The oldest district of Zabrze is Biskupice, a place first mentioned in 1242. Some small houses in what was a small village were along the street now known as Staromiejska, which runs towards Gliwice. The inhabitants farmed the land, especially hops. Zabrze started to develop towards the close of the 18th century thanks to the opening of the first coal mine in 1791, named after the late Prussian queen, Luiza, in 1811.
But the most important factors in the town’s development were yet to come. In 1823 the Gliwice Canal came to completion and in 1846 a railway opened. This rapid development resulted in Zabrze obtaining a town charter in 1922.
The history of Zabrze connects with the history of the mine. Mining in the area affected important spheres of people’s lives, from employment to cultural life to education. The mine was one of the most prosperous in Europe until the early 1990s, when the industry began to die a natural death.
The last coal came to the surface on 31st March 1998. With the closure of the mine, the town seems to have started falling into developmental stagnation.
In 1967, Charles de Gaulle visited Zabrze. He’s now commemorated by a monument in front of the Dom Muzyki i Tanca theater and on a memorial tablet. On visiting Zabrze, de Gaulle claimed that the town was the most Silesian of all the Silesian towns and the most Polish of all the Polish towns. You may want to verify these words of this famous president of France during your visit to Zabrze.
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The Coal Mining Museum in Zabrze: A Journey into Silesia’s Industrial Past
Muzeum Górnictwa Węglowego w Zabrzu
The Coal Mining Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich industrial heritage. Let’s explore what makes this museum a must-visit.
Guido Mine and “Queen Louise” Adit
The museum manages both the Guido Coal Mine and the “Queen Louise” Adit. The Guido Coal Mine, established in 1855, is Europe’s deepest show mine, plunging an impressive 320 meters underground. Visitors descend into the depths, retracing the footsteps of miners from the early days. The experience is as deep as the rifle tower is tall, providing a unique perspective on coal extraction history.
Unique Experience
A chance encounter with a local in Montenegro led one traveler to the Coal Mining Museum. Initially skeptical, they soon realized the suggestion was spot-on. The museum is “very cool,” and even the café’s snacks are worth the trip.
Cultural Institution
Co-run by the City of Zabrze and the Silesian Voivodeship, the museum actively engages in science, research, publishing, and exhibitions. It’s a hub for understanding the significance of coal mining in shaping the region’s identity.
European Route of Industrial Heritage
The museum is an Anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage, emphasizing its importance in preserving and sharing Silesia’s coal mining legacy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, curious traveler, or simply seeking a unique experience, the Coal Mining Museum in Zabrze promises an underground adventure like no other. Don’t miss the chance to delve into Silesia’s past and witness the legacy of hardworking miners who shaped the region’s destiny!
Guido Mine in Zabrze
Founded in 1855, the mine is unique in Europe. After decommissioning, it served as a drainage point and an experimental mine. Through the shaft, tourists go down to the levels of 170 m and 320 m. The latter offers the deepest coal mine tourist route in Europe.
Apart from visiting opportunities, the mine provides artistic sensations as well. At the level of 320 m, below ground a K8 Zone provides a business, culture and entertainment zone. It consists of four breath-taking mining chambers which house a concert hall, a banquet hall and a conference room, as well as the world’s deepest pub.