The city of Katowice has once again become a partner of the Silesia Marathon, taking on the title of Host City. This collaboration continues Katowice’s long-standing commitment to organizing the event, which attracts thousands of running enthusiasts every year.
– For many years, Katowice has been a vital part of the Silesia Marathon, serving as both a venue for athletic competition and an active organizational partner. This is a city that understands the value of sport and its role in community life. We are thrilled to once again collaborate in creating this exceptional event – says Bohdan Witwicki, Director of Silesia Marathon.
– The Silesia Marathon is one of Poland’s largest and most significant running events, with Katowice being an integral part from its very first edition. I’m delighted to see the growing participation, both among runners and spectators, year after year. This unique race is not just about athletic competition but also a celebration of community—our friends, neighbors, and loved ones are running. This aspect of sport carries immense power. That’s why I warmly encourage residents to take part, whether on the course or cheering from the sidelines. Let’s show that the Silesia Marathon has the best fans in Poland!– says Marcin Krupa, the Mayor of Katowice.
Participating in the Silesia Marathon is a perfect opportunity to get to know the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship and discover its unique character.
Weekend in Katowice? Why not!
A weekend is definitely enough to discover the modern face of Katowice! Katowice is a dynamic hub, the heart of Poland’s first metropolitan area, a UNESCO City of Music, and a green oasis filled with forests and parks. It hosts numerous significant events, increasingly standing out on Europe’s cultural, sporting, and business map.
One of Katowice’s greatest architectural attractions is the unique Nikiszowiec district, dominated by red-brick buildings arranged in a regular street grid, with facades adorned with mosaics that transport visitors to the ambiance of the early 20th century. The three-story blocks with vibrant colors, combined with cobblestone streets, create a striking effect that lingers in visitors’ memories. It’s no surprise that Nikiszowiec is one of Katowice’s most appealing tourist destinations, recognized as a Monument of History and one of Poland’s 7 New Wonders.
While in Katowice, a must-visit is the Culture Zone, a unique area in the heart of the city where three modern buildings have risen on the site of a former coal mine: the new Silesian Museum, the International Congress Center, and the renowned concert hall of the National Symphony Orchestra of Polish Radio. Right next to them stands an architectural icon, the legendary Spodek.
Major events at the International Congress Center, concerts at Spodek, and outdoor festivals are not the only attractions for Katowice residents and visitors. The “meetings industry” is a key pillar of the city’s modern development. On one hand, it highlights Katowice’s industrial heritage; on the other, it emphasizes the city’s openness and the hospitality of its people.
Katowice pulses with life 365 days a year, and its extensive range of dining options and cultural venues ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy.
Go to: WELCOME | KATOWICE oraz WELCOME | KATOWICE
The Route of Modernism
The Modernism Trail is an intriguing option for architecture enthusiasts. The buildings along this trail were constructed in the second and third decades of the 20th century, a period of intense, industry-driven prosperity in the region. The route includes private villas, residential buildings, public administration buildings, the Garrison Church, Polish Radio Katowice, and even the Skyscraper at the corner of Żwirki i Wigury and Skłodowskiej-Curie streets. Thanks to such multi-story buildings, innovative for their time, Katowice was once dubbed the “Polish Chicago.”
Go to: Moderna.katowice.eu
The Route of Murals
The history of a city is not just about buildings and dates in historical records. Large-scale, often vibrant murals bring art from galleries to the streets, allowing observers to feel the city’s rhythm and showcasing its history and development over the years.
The Katowice Mural Trail guides visitors through the most fascinating examples of the city’s street art. The urban landscape is adorned with works by renowned street artists such as Daniel Sparkes, Aryz, Escrif, Etam Crew, MCity, Mona Tusz, and Raspazjan. Katowice’s streets also feature murals inspired by the works of Waldemar Świerzy, a prominent Polish poster artist, the illustrations of Jean Giraud, and the creations of the local Janowska Group.
Go to: murale.katowice.eu
The Neon Signs Route
During the PRL (the official naepf Polnd until 1989), Katowice was considered Poland’s Las Vegas. By the late 1960`s, nearly 800 neon signs illuminated the city’s streets. Many were designed with flair, original, and aesthetically refined. Some covered entire building facades, while others appeared “animated” due to the sequential lighting of their elements. These dynamic signs were particularly beloved by Katowice residents, and for many children, an evening trip to the city center was a thrilling experience thanks to the neons. In the city center, specially prepared displays allow visitors to view reconstructions of the most beautiful and iconic neon signs, along with archival photos and their historical background.
Go to: Neony.katowice.eu
The Blues Trail
Katowice plays a significant role in the phenomenon of Silesian blues, which can be explored through the Silesian Blues Trail. This musical journey guides you through the history of legendary music clubs and the artists who performed on their stages. The trail’s app allows users to listen to recordings (not only blues) and discover anecdotes related to these venues.
Go to: szlak-bluesa.pl
Katowice City Break App
Katowice City Break is a free mobile app that enables users to explore and discover the most fascinating places in Katowice. Designed for both tourists and residents, it serves as a modern tool for experiencing the city.
The app guides users through Katowice’s top attractions, from street art masterpieces to modernist architecture along the Modernism Route, and the post-industrial charm of the Nikiszowiec district.
One of Katowice’s attractions is the popular “beboki” (local mythical creatures). The app encourages active exploration of the city through a fun scavenger hunt to find them. In addition to an audio guide, it offers quizzes to test knowledge gained during sightseeing.
The app is available for free on Android and iOS devices and supports Polish, English, and Czech languages.
We encourage you to download the app and embark on a unique journey through Katowice!
