Katowice

Katowice is the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship and the largest city in the Upper Silesian metropolitan area, long associated with coal mining and heavy industry. Today it has remade itself into a modern centre for business, culture, music and major events, while keeping strong links to its industrial heritage.

The city's transformation is visible in landmarks such as the flying-saucer-shaped Spodek arena, the Silesian Museum built on a former mine site, and the striking NOSPR concert hall. Historic Nikiszowiec, a red-brick miners' settlement, and the city-centre Market Square show a different, older side of Katowice.

Central districts such as Śródmieście concentrate offices, hotels, the railway station and Mariacka Street's restaurants and nightlife. Katowice also hosts major events including esports and music festivals, and served as the venue for the COP24 climate conference in 2018.

As the heart of the Metropolis GZM, Katowice is an important business and innovation hub with a growing technology and services sector, an international congress centre and strong road and rail connections to Kraków, Wrocław and other European cities.

For travellers, Katowice works both as a destination and as a gateway: it offers culture, Silesian food and a lively urban centre, and sits within easy reach of Kraków, the Silesian Beskids and the wider Upper Silesian region.