German: Domb) are documented as far back as the Middle Ages. However, these settlements were small. The name of the town, Katowicze, first appears in records from 1598. At that time, like most of Silesia, it was already under Habsburg rule.
Katowice under Prussian rule
Katowice fell to Prussia in 1742 following the First Silesian War. However, this turned out to be a stroke of luck for both Prussia and the city, as its rich coal deposits enabled the town to develop within a few decades from an insignificant village into a veritable city and a major industrial center.
In 1865, Katowice was granted city status. Its development into a major railroad hub sparked a significant economic boom. Originally, Beuthen (Bytom) had been earmarked for this role, but the city council there rejected the plan, presumably because it was composed of many carriage operators who feared competition from the new mode of transportation. At that time, Katowice had only about 15,000 to 20,000 residents, but with the establishment of factories and, above all, mines, that was to change rapidly, and the city soon became bursting at the seams.
Katowice as Part of Poland During the Interwar Period
After World War I, three uprisings and a referendum determined the fate of Silesia. Katowice was assigned to the reestablished Polish state and flourished during the interwar period, as it was the most important city in what was then Poland’s wealthiest region. A comparison of statistics from those years shows that significantly more people here had access to water and electricity than, for example, in Kraków or Warsaw, and wages were also significantly higher than elsewhere.
Katowice Under German Occupation
During World War II, Katowice was captured by the Wehrmacht and incorporated into the German Reich. The persecution and oppression of Jews and Poles marked those dark years, during which over 8,000 Jews from Katowice were deported and murdered. After the Red Army captured the city, the German population in turn became victims of persecution and expulsions.
Katowice Under Communism
With the establishment of the Polish People’s Republic, the communist rulers promoted the development of heavy industry and continued to rely on the numerous mines in and around the city, while also founding a university. Katowice became the region’s most important center for education and research. For a brief period, from 1953 to 1956, the Moscow-loyal communists officially renamed the city Stalinogród in honor of the recently deceased Soviet dictator. In the decades that followed, however, the city was also a center of resistance against the communist dictatorship and an important hub for Solidarność.
The transition years were then marked by the creeping decline of heavy industry, and Katowice also suffered from smog and other environmental problems.
After the Fall of Communism: A City Reinventing Itself
The year 2010 marked a turning point in the city’s development. At that time , Katowice applied for the title of European Capital of Culture, but ultimately lost out to Wrocław. Nevertheless, the bid marked the start of a transformation of old industrial wastelands, a revitalization of the city center, and the construction of numerous spectacular buildings that instantly catapulted Katowice into the modern era. Anyone who last visited the city fifteen years ago and returns today will hardly recognize it, thanks to the numerous new attractions in Katowice.
It’s also particularly striking just how many educational institutions there are here. Several universities are based in the city, ensuring that Katowice—which today has a population of around 300,000—has become the most important center of science in this part of Poland. It’s no wonder that the city was awarded the title of European City of Science for 2024. Once a year , during the Śląski Festiwal Nauki— a science festival—you can also attend a wide variety of events.
These are the most beautiful sights in Katowice
But enough with the introduction. Let’s take a look at the most beautiful sights in Katowice! Most of them are located in the city center and are easily accessible on foot; you’ll only need to take the tram or bus to reach the places further out.
Bahnhofstraße (Ulica Dworcowa)
One of the city’s most architecturally fascinating streets is Ulica Dworcowa, or Station Street. Today, it’s one of the city’s most important gathering places, and among other things, you’ll find the Old Train Station here, which has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Also of interest is the Hotel Monopol, dating from the early 20th century, as you could see on the old postcard in the section on history. This is where the famous Polish singer Jan Kiepura once spent his wedding night and gave the people of Katowice an impromptu serenade from a balcony.
Marienstraße (Ulica Mariacka)
Ulica Mariacka (Marienstraße) is just a stone’s throw away from Ulica Dworcowa. And this is where life really comes alive in the evening! Even before World War II, there were several consulates, restaurants, and chic boutiques here. Later, Mariacka Street began a gradual decline. Long neglected, it had a dubious reputation for many years. Today, there’s no trace of that left. The street, which leads directly to St. Mary’s Basilica, is full of pubs, bars, and restaurants and is the best place to go if you want to experience the nightlife.
