Gliwice

A small mining town in the southeast of modern Poland was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1276. In the history of World War II, the town became the site of the infamous "Gliwice Provocation" - the staged attack on a German radio station and the formal pretext for the start of hostilities. The radio station, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, is the tallest wooden structure in the city.

The main attractions of Gliwice are located in the historical city center. The miniature Market Square becomes the main venue for Christmas celebrations. The remnants of the 13th-century town hall have been preserved, and visitors can see them in the basement restaurant of the modern Town Hall building. One of the main tourist draws of Gliwice is the magnificent Palm House, complete with greenhouses, ponds, and an aquarium.

Access to the museum exhibitions in the Piast Castle is free; among the exhibits are mammoth bones and a model of the old town. At the neo-Renaissance style residence of Caro-Villa, you can take a portrait framed by the bronze sculpture "Living Mirror." The most beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town, the Tatra, and Beskid mountain ranges is guaranteed for everyone who climbs the steps of All Saints Gothic church tower.

The main entertainment in Gliwice, including concerts and shows, takes place in the modern sports and entertainment complex Arena. Annually, the town in the Silesian Voivodeship hosts dozens of international folklore and street festivals. Fans of ecological and industrial tourism should take a tour of the Gliwice Canal with its lock system; the water level difference is 43 meters.

Gliwice is located at the intersection of Poland's main highways, the A1 and A4. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport. A train from Warsaw to the city's stylish railway station takes just 3 hours.

Show more