Gliwice is a significant city located in the Silesian Voivodeship of southern Poland, nestled within the industrial and urban heart of the Upper Silesian metropolitan area. Situated on the Kłodnica River, the city lies approximately 25 kilometers west of Katowice, the voivodeship’s capital. Its strategic location is further enhanced by the intersection of two major Polish motorways, the A1 and A4, making it a crucial transportation and logistics hub. Gliwice is an integral part of the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis, a large conurbation of interconnected cities, and stands as a prominent center for industry, academia, and business in the region.
Gliwice, a prominent city in the Silesian Voivodeship of southern Poland, stands as a testament to the region’s complex history and dynamic transformation. Founded in the 13th century, Gliwice has a rich and varied past, having been under Polish, Bohemian, and German rule over the centuries. This multicultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, from the well-preserved medieval layout of the Old Town with its market square and the 15th-century Piast Castle, to the 19th and early 20th-century industrial buildings that dot the cityscape. A pivotal moment in its history was the “Gliwice incident” of 1939, a staged attack on the city’s radio station that served as a pretext for the outbreak of World War II.
Today, Gliwice has successfully transitioned from its historical reliance on coal mining and steelworks to a modern, diversified economy. The city is a major player in the automotive industry, hosting a large Opel (Stellantis) car manufacturing plant. Furthermore, Gliwice has embraced the future through projects like “New Gliwice,” a business and education center established on the site of a former coal mine. This hub fosters innovation and attracts companies in the IT, telecommunications, and aviation sectors. The Gliwice subzone of the Katowice Special Economic Zone further enhances its attractiveness for investment, making it one of the most economically vibrant cities in the region.
Beyond its industrial and economic prowess, Gliwice is a significant academic and cultural center. It is home to the prestigious Silesian University of Technology, a leading technical university in Poland that contributes a highly skilled workforce and drives research and development. The city’s cultural landscape is enriched by numerous institutions, including the Gliwice Museum, which has several branches including the aforementioned Piast Castle and the Villa Caro, showcasing the life of 19th-century industrialists. A unique and historically significant landmark is the Gliwice Radio Tower, a remarkable wooden structure that is the tallest of its kind in the world and now houses a museum. With its blend of historical charm, modern innovation, and a lively cultural scene, Gliwice offers a compelling portrait of a city that has reinvented itself while honoring its multifaceted past.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Gliwice, Poland
Gliwice Radio Tower (Radiostacja Gliwicka)
Arguably the most famous symbol of Gliwice and a site of historical significance. This unique structure is the tallest wooden building in the world (standing at 111 meters). It gained international notoriety as the location of the “Gliwice incident” on August 31, 1939, a false flag operation by Nazi Germany used as a pretext to invade Poland and start World War II. Today, it is a museum branch dedicated to radio history and the events of 1939. Visitors can admire the architecture and learn about its past.
Market Square (Rynek)
The heart of Gliwice’s Old Town. Like many Polish market squares, it’s surrounded by historical burgher houses, many beautifully restored. While not as grand as Kraków or Wrocław, it offers a pleasant atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Old Town Hall (Ratusz) is located here, although the main municipal offices are now elsewhere. It’s a great place to start exploring the city and soak in the local vibe.
Piast Castle (Zamek Piastowski)
Located near the Market Square, this historical building dates back to the time of the Piast dynasty (hence the name). Although its appearance has changed over the centuries, it serves as an important historical site. Today, it houses a branch of the Gliwice Museum, presenting exhibitions on the history of the city and the region, including archaeological findings.
Gliwice Museum (Muzeum w Gliwicach)
More than just one building, the Gliwice Museum operates across several branches, including the Piast Castle and the Gliwice Radio Tower. Other branches may host collections covering art, archaeology, ethnography, and the industrial history of Silesia. Checking their current exhibitions provides a deeper dive into the region’s rich past and culture.
Palm House (Palmiarnia Miejska)
A large and impressive complex of interconnected glass pavilions housing a diverse collection of exotic plants from various climate zones. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking a tropical escape, especially during colder months. You can wander through themed sections featuring palms, succulents, tropical fruits, and even a small aquarium.
Chopin Park (Park Chopina)
One of Gliwice’s main green spaces, located conveniently near the Old Town. It’s a well-maintained park offering walking paths, ponds, and areas for relaxation. It’s named after the famous Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin and provides a tranquil contrast to the urban environment.
All Saints Church (Kościół Wszystkich Świętych)
One of the oldest churches in Gliwice, with parts dating back to the 13th century. It’s a beautiful Gothic church that has undergone various renovations over the centuries. Its historical architecture and religious significance make it a notable stop for those interested in the city’s past and sacred art.
St. Bartholomew’s Church (Kościół Św. Bartłomieja)
Another significant historical church in Gliwice. While slightly outside the immediate Old Town center, it’s worth visiting for its architecture and historical context.
These sites offer a mix of history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty, reflecting Gliwice’s unique position in Upper Silesia.
Public transport
Navigating the city and its surroundings quite convenient thanks to its well-integrated public transport system. The primary mode of transport within Gliwice is buses. The most important thing to know is that Gliwice is an integral part of the vast Zarząd Transportu Metropolitalnego (ZTM) system, which covers the entire Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. This means your ticket isn’t just for Gliwice; it allows you to travel across dozens of cities and towns in the region, including major hubs like Katowice, Zabrze, and Chorzów, all on the same ticketing system.
Buying tickets is straightforward. You’ll primarily be using buses in Gliwice. Look for ticket machines at larger bus stops and main transport hubs (like the train station), which usually offer English language options and accept both cash and card payments. Alternatively, you can purchase paper tickets at most ‘Ruch’ or ‘Kolporter’ newspaper kiosks. For ultimate convenience, download one of the public transport mobile apps like ‘Jakdojade’ (highly recommended for journey planning too!), ‘SkyCash,’ or ‘MoBiLET.’ These allow you to buy and activate tickets directly on your phone. Fares are typically time-based (e.g., 20, 40, 90 minutes) or daily, offering flexibility depending on how far and long you plan to travel. Remember to validate your paper ticket immediately upon boarding using the yellow validators, or activate your mobile ticket through the app as soon as you step on board. While you might be able to buy a single ticket from the driver, it’s often more expensive and requires exact cash, so it’s best avoided if possible.
To plan your journeys, Google Maps works very well with public transport in Gliwice and the wider ZTM region, providing accurate routes and estimated travel times. However, for the most accurate real-time information, including live bus positions and potential delays, downloading the ‘Jakdojade’ app is highly recommended. It’s an indispensable tool for public transport users across Poland. The main hub for most bus lines in Gliwice is the area around the Gliwice Main Train Station (Dworzec PKP), so if you’re ever unsure about where to catch a bus, heading there is a good starting point. Bus frequencies are generally good, especially during peak hours, though they might be less frequent in the evenings and on weekends.
Overall, public transport in Gliwice is an efficient, affordable, and generally easy way to explore the city and the wider Silesian region. Buses are typically modern, clean, and often equipped with air conditioning, especially newer models. While traffic can sometimes cause minor delays, the system is generally reliable. Most stops are clearly marked with timetables, although these might be primarily in Polish. Don’t worry too much about language barriers; the apps are user-friendly, and most ticket machines have English options. Enjoy your travels around Gliwice!