Kościół Mariacki
St. Mary’s Church is one of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings and one of the most interesting sights in Katowice. It is immediately apparent that, with its Neo-Gothic style, it looks quite different from most other Polish churches in the southern part of the country. The Silesian architect Alexis Langer was responsible for its construction, and he unmistakably drew inspiration from Cologne Cathedral. Consecrated in 1862, St. Mary’s Church was the very first Catholic church in Katowice.
Music Academy (Akademia Muzyczna)
Another significant Neo-Gothic building is the current Music Academy on Zacisze Street. Inaugurated in 1898, it served as the seat of the Silesian Parliament (Sejm) during the brief period of the Autonomous Silesian Voivodeship following World War I; later, music found its way into this magnificent building. In 2008, a modern extension was added that blends well with the historic part of the building and also includes a concert hall. Today, the Academy of Music ranks among the best in the country, and for a long time, Katowice was the only place in Poland where one could study jazz. For decades, jazz musicians from Poland have enjoyed an excellent reputation and are considered among the best non-American representatives of this genre.
Museum of City History (Muzeum Historii Katowic)
The Muzeum Historii Katowic is entirely dedicated to the eventful history of Katowice. It is located not far from the Academy of Music in a historic building and is divided into three sections, each occupying an entire floor of the spacious residential building. On the first floor, two beautifully restored apartments offer a glimpse into living conditions in the city before World War II, with one apartment reflecting upper-middle-class living and the other lower-middle-class living. Everything is so beautifully and realistically staged that you could almost believe the residents had just stepped out for a moment and might return at any second.
One floor up, there are rotating exhibitions. On the third floor, you can delve deeply into the city’s history. The focus here is primarily on the history of industrialization and everyday life in the city.
Catholic Cemetery on Francuska Street (Cmentarz katolicki przy ul. Francuskiej)
The city’s most beautiful cemetery is located right in the heart of downtown and can confidently be described as a sort of pantheon for famous Upper Silesians. It features both a Protestant and a Catholic section, as well as beautiful graves, some of which date back to the cemetery’s early days in the 1870s. Although the cemetery isn’t the largest in the city, it is certainly the most beautiful and significant, and thus one of Katowice’s most atmospheric attractions.
Diverse graves
The cemetery is also the final resting place of Wojciech Korfanty. The politician championed Polish interests in Upper Silesia, participated in the Silesian uprisings, and served as prime minister for a time. Furthermore, miners who lost their lives during the storming of the “Wujek” mine are buried here. In 1981, a strike broke out among the miners here at the Katowice complex, which was brutally suppressed by the communist authorities. Nine people lost their lives, and these brave miners are still commemorated in many places throughout Poland.
Silesian Sejm (Sejm Śląski)
On Jagiellonska Street, during my walk through Katowice, a veritable colossus awaited me: the Silesian Parliament building. Constructed between 1925 and 1929, it was Poland’s largest administrative building during the interwar period. With its magnificent facade, it remains very impressive to this day. However, this building also harbors a dark history, as it served as the seat of the newly created Gau Upper Silesia during the German occupation in World War II. Today, the building is shared by the Marshal’s Office and the Voivodeship Office.
The Silesian Vatican: Cathedral of Christ the King (Archikatedra Chrystusa Króla)
Be honest: Did you know that Poland’s largest cathedral isn’t in Warsaw or Kraków, but in Katowice? I, for one, was quite surprised when I heard that. The cathedral was built between 1932 and 1955 and was thus only opened during the communist era, despite some resistance from the rulers of the time (who, at least, managed to ensure that the party headquarters was built even taller). Standing over 60 meters tall and more than 100 meters long, the church is quite impressive.
Exciting details inside
The church can accommodate 6,000 worshippers, and even today many Masses are well attended. Two side chapels are particularly impressive. One is dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. It houses an altar made entirely of coal. The Holy Spirit Chapel across from it, with its golden mosaic made up of over a million tiny stones, was donated by Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI. During a visit to the church, he was so impressed by the building that he wanted to leave his mark here.
Market Square (Rynek)
Normally, the market square—the Rynek—is the main hub for night owls in Polish cities. In Katowice, things are a little different; after all, the city is very young, did not develop around a market square, and is therefore much more decentralized.
Nevertheless, the market square is definitely worth a visit. Today, it consists of three parts: an area with beautiful flower beds, a central area where events such as a lovely Christmas market are frequently held, and a section dominated by the Silesian Theater. An interesting fact: Maria Goeppert-Mayer was born on a side street, ul. Młynska. In 1963, she became the second woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Culture Zone (Strefa Kultury)
Now we’re heading to the most modern part of the city. Where coal was once mined at the Katowice Coal Mine, an ultra-modern complex with numerous attractions has sprung up—you should set aside at least half a day to explore it. At first, you won’t even know where to look first: skyscrapers, old mine towers, and then there’s that UFO.
Spodek
Yes, you read that right—a UFO has landed in Katowice. At least, that’s what many people call the building. The multipurpose arena is one of the most outstanding examples of socialist architecture and was inaugurated back in 1971. With a maximum capacity of 11,500 spectators, the arena is one of the largest venues in the region.
Today, the Spodek is not only the city’s most important landmark, but it has even gained a new neighbor: the International Congress Center. This spectacular building with a green roof is connected to the Spodek via an underground passage and offers plenty of additional seating, allowing the total capacity for events to be increased to up to 25,000.
Juderjednostka, a Giant Residential Building
The Superjednostka is undoubtedly one of Katowice’s most striking—and controversial—buildings. Built between 1967 and 1972 and modeled after Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation, this monumental apartment complex spans 187.5 meters and houses hundreds of apartments under one roof. When it was built, it housed 762 apartments, 7 stores, and an underground parking garage. It was also intended to house kindergartens. In urban planning, it’s even considered its own neighborhood. A superlative not only by the standards of the time. Today, around 1,300 people still live in the building. Incidentally, there are even three floors that you can walk through from one end to the other: floors 2, 8, and 14. Here, you can walk over 150 meters through the building.
NOSPR
Behind the cryptic acronym NOSPR lies one of Katowice’s newest and most spectacular attractions: the approximately 1,800-seat venue for the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, designed by Tomasz Konior . Opened in 2014, it is one of the most modern concert halls in Europe, and stepping into the Grand Hall will take your breath away! The building was inspired by the Nickischschacht workers’ housing estate (see below), and the UNESCO City of Music has thus gained a worthy venue that meaningfully complements Katowice’s already extensive selection of event spaces.
KTW II – A 134-meter-tall matchbox
From the NOSPR, by the way, you also have a great view of the KTW II building, which resembles a matchbox—a spectacular, 134-meter-tall skyscraper that’s so intricately interlocked that it almost looks as if it could fall apart at any moment. Unfortunately, the office building isn’t open to the public. However, it still offers plenty of photo opportunities from the outside.
Sileasian Museum (Muzeum Śląskie)
One of the newest additions to the cultural district is the Silesian Museum. From the outside, you’d never guess what treasures are hidden inside the building. Nestled among the partly restored, partly dilapidated remains of the Katowice mine (which, by the way, also features a stylish tower that’s been converted into an observation deck), the glass cubes look rather modest. But that’s by design, because just like the miners of old, you first have to go underground to reach the museum’s treasures.
Art, religion and history
The exhibition consists of three parts. The first part showcases Polish art from 1800 to the present. Alongside masters such as Matejko and Wyspiański, you’ll also find controversial modern works and many pieces by Silesian artists. Another section is dedicated to Silesian sacred art. In addition to liturgical objects, you’ll find old altars, statues, and numerous paintings. The historical section of the exhibition is also fascinating, covering the history of Upper Silesia from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Here you’ll learn a great deal about the region’s turbulent history; everything is presented in a very vivid way, and the sections on the referendum, the Silesian Uprisings, and the history of Silesia during the socialist era are particularly impressive. In addition, the building also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Silesia City Center
To the west of the cultural district lies the city’s most impressive shopping complex. Built on the site of several coal mines, this shopping center is truly extraordinary and is said to have cost a whopping 600 million euros. Spanning over 80,000 square meters, there’s nothing you can’t find here—and a visit is well worth it not only for shopping but also for its culinary offerings. The construction carefully preserved the site’s historical heritage; even an old mine shaft tower still stands here!
Giszowiec
The next of Katowice’s attractions is located just outside the city center. Gieschewald was a workers’ settlement established in the early 20th century and was Europe’s first garden city. Four hundred small houses were built here to provide homes for over 2,000 miners and their families. The charming houses were deliberately designed to look as if they could be found in the countryside. And there’s a reason for that: Most of the miners came from rural areas and were meant to feel as comfortable as possible here. Unfortunately, many of the houses were later demolished to make way for prefabricated apartment buildings, but about a quarter of the original structures have survived to this day.
Nikiszowiec
The Nickischschacht housing estate, one of Katowice’s most fascinating attractions, was built at the same time as Gieschewald. Emil and Georg Zillmann, two architects from Charlottenburg, were responsible for the spectacular brick housing complex built for the workers of the Giesche Mine, creating a microcosm that comprised nine building complexes, each grouped around an inner courtyard. Even today, the complex remains one of the city’s most popular residential neighborhoods.
A church for the miners
Nothing was lacking here; they even built a large church. Like the rest of the settlement, St. Anne’s Church is made of brick and can accommodate up to 3,500 worshippers. The Neo-Baroque building features a magnificent main altar crafted in Munich, windows from Regensburg, and organs from Krnov (Jägerndorf).
Planetarium
Admittedly, the planetarium is actually no longer located in Katowice, but in Chorzów (Königshütte). You wouldn’t notice this, though, because—much like in the Ruhr region—all the cities in the area have grown together, and city boundaries are barely discernible. The first planetarium here opened in 1955, making it the oldest in the country (and also the largest in all of Poland).
The facility was recently expanded to include a modern, partially underground section. A million stars can be displayed here, and there are also films on scientific topics to enjoy. From the adjacent observation tower, you’ll have a great view of the neighboring Park Śląski, where countless attractions—such as a small amusement park and many beautiful green spaces—await you. We especially enjoyed the planetarium’s exhibition, though. It’s dedicated to astronomy and geophysics, and here you can, among other things, fly into space using a simulator, experience an earthquake, or see how lightning is formed!
Food and Drink in Katowice
Are you hungry and thirsty after visiting all the sights in Katowice? No problem—here are our tips for a perfect evening in the city. And if you’re interested in delicious Silesian cuisine, we recommend checking out this page, which provides information on Silesian cuisine in all its facets.
- Żurownia, 16 Juliusza Ligonia St. This former miners’ cafeteria serves classic Silesian cuisine with a modern twist. Very tasty!
- Browariat, 11 Francuska St. The Browariat may be small, but the selection at this craft beer bar is still huge! The friendly Kuba really knows his stuff, and if you’ve always wanted to try Latvian or Estonian craft beer—or a wheat beer from a German brewery that nobody here has even heard of—then you’ve come to the right place!
- Browar Mariacki, 15 Mariacka St. Right in the heart of Mariacka Street’s nightlife district, they brew a variety of delicious beers and serve tasty international cuisine—meat lovers, in particular, will find plenty to enjoy here. In the morning, they also serve a delicious breakfast (even without beer).
- Kaktusy, 11 Dworcowa St. I’ll be honest: I absolutely loved this place. I ate here twice and had what might have been the best roulade of my life—a typical Silesian dish. The atmosphere is also truly impressive, with a chic and modern vibe.
- Traditional casseroles—with or without cucumber?, 1 Mariacka St. You can find the delicious ready-to-bake baguettes—which are especially popular at Nowy Targ Square in Krakow—right here. The shop stays open late into the night, so you can still grab a bite to eat here even at 3 a.m. That leaves just one question: With or without cucumbers?
Where to Stay in Katowice
- Q Hotel Plus* – Located right in the heart of the city (making it a great base for exploring Katowice’s sights), this hotel impresses with clean rooms, friendly service, a great breakfast buffet, and an excellent restaurant serving many delicious Silesian dishes.
- Courtyard by Marriott* – This high-rise hotel is located right in the heart of downtown and offers a fantastic view of the entire city. In addition to its stylish rooms, the delicious breakfast and the great view from the rooftop cocktail bar are also worth mentioning.
- Apartamenty Krzywa* – Small but charming apartments south of the train station. Nicely furnished and very affordable.
How did you like your visit to Katowice? Which of Katowice’s sights do you think is the most beautiful? Feel free to let us know by leaving a comment.
