A trip to the “heart of Katowice”

On November 8, 2022. a group of seniors from Sosnowiec went on a trip to two economically friendly districts of Katowice: Giszowiec and Nikiszowiec. Their history is primarily associated with hard coal mining.

The purpose of the trip was to learn about the history and culture of the Katowice region as part of the project “Never too late to learn” project no. 2021-1-PL01-KA122-ADU-000021044.

The seniors started their tour of Giszowiec with a guide from Plac pod Lipami. They also saw the Silesian Inn, a pastry shop in the Giszowiec park, a Rehabilitation and Educational Center for children requiring special care, a kindergarten (formerly a forest inspectorate). Walking along the streets of Barbórki, Kwiatowa and Pod Kasztanami, they admired the housing estate of historic workers’ houses, which was designed as a rural colony located away from the mines. All low houses with soaring roofs, architecturally diverse with their own garden, built at the beginning of the 20th century give the right atmosphere to this place.

Later, the Seniors, together with a guide, went to Nikiszowiec, often called the “mining heart of Katowice”. This is the most interesting district that Katowice can boast of, not only against the backdrop of Poland, but also Europe and the world. During the tour, participants saw:
1. Former town hall.
2. Church of St. Anna.
3. Św. Anna.
4. Museum of Katowice History – Department of Ethnology of the City.
5. Komzones (a series of shops in arcaded arcades).
6. Zimbardo Center.
7. Post office building.
8. Liberation Square.
9. Primary School.
10. A historic housing estate built for the miners of the “Giesche” mine.

Each participant was delighted with the old tenement houses with red window sills and window frames.

After a day full of attractions, everyone went to the charming “Cafe Byfyj” for a delicious Silesian cheesecake with coffee or tea.
Tired, but richer with new experiences and experiences, the Seniors returned to Sosnowiec. The weather was good. The trip to Katowice was undoubtedly very successful, and the memories will remain in our memory for a long time.