Katowice

Katowice is a city in southern Poland, the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship and the central city of Upper Silesia. It sits on the Rawa River in the Silesian Highlands, at the heart of the Silesian Metropolis. The city proper has about 300,000 residents, while the larger metropolitan area surpasses two million.

Historically, Katowice developed in the 19th century as a mining and railway town within the Kingdom of Prussia. It received town rights in 1865 and was then known as Katowitz. After World War I, the region experienced uprisings and plebiscites; in 1922 Katowice became part of the reestablished Polish state. The city grew as a coal and steel center, suffered during World War II, and was rebuilt in the postwar era.

Economy and culture: Since the late 20th century Katowice has diversified toward services, education and culture. It hosts major cultural institutions such as the Spodek arena (a landmark since 1971), the National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), and the Silesian Museum. The city is a core component of the Silesian Metropolis, hosting conferences, fairs and a growing creative sector.

Education and transport: Katowice is home to the University of Silesia in Katowice and the Medical University of Silesia, along with other higher-education institutions. It has a dense tram and bus network and is served by Katowice Central Station for rail and by Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport about 40 km north. The city is a railway hub with connections to Kraków, Warsaw, Prague and beyond.

Notable features include the Spodek arena, the NOSPR concert hall, the Silesian Museum, and a transforming postindustrial landscape that is being repurposed for culture and business.