Katowice is in the midst of what can only be called an architectural renaissance and its new skyline is raking up accolades and awards that no other city in Poland can compare with. But it wasn’t so long ago that Silesia was the butt of many a joke because of its many communist eye-sores and post-industrial dinosaurs dotting the landscape. But one man’s finger painting is another man’s Picasso!
We've compiled a list of 33 ‘must-see’ buildings/structures/places in Silesia, broken down into three easily digestible categories. We have annotated our list and done our best to present a historical timeline of the architecture to give you a broader picture of how the region has evolved over the past few years, decades and centuries. While admittedly most of the buildings can be found within Katowice’s city limits, we included several buildings and structures from various suburbs of the Silesian Metropolis. We hope to inspire you to get out there and see first-hand as many of the region’s fascinating feats of architectural acrobatics and engineering ingenuity as you can.
MODERN CLASSICS
International Congress Center (2016) - The newest iconic building in Katowice. The unmistakable grass terracing on the roof of this multipurpose expo (see cover photo) has proved an idyllic functional and metaphorical bridge between NOSPR and the Spodek.
Silesian Museum (2015) - The renovated former Katowice coal mine buildings along with the newly installed and equally iconic ‘light boxes’ on the surface belie the miraculous and magnificent museum lurking below. Underground architecture at its finest.
NOSPR (2014) - This is perhaps the most celebrated building in all of Poland in the last decade and our personal favourite. The classic red brick exterior pays tribute to the Nikiszowiec housing district but inside it’s a whole different world. The exceedingly warm woods of the main concert hall shimmer like gold and produces what has been called one of the most perfectly acoustic philharmonic halls in the world!
Galeria Katowicka (2013) - We’re not typically fond of exiting through the gift shop per se, but this modern and bright shopping mall is easy on the eyes and fast on the feet. Make sure to avert your gaze from the latest global fashion trends from time to time to look up and admire the intricate glass and steel work in the skylights.
Katowice Central Train Station (2012) - Of all of the buildings on this list, this is perhaps the most beloved by Silesians and Poles. Not only for its own merits of being a super slick, modern, slightly retro
Rondo Sztuki (2007) - This half domed glass and steel structure is also known as the Eye of the City and with all its various cultural output, it barely catches a wink of sleep. Visit the modern art gallery at ground level, then head upstairs to Królestwo for a gourmet meal and world class concert. Best use of a roundabout we’ve ever seen.
Altus Tower (2003) - Still the tallest building in Silesia, this skyscraper and four star hotel put Katowice on the architectural map and finally made the city an attractive business destination. Altus will transform into a 5 star Marriott Hotel in 2017.
Chorzowska 50 (2001) - While it still has a bit of a late 90’s look, this thoroughly modern commercial building was the first of its size in Silesia and symbolised the shift from heavy industry to financial services and global business.
Silesian Library (1998) - This epic monstrosity was an early harbinger of architects’ interest in experimenting in Katowice. At the time of its opening it was the largest public library in Europe and remains one of the most modern in Poland.
CULT CLASSICS
Stalexport Buildings (1982) - These twin beauties are as retro as they come and vaguely resemble some sort of machinery involved in the coal extraction process. Originally used by the Centre for Foreign Trade they now house various businesses including the Silesian Tourist Bureau.
Katowice Culture Centre (1979) - Perhaps the most controversial building on our list, it looks like a giant white cube with rusting white vinyl sidings. What it lacks in classical beauty, it more than makes up for in substance as it houses more cultural institutions per square metre than any other building in Poland! Check out our Hipnoza Jazz Club review.
The ‘Gwiazdy’ (Stars) Housing Estate (1978)
It’s not too difficult to see where this 7 tower housing estate got its name from (right). Apart from spacious apartments (for communist times) each of these eight pointed stars houses a different social service from medical clinics, kindergartens and a dentist. Everybody is a star!
Superjednostka Housing Block (1972) - One of the largest apartment buildings of its kind in Poland. An example of modernist socialist architecture, it has 15 floors and 762 apartments serviced by 12 elevators. Curious enough, all elevators stop on only every third floor.
Spodek (1971) - Equally the most iconic and controversial building in the region (see 1st image in gallery); for decades it has been a love it or hate it oddity. The recent additions of breathtaking works of architecture and landscaping around the Spodek have given the giant saucer a new context and subsequently a new lease on life.
