We didn't plan to stop in Katowice at all. It was an unexpected, impromptu stop during a business trip. And as always, every trip has its own special vibe, in general we love Katowice, and are already a little familiar with it, but still each visit responds in its own way, in a new way.
There are cities that don't try to seduce you, but reveal themselves slowly - and Katowice is just that. We settled in a surprisingly wonderful apartment, on the top floor overlooking a cozy little street and from the first morning I felt this special atmosphere.
Although I’m not a fan of morning evictions, they force you to do something different and that's how it is, and if you walk in the morning when the sun begins to illuminate the facades, the city is bright and vibrant, it is very fulfilling and this is what we usually miss because we sleep late.
The light slides over the stone details, wrought-iron balconies, majestic old doors. The air is fresh, slightly cool, and everything seems very calm and relaxing, just what I need. The city center struck me with its precision and order. Everything seemed structured, clean, and well thought out. One of the streets we often walked was Tadeusz Kościuszko Street - elegant, lined with beautiful old buildings.
You can observe a thousand details: ornaments above the windows, decorated facades, sculptural balconies. Each building seems to tell a little story. The central streets retain the atmosphere of the early 20th century.The buildings are compactly located, creating a sense of unity. Facades, arches, cornices - all this speaks of an era when architecture was considered an independent art form. Perhaps that is why walks here are so inspiring: your eye always finds a detail to admire.
The architecture of Katowice is particularly interesting. The city developed rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries in a complex historical context. The Silesian region has long been influenced by various European states, in particular Prussia and the German Empire, while maintaining close cultural ties with Poland.
This diversity is reflected in the cityscape. There are numerous houses with neo-Renaissance or neo-Baroque elements, as well as Art Nouveau buildings, recognizable by their curved lines and floral decor.
What I especially appreciate is that the city does not live its own life, but is real, alive, not for tourists. Walking near Galeria Katowicka and other squares, we saw various artists: rap, guitar, etc. It was very incendiary and I can never pass by indifferently.
How much it adds to the mood in the midst of gray everyday life. Walking in the morning sun, listening to the melody on the street corner, watching people, trams, bicycles, and pigeons flying….