KATOWICE

At first glance Katowice seems to be rather less than attractive, unless you want to learn more about post- communist transformations. However, deeper exploration of its industrial areas and unusual monuments reveals that Katowice is actually very interesting. It is the heart of the biggest agglomeration in central Eastern Europe, resembling the Ruhr in terms of the development of industry and urbanisation. Presently it is undergoing transformation into an energetic business and trade centre, with a great economic potential. Flag of Katowice

Silesian Museum The Silesian Theater St. Mary's Church

Spodek

GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAFIA Katowice is situated on the Silesian Upland, in the south- western part of the country. The area that the city covers is diverse – with a difference of 100 m between the highest and lowest points. Several rivers flow through Katowice – the biggest of which are the Rawa and the Klodnica. For centuries the whole of Silesia was known as being rich in minerals and metals, including coal, iron, lead, silver and so on. Due to industrial character of this place, the environment is seriously damaged in places, and yet there are also numerous forests and parks. The largest and perhaps the most attractive of these is the Voivodship Park of Culture and Recreation.

Districts: 22

Tourist attractions in Poland MASURIANS LAKES Picturesque land of reputedly 3,000 lakes. For sailing fans, fishermen, hikers, cyclists and those who seek tranquillity, the Masuria is the number one holiday destination. Apart from the water sports and wandering around, you may explore a multitude of historical places. There are castles in Reszel, Nidzica and Gizycko, the amazing Baroque church in Swieta Lipka and the Hitler's wartime headquarters in the forests near Ketrzyn.

BALTIC SEA MORZE BAŁTYCKIE

MOUNTAINS GÓRY

FAMOUS POLES ZNANI POLACY John Paul II ( ) Probably the most famous Pole ever, Pope John Paul II was born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in the small town of Wadowice in Poland. By being elected pope by the Catholic Church in 1978, he became the first non- Italian pope in 455 years. This pope modernised the papacy and spread his reach internationally through massive gatherings of Catholics and frequent consultations with heads of state.

Lech Walesa This feisty, moustachioed electrician from Gdansk shaped the end of the 20th century as the leader of the Solidarity movement that led Poland out of communism. Walesa's contribution to the end of communism in Europe, and hence the end of the cold war, stands beside those of his fellow Pole, Pope John Paul II, and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

THANK YOU FOR ATANTION See you in Poland