Gliwice, Poland
Region: Silesian Voivodeship
Geographic Coordinates: 50.283300, 18.666700
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 35.0°C (-22°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms.
Population: 174016
Language: Polish
Gliwice is a city located in the southern part of Poland, In the Silesian Voivodeship. It has a population of approximately 180, 000 people and is one of the largest cities in the region. The city has a rich history dating back to medieval times and was an important center for trade and commerce during that period. One of the most notable landmarks in Gliwice is its beautiful Market Square, Which dates back to the 13th century. The square is surrounded by historic buildings that have been well-preserved over time, Including St Bartholomew’s Church built-in Gothic style.
The Market Square also hosts regular events such as concerts, Festivals, And markets where visitors can buy local produce and crafts. Another must-see attraction in Gliwice is Piast Castle built-in 14th century by Duke Władysław Opolczyk. It served as a residence for many noble families over time but was eventually abandoned until it was restored to its former glory during World War II. Today it houses a museum dedicated to local history with exhibitions showcasing artifacts from different periods.
The Silesian University of Technology is another important institution located within Gliwice offering degree programs across various fields such as engineering, Architecture, Computer science and more attracting students from all over Poland as well as international students who come to study here. For those interested in nature and outdoor activities there are several parks located within Gliwice such as Park Śródmiejski or Central Park which features walking trails around its lake with plenty of benches for picnics or relaxation under trees while enjoying fresh air away from busy streets.
Gliwice also has a rich cultural scene with numerous museums showcasing art collections from different periods including modern art galleries displaying works by contemporary artists like Andrzej Wróblewski or Tadeusz Kantor. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year such as the Jazz Festival, Which attracts jazz enthusiasts from all over Poland. Gliwice is well-connected to other cities in Poland with a modern and efficient transportation system including bus and train stations located in the city center. It is also easily accessible by car via major highways connecting it to other cities in Silesia region like Katowice or Kraków.
Overall, Gliwice is a charming city that offers visitors an opportunity to experience Polish history, Culture and nature all in one place.
- Gliwice Radio Tower
- Castle Museum in Gliwice
- Piast Canal
- Municipal Park in Gliwice
- All Saints Church
- St Mary’s Church
- Market Square
- Silesian University of Technology
- Silesian Museum in Katowice – Branch in Gliwice
- Gliwice is a city located in southern Poland, boasting a diverse economy with major industries and businesses.
- The city is home to the Opel factory, which produces cars for the European market, making it an important player in the automotive industry.
- Gliwice also has a growing IT sector with companies such as IBM, Capgemini and Ericsson having offices in the city.
- The city has a long history of manufacturing with companies producing machinery, metal products and chemicals.
- Due to its location near major highways and railways, Gliwice serves as an important hub for logistics and transportation companies.
- In addition to industry-related businesses, there are several hospitals and medical facilities located in Gliwice providing healthcare services.
- The Silesian University of Technology is also located in the city along with several other universities and technical schools.
- Tourism plays an important role in Gliwice’s economy as well.
- There are numerous shopping centers and retail outlets throughout the city attracting tourists from all over Poland as well as neighboring countries like Germany or Czech Republic.
- Additionally, there are several historical landmarks such as St Bartholomew’s Church or Piast Castle that attract visitors to the area.
- The Battle of Gliwice took place in January 1945 between German and Soviet forces during World War II.
- In August 1939, Nazi Germany used a false flag attack on the radio station in Gliwice as an excuse to invade Poland and start World War II.
- Janusz Korczak was a famous Polish-Jewish educator and author who lived in Gliwice before moving to Warsaw where he died during the Holocaust.
- Jerzy Kukuczka was born in Gliwice and became one of only two climbers to summit all fourteen peaks over 8,000 meters without using supplemental oxygen.
- Tadeusz Różewicz spent much of his life in Gliwice and is considered one of the most important literary figures of post-war Poland as a prominent poet and playwright.
- Wojciech Kilar was an acclaimed Polish composer known for his film scores (including Bram Stoker’s Dracula) who grew up near Silesia, including time spent studying at the music school in Gliwice.
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie conducted some early research on radioactivity at a laboratory located just outside the city limits during her time teaching at what is now known as Silesian University of Technology, although she is not directly associated with Gliwice itself since she was born near Warsaw.
- Gliwice Radio Tower is a historic tower that played a significant role in the events leading up to World War II.
- Gliwice Castle is a medieval castle that now houses the Museum of Gliwice.
- The Silesian Museum is a modern museum showcasing the art and history of the region.
- The Old Town Market Square is a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.
- The Municipal Park is a large park with walking trails, gardens, and playgrounds for children.
- The Piast Canal is an engineering marvel built in the 19th century to connect two rivers.
- St Bartholomew’s Church is an impressive Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
- The Contemporary Art Gallery Elektrownia is an art center housed in a former power plant, featuring contemporary exhibitions and workshops.
- The Municipal Theatre is a beautiful building hosting theater performances, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year.
- The Palace of Culture hosts different cultural activities such as concerts or theatre plays and holds historical significance as well.
- Piast Gliwice – This professional football club was founded in 1945 and plays in the top tier of Polish football, Ekstraklasa. They have won the Polish Cup twice (in 2018 and 2019) and their home stadium is Stadion Miejski w Gliwicach.
- STK Start Gliwice – Established in 1956, this table tennis club has won numerous national championships and produced many successful players over the years.
- KS Śląsk Wrocław (Gliwice branch) – Founded in 1947, this basketball club has a branch located in Gliwice since 2009. The team competes at the highest level of professional basketball league played in Poland, Tauron Basket Liga.
- AZS AWF Katowice (Gliwice branch) – This academic sports association was established back on December 16th,1923 by prof.Józef Czermański who became its first chairman.The association operates through branches across Poland including one based out of Głiwce.Their basketball team competes at second division level called I Liga Koszykówki Mężczyzn.
- GKS Tychy (Głiwce Branch) – The ice hockey section under this sports club was established in 1971 and is based out of Gliwice.The team has won Polish championship twice and played in the highest level of professional ice hockey league called Polska Hokej Liga.
- Gliwice Days is a festival held every June, featuring music, theater performances, and outdoor activities.
- The Gliwice Jazz Festival is an international jazz festival that takes place every November.
- The International Dance Festival showcases various styles of dance from around the world.
- The Silesian Culture Week is a week-long celebration of Silesian culture, featuring traditional music and dancing, art exhibitions, and cultural events.
- The Gliwice Film Festival is an annual film festival that showcases Polish and international films.
- During the holiday season in Gliwice, traditional Christmas markets are held with food stalls, crafts vendors, and live entertainment.
- St Martin’s Day Fair takes place on November 11th each year to celebrate St Martin’s Day with traditional food and drink such as roasted goose or duck meat served with red cabbage or sauerkraut along with mulled wine or beer for adults and hot chocolate for children.
- Pierogi are traditional Polish dumplings that can be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Bigos is a hearty stew made with sauerkraut and various meats.
- Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that is popular in many dishes.
- Zurek is a sour rye soup often served in a bread bowl for added flavor and texture.
- Schabowy is a breaded pork cutlet that can be served as an entree or sandwich.
If you’re looking for some great restaurants to try in Gliwice, here are some popular options:
- Restauracja Staromiejska (Old Town Restaurant) offers traditional Polish cuisine with classic dishes like pierogi and bigos on the menu.
- Restauracja Sowa (Owl Restaurant) serves modern European cuisine with unique flavors and presentation.
- Pizzeria Da Grasso offers Italian-style pizza with fresh ingredients and delicious toppings.
- Karczma Rzym (Rome Inn) specializes in regional Silesian cuisine, featuring local meats and produce.
- Przyjaciele z Podworka (Friends from the Courtyard) provides casual dining options along with drinks in an outdoor courtyard setting perfect for relaxing afternoons or evenings out!
- Park Śląski is the largest park in Gliwice and offers walking and cycling paths, a lake, and sports facilities.
- Park Piastowski is a historic park with beautiful gardens and a playground for children.
- Skwer Tadeusza Kościuszki is a small square in the city center with benches, greenery, and occasional events.
- Aquapark Gliwice is an indoor water park that includes pools, slides, saunas, and fitness classes.
- Stadion Miejski w Gliwicach hosts football matches and other sports events.
- Skatepark Gliwice provides an outdoor skateboarding facility for all levels of skaters.
- Kino Helios Gliwice Forum Cinema is a modern cinema showing the latest movies in multiple languages.
- Muzeum w Gliwicach (Gliwickie Centrum Edukacyjne) is a museum dedicated to the history of Silesia region.
- Galeria Piastów is located in the heart of the city; it’s not just a shopping mall but also features cafes restaurants ans multiplex cinemas.
