Poland

Gliwice

For the last years Gliwice has become one of the most modern cities of Upper Silesia. Its strengths are its favourable location, advanced economy, comprehensive development of science and education, as well as rich cultural, sports and recreation life. Gliwice is located in the south-western part of Poland, within the territory of the Province of Silesia. It occupies the surface area of 134,2 km2 and has the population of over 190 thousand. This gives in the 17th and 18th position, respectively, on the list of the largest Polish cities. Simultaneously, it constitutes a part of Silesia Metropolis (14 cities) - the largest urban organism of this part of Europe, inhabited by ca. 2 milion people.

 Market Square

The central point of Gliwice Old town, presenting to this day medieval building structure. The main building is the Town Hall, around which one can admire tenement houses with arcades built between the 15 th and 17 th centuries. The characteristic place in the Market Square is the fountain with the sculpture of Neptune designed by Johannes Nietzsche. The Market Square is the favorite meeting place for the inhabitants and tourists alike. Numerous cafes and galleries create a pleasant atmosphere. This is also the place of numerous artistic events. 

Town Hall

The original gothic Town Hall was built in the 13 th century as the seat of municipal authorities. The present, classical building dates back to the 15 th century. It is used for formal functions. There are marriage hall, session and conference halls inside. 

Gliwice Music Theatre

In its present from it has been functioning since 2001, combining many years’ traditions of the Silesian Operetta and the Musical Theatre in Gliwice. Apart from the world operetta hits, there are also musicals, modern dance and ballet spectacles and musical fairy tales staged here. Famous Polish and world artists appear on the theatre stage. 

Gliwice Radio Station Department of the Museum in Gliwice

Made of larch in the year 1935, It is the highest wooden construction of the type in Europe (111 m). The place of the German provocation in 1929,which preceded the outbreak of World War II. Presently a museum with the exhibition of historic radio transmitters an telecommunication equipment.

The Piast Castle

The former Zetritz manor, called the Piast’s Castle, today is one of the departments of the Museum in Gliwice. Ages ago it was also used as an arsenal, a prison and grange. The remains of the medieval defensive walls are preserved in the vicinity.

Municipal Office Building

One of the most impressive buildings in the city. Built in the 1930s as ‘Haus Oberschlesien’, the most modern hotel in the part of Europe. Burnt down in January 1945 by the Red Army and rebuilt after the war. It is presently the seat of municipal authorities. 

Ruins of the Municipal Theatre

In 1890 a large culture and entertainment complex was built here, with the Municipal Theatre “Victoria” operating within its territory. The grandest and the most representative building of that type in Upper Silesia Burnt down 1945 by the Soviet soldiers. Presently maintained as a permanent ruin, one of the most interesting cultural facilities in the region, aims at presenting the unconventional artistic undertakings. 

Caro Villa

The building is in the Renaissance style and dates back to the 19 th century. The former property of the factory owner Oscar Caro. Presently the 19 th century residential interiors of the Upper Silesian manufactures and the temporary exhibitions are available to visitors.  

Municipal Palm House

A green oasis in the city centre. It is the third largest facility of that type in Poland. Erected in the 19 th century, the Palm House is presently home to over 6,000 specimen of flora and fauna. Citruses, spices (pepper, cinnamon, cardamom) and exotic palms cacti, originating from Australia, Africa and both Americas can be admired here. The tour takes about 1,5 hours. 

Olimpijczyk Indoor Swimming Pool

is the newest 50-metre pool opened in January 2010. The facility holds a 25x25 metre Olympic pool, fitness room, gym, café and offers a multifunction pitch outside the pool and rand stand for 700 spectators.

Tafla Ice Skating Rink

A bit of winter in the middle of summer. This indoor ice skating rink welcomes everybody throughtout the year. The facility also attracts fans of curling track. The rink is equipped with skate hire and café where you can have a rest after the exercise.

Municipal Stadium

In less than one year a modern football arena, adjusted to the requirements of the Polish Football Association and UEFA was built – with the pitch with the dimensions of 105 m x 68 m, with heated turf, roofed terraces and a threestorey club building. The football stadium was opened at the end of 2011. The stadium which can hold up to 10 000 fans is a place of sports struggles of the PIAST GLIWICE Sports Club.

Frederic Chopin Park

The most exquisite green park in the city centre of the area of 6.3 ha, where you can have a rest after a long  working day, walk with children or admire beautiful flowery compositions. Visit to the Municipal Palm House is a must- over 6,000 exotic plants from all over the world and many species of freshwater fish are to be seen there. 

Bajka Scene-Amok Cinema

In 1928 one of the most state of the art cinemas in Gliwice was erected here. Eighty years later, taken over by the town, the facility was given a second life. Its profile was changed as well. One of its halls is now not only used  for movie screening but also for theatrical productions ad concerts. Thanks to its multifunctional purpose, it is now a venue for the studio cinema Amok and Gliwice Music Theatre.