European City of Science 2024

The city has seven public universities representing all disciplines of science and art. They constitute an internationally recognised scientific and research potential as well as personnel for the continuously developing creative sectors and infrastructure of the region and the country.

The capital of Upper Silesia is also a student-friendly city. In the Business Insider ranking that takes into account the level of universities, costs of living, potential earnings and leisure opportunities, Katowice was placed fourth among 12 most important academic centres in Poland.

Scientific Information Center and Academic Library (CINiBA) – the reading room | photo by the University of Silesia in Katowice

A new symbol of Katowice is the Culture Zone, a space revitalised thanks to the strenuous efforts of the city and its residents, with modern architectural gems unique in Europe, e.g. the edifices of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Silesian Museum and the International Congress Centre. Thanks to the large number and wide range of events taking place in Katowice, the city might be considered the centre of science, culture, sports and business.

The Culture Zone | Photo by UM Katowice

Katowice has over 100 items in the register of historic buildings, combining many different architectural styles. In the city centre you will find Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque tenement houses with elements of eclecticism, Art Nouveau buildings as well as unique modernist structures. Modernism was at the roots of Giszowiec - a “garden town” built for mining families, the only one of its kind, and the nearby Nikiszowiec, a historic workers’ housing estate near the former “Giesche” coal mine.

Nikiszowiec | photo by Radosław Kaźmierczak, UM Katowice

The historic fabric of the city is intertwined with contemporary architecture gems, giving the city a modern and presentable look, with buildings such as the Silesian Museum, built on the site of a former coal mine, grand-scale National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), District Court and multifunctional International Congress Centre (MCK).

National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) | photo by Radosław Kaźmierczak, NOSPR press kit

The capital of the Silesian Voivodeship and the Metropolis GZM is also one of the most rapidly growing cities in Poland. It hosted such events as the UN Climate Summit (COP24) in 2018 and the World Urban Forum (WUF11) in 2022. 2024 will be marked by the European City of Science, but the city does not intend to rest on its laurels as — for the second time in its history — efforts are being made to award Katowice the title of European Capital of Culture.

COP24 participants | Photo by Radosław Kaźmierczak

The city's potential is also determined by environmental awareness and eco-responsibility. The low-carbon management plans in place contribute to improved air quality and increased energy security. The city relies on the development of clean urban transport and an urban bicycle network. Ecology is of particular importance to the residents of Katowice, which is one of the greenest cities in Poland. More than 40% of its area is covered with forests, which, together with parks and green garden squares, provide an excellent place for recreation and leisure.