Sosnowiec is a city located in southern Poland that grew significantly during the 19th century industrial revolution due to its coal mining and steel industry. Throughout its history, Sosnowiec has transformed from a small village to a bustling industrial center that experienced wartime devastation and postwar rebuilding. Today, Sosnowiec stands as a city with a mix of historical heritage and modern developments, striving for economic and cultural growth while honoring its roots as a key player in Poland's industrial revolution.

1. S O S N O W I
E C
Liliana Lech

2. S O S N O W I E C –
W H E R E I S I T ?
Sosnowiec, located in southern Poland, lies
within the Silesian Voivodeship. Situated
approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast
of Katowice, it serves as an integral part of the
Upper Silesian metropolitan area. Its strategic
position amidst the Silesian Highlands
contributes to the city's historical significance
and economic prominence.
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3. H O W T O G E T T O
S O S N O W I E C
F R O M D Ą B R O W A
G Ó R N I C Z A ?
The distance between Dąbrowa Górnicza and
Sosnowiec is relatively short. You can easily travel
between the two cities by bus, train, or car.
• By Bus/Train: Both cities are well-connected by
public transportation. You can check the
schedules for buses or trains departing from
Dąbrowa Górnicza to Sosnowiec. The travel time
is usually around 20-30 minutes by either mode
of transport.
• By Car: If you're driving, taking route DK94 or
S86 between the two cities is the most direct
route. The journey typically takes around 15-20
minutes, depending on traffic and specific
starting/ending points within each city.
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4. A B O U T
S O S N O W I E C
• Sosnowiec is technically located in Silesian
Voivodeship but people here prefer to say
that they live in Dąbrowskie Basin.
• The City's population oscillates around 180-
200k people
• It's current president (as of 01.01.2024)
is Arkadiusz Chęciński
• It's surface is 91,16km2
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5. A N A N N U A L
E V E N T –
S O S N O W I E C ' S
D AY S
• Every summer in Sosnowiec there is an
event. It's called Sosnowiec Fun Festival and
it includes various concerts, games, food
stalls and overall fun. It lasts a couple days
and is usually held in Sielecki park but
sometimes its held in different places. Many
people participate and it is always fun to take
part in it.
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6. S O S N O W I E C ' S
R O O T S : F R O M
H U M B L E
V I L L A G E T O
I N D U S T R I A L
M A R V E L
• From Humble Village to Industrial Marvel
What began as a modest village transformed
remarkably during the 19th century. Evolving
from agrarian roots, Sosnowiec catapulted
into prominence as industrialization took
hold, laying the foundation for its enduring
legacy as a key player in Poland's industrial
revolution.
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7. S O S N O W I E C ' S
H I S T O RY – 1 9 -
2 0 T H
C E N T U RY
• 19th Century: Sosnowiec began as a small
village and later grew significantly during the
industrial revolution in the 19th century due
to its coal mining and steel industry. The
rapid industrialization led to a population
boom, and Sosnowiec became a hub for
manufacturing.
• Early 20th Century: By the early 20th
century, Sosnowiec was a thriving industrial
center with numerous factories and a
multicultural population, including Poles,
Jews, Germans, and others.
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8. S O S N O W I E C ' S
H I S T O R Y – W W 1
A N D I N T E R W A R
P E R I O D
• World War I: During World War I, the city was
part of the German Empire. After the war,
Sosnowiec became part of independent
Poland.
• Interwar Period: Between the wars, the city
continued to grow economically and
culturally. However, the outbreak of World
War II brought significant devastation.
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9. S O S N O W I E C ' S
H I S T O RY –
W W 2 A N D
P O S T W W 2
• World War II: Sosnowiec suffered greatly
during the war. It was occupied by Nazi
Germany, and the Jewish population was
subjected to the horrors of the Holocaust.
The city saw destruction and loss of life.
• Post-World War II: After the war, Sosnowiec
was rebuilt and played a role in the post-war
economic recovery of Poland. It remained an
important industrial city, though it faced
challenges with the decline of heavy industry
in later years.
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10. S O S N O W I E C ' S
H I S T O R Y –
M O D E R N T I M E S
A N D S U M M A R Y
• Modern Times: In recent decades, Sosnowiec
has undergone transformations, focusing on
diversifying its economy beyond heavy industry.
Efforts have been made to revitalize the city,
develop its cultural scene, and attract
investment.
• Throughout its history, Sosnowiec has
experienced significant changes, from a small
village to a bustling industrial center, wartime
devastation, and subsequent rebuilding. Today,
it stands as a city with a mix of historical
heritage and modern developments, striving for
economic and cultural growth.
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11. T O U R I S M I N
S O S N O W I E C
While Sosnowiec might not be known as a
major tourist destination compared to cities like
Krakow or Warsaw, it still has its unique
offerings and facilities to ensure a comfortable
and enjoyable visit for travelers such as:
• Sosnowiec Museum
• Sosnowiec Market Square
• Restaurant's like 1906 or Złoty Młyn
• Sosnowiec's Sielecki park
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12. S O S N O W I E C :
I N D U S T R I A L
L E G A C Y
• A city steeped in industrial history,
Sosnowiec emerged as a powerhouse during
the 19th-century industrial revolution. Famed
for its coal mining and steel industry, it
burgeoned into a thriving hub, fueling
Poland's economic growth. Today, remnants
of this industrial heritage stand as a
testament to Sosnowiec's pivotal role in
shaping the nation's industrial landscape.
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13. W H A T H A V E Y O U
L E A R N T S O F A R
A B O U T
S O S N O W I E C ?
• Who is the citie's current (2024) president?
• What is the most popular event held in
Sosnowiec called?
• Decline of what industry hit Sosnowiec quite
hard after WW2?
• How far is