Gliwice is one of many towns in the largest industrial area in Poland, being very different from the stereotype of an Upper Silesian town. It’s a city of culture, science, and enterprise, with aspirations to become a separate administrative center in Silesia. As one of the oldest towns of the Upper Silesian region, it boasts a good Old Town and several interesting sights.

Gliwice’s history began in the 13th century when it became a town, and sometime later it became a bishopric too. Ruled by Opole Dukes, in 1526 it passed to the rule of Habsburgs. 200 years later it became a part of Prussia. It has been outside Poland for the greater part of its existence.

The 31st of August 1939 saw a piece of infamous provocation when Nazi soldiers dressed as civilians attacked a German radio station to pretend that the Polish side had provoked German aggression. It gave Hitler a reason to declare war on Poland, and it led to the outbreak of World War II. Gliwice became a part of Polish territory once more in 1945.

Like other towns of the Upper Silesian conurbation, this town is an industrial center. The best-developed industries are coal mining, steel making, and machinery and chemicals production. The inland port on the Gliwice Canal gives it access to the Baltic Sea via the Odra River. Gliwice is also an important educational center, home to most of the departments of the Silesian Polytechnic. The population numbers around 200,000 people.

Gliwice Old Town

But if you think Gliwice is only about factories and mines then you are mistaken. Founded in the 13th century, the Old Town still manages to keep its medieval layout. Even the city walls dating from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries have been partly spared. Among the remaining interesting historic sites are the Piast castle from the 15th century and later rebuilt, several old churches, the villa of Caro, some pretty tenement houses, and the 19th century Town Hall.

All are worth seeing, as is the most characteristic feature of Gliwice’s skyline – the local “Eiffel Tour”. This is a 110-meter-high radio mast and is thought to be the world’s tallest wooden construction.

As one of the greenest towns in the region, Gliwice offers plenty of recreational opportunities. Chopin Park is an oasis of peace, where you can take a walk or visit the Palm House, one of the best local attractions.

 

Sources claim that the history of the Plawniowice village dates back to as early as 1317. But the area was a woodland next to a large lake until 1737, when a nobleman called Franz Wolfgang von Stechow bought it. In 1789 it passed through a marriage to the wealthy noble clan of the Ballestrems, who built a fairy tale palace between 1882 and 1884.

Designed by Constantine Heidenreich, the palace is a three-wing structure in the architectural style of Dutch Neo-Mannerism. It’s known for its contrast in color and texture between the red brick walls and ornamental stone edging.

Various turrets, towers, dormers and needles of different shapes and sizes adorn the roofs. Moreover, the palatial site is next to a landscaped park along a water canal.

The palace remained in the hands of the Ballestrems until the end of World War II. It was then abandoned as the Red Army approached the village. The palace was then looted and the lavish interiors devastated. Following the war, the Polish state took over the ownership of the palace, and neglected it.  This contributed to its deteriorated over time. Since 1993 it has undergone full renovation and is now a local tourist attraction.

 

The Caro Villa Museum is a remarkable example of 19th-century residential architecture. This museum, housed in a beautifully preserved villa, offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the industrial elite of the time.

History and Architecture of the Caro Villa

Constructed between 1882 and 1885, the villa was originally the residence of Oscar Caro, a prominent industrialist in the city. The building showcases Renaissance architectural style and was later expanded in the 1920s. In 1934, the villa was transformed into a museum, becoming a permanent cultural institution in the city.

The Caro Villa is renowned for its exquisite architectural details. The interiors boast richly decorated ceilings, wood paneling, parquet floors, and intricate door and window frames. The villa is surrounded by a meticulously reconstructed stone and metal fence, enhancing its historical charm.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum’s permanent exhibition features 19th-century residential interiors, reflecting the lifestyle of Upper Silesian industrialists. Additionally, the museum hosts various temporary exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and conferences. The collections include artistic glass from the 17th to 20th centuries, a significant collection of Polish silver jewelry, and rare porcelain, faience, and stoneware from renowned manufacturers.

The Caro Villa Museum is not just a repository of artifacts but a vibrant cultural hub. It plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gliwice and the surrounding regions. The museum’s ethnographic collections highlight the folk culture of Silesia and neighboring areas, featuring wooden sculptures, paintings on glass and canvas, ceramics, traditional costumes, and agricultural tools.

Address: Dolnych Wałów 8A