Gliwice is one of the main cities of the Upper Silesian Industrial District and at the same time an old administrative and commercial center, dating back to the Piast times. Their buildings are an interesting combination of historical buildings and modern industrial facilities.
The history of Gliwice begins in the 13th century, when Władysław Opolczyk granted them city rights. In the 14th century, the Piast Castle was erected here, which is now the seat of the Museum in Gliwice. This facility also has branches in other parts of the city, and the most famous of them is the Artistic Foundry Division operating in the historic engine room of the "Gliwice" Coal Mine.
One of the most important attractions of Gliwice is the Gliwice Radio Station. Its buildings were erected in the 1930s, and the 111-meter-high transmitting mast is the tallest all-wooden structure in Europe and the tallest wooden transmitting mast in the world.
Gliwice experienced its greatest boom from the second half of the 18th century. It was here that the first large coke-fired furnace in Europe was launched. In the city center, you can see many historic industrialist villas from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the neo-Renaissance Villa Caro.
Residents and tourists have the opportunity to rest and recreation in the city. The City Palm House is one of the most visited attractions in Gliwice. The first building was erected at the end of the 19th century, and the present building dates from 1924. Inside, apart from the winter garden, there is also a cafe. A popular recreation spot is also the Leśne Bathing Resort with a swimming pool, beach and sports fields.
