Katowice is the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship. This modern city attracts tourists with modernist and post-industrial architecture, as well as numerous cultural events.
Katowice received city rights only in 1865. Therefore, there is no old architecture here at all. The city center was shaped in the neoclassical and eclectic style at the end of the 19th century. The richness of Katowice is, however, the architecture of the twentieth century. One of the most interesting modernist building complexes in Poland, modeled on the Bauhaus architecture and referring to Le Corbusier's works, can be found here. The most important monuments include the building of the Silesian Parliament and the cathedral of Christ the King.
Katowice has also Socialist Realist and post-industrial architecture. Its most important buildings include the Nikiszowiec mine housing estate from the beginning of the 20th century. It is located on the Silesian Route of Technical Monuments. Efforts are being made to enter it on the UNESCO list. The most famous buildings in Katowice also include Spodek, a sports and entertainment hall built in 1971.
In recent years, Katowice is a place where bold architectural projects are implemented. They can be seen mainly in the so-called Culture Zone. Among them are the award-winning buildings of the Silesian Museum with modern exhibitions on the history and culture of Silesia as well as the buildings of the International Conference Center and the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
