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 visiting 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 visit the main hall after prior reservation.

Nearly to the Spodek, local authorities have created the Culture Zone - a meeting place for people, business and art. It is made up of 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 the interest of visitors. 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 point 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 Mr. Kleks' Fairy Tale Workshop open their doors to children. The latter is a great family attraction, which has recently been available in the premises of the former Porcelain Factory.

Enthusiasts of sacred art 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 Mariacka Street, lined with music clubs, pubs and restaurants.

Fans of outdoor recreation are offered the Three Ponds Valley in Katowice. 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 excursions visiting the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship 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. 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 builtbus station. Sindbad coaches also depart from here. Not far away is the Railway Station, from which we are able to reach practically every corner of Poland. Collective transport in Katowice is organized very well. We can move around the city on city buses and streetcars - both modes of transportation seamlessly connect Katowice with neighboring cities in the agglomeration.