Katowice - Buses to and from Katowice - Attractions and Sightseeing

Katowice - the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship - is the main city in the vibrant Upper Silesian Agglomeration, the largest metropolis in Poland. The fate of the region is inextricably linked to mining and heavy industry. However, those who think that Upper Silesia is still only famous for coal mining are mistaken. The area has much more to offer, and a visit to Katowice may be the best proof of the scale of tourism potential we are talking about!

Tourists visiting Katowice will not be bored, as the list of local attractions is long and varied. It opens with Spodek, the legendary sports and entertainment hall, which has hosted iconic sports and music events (Green Day, Metallica, Slash, Leonard Cohen, among others, have played here). It is possible to take a tour of the main hall by prior reservation.

Not far from the Spodek, local authorities have created the Culture Zone - a meeting place for people, business and art. It is formed by three facilities: The Silesian Museum, the modern NOSPR concert hall and the International Congress Center.

The Silesian Museum in Katowice is one of the most modern museum facilities on the Vistula River. The move to new premises has allowed the institution to spread its wings and attract visitor interest. The Silesian Museum's exposition - as befits a region with a strong mining tradition - is located underground. Among several permanent exhibitions, the one on the history of Upper Silesia is the most noteworthy.

What, besides the Culture Zone and Spodek, is worth seeing in Katowice? The Wilson Shaft Gallery is located in the former shaft of the Wieczorek coal mine. It hosts performances, lectures, festivals, fairs, concerts and exhibitions by niche artists. Those who frequent the S. Wyspianski Silesian Theater, located in Katowice's modernized market square, can enjoy a slightly different art experience. It is the largest facility of its kind in the city. There are two stages inside - a large and a small one. The theater is a major cultural landmark on the city's map, as well as the most famous dramatic stage in the region. Interestingly, some plays are staged in the Silesian dialect. The Ateneum Theater and the Mr. Kleks' Fairy Tale Workshop open their doors to children. The latter is a great family attraction, which has recently become available in the premises of the former Porcelain Factory.

Religious art enthusiasts should definitely visit the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the so-called St. Mary's Church. It is a neo-Gothic building from 1870. One of its landmarks is the soaring tower. Interestingly, the church is located at the end of the city's most party-oriented promenade - the popular St. Mary's Street, lined with music clubs, pubs and restaurants.

For fans of outdoor recreation, Katowice offers the Three Ponds Valley. It is a vast recreational area with a Water Sports Marina, numerous bicycle trails, a roller coaster and food and beverage facilities. An alternative to the Valley, which is besieged during the season, is Kosciuszko Park - the only park in the Downtown area. It's an interesting green space with two historical sites: the parachute tower and the wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel from 1510. The structure was moved to Katowice in 1938.

However, the real pearl of Katowice and a must-see on the list of tours visiting the capital of the Silesian province is Nikiszowiec. It is a famous red-brick mining estate. It was built in the first decades of the 20th century, and the architects behind it were Emil and Georg Zillmann. The estate was included in the list of New Wonders of Poland. The heart of Nikiszowiec is Liberation Square, next to which stands St. Anne's Church. A visit to Nikisz can be made more pleasant with local dishes and baked goods served in local cafes. We should add that Nikiszowiec is located on the Route of Monuments of Technology.

The city really has a lot to offer tourists, especially those who have not yet encountered industrial heritage. Importantly, Katowice is easily accessible by bus and train. Intercity Katowice buses stop at the newly built bus station. Coaches also depart from here Sindbad. Nearby is a railway station, from which we are able to reach practically every corner of Poland. Collective transportation in Katowice is organized very well. We can move around the city by city buses and streetcars - both modes of transport seamlessly connect Katowice with the neighboring cities of the agglomeration.