Katowice

The city of Katowice is the main city of the Silesian province and capital of the Upper Silesian Industrial District, an agglomeration of 2.1 million people, in southern Poland. The city itself covers 164km2 and has an approximate population of 289,000 people. The historically working-class area has been renowned for its coal and steel production since the 19th century but now the city has undergone a massive redevelopment to become a growing business and cultural center.

Only 20 years ago, two mines and a steelworks were operating in the center of Katowice. Today their symbols are the only reminder of the city industrial past.

The showcase of the capital of the region is the Culture Zone located at the site of the Katowice mine, and combines the International Congress Center with green rooftop carpeting, the delightful headquarters of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and the unique Silesian Museum, where most exhibitions are located 14 meters underground.

Mining and steel are still important sectors within Katowice’s economy but it has been steadily transforming into an innovative, culturally dynamic, high-tech economy with a high quality of life for its citizens. It is now a leading center for business trade fairs and a business service center that has attracted investment from international corporations.

What the region does possess is a raft of old and electric industrial heritage sites as well as increasing range of cultural venues and events which have earned Katowice status of a UNESCO City of Music.

What is more, although the city is the most densely populated part of the agglomeration, 42% of its territory is covered by forest and the number of green spaces for recreation has been increasing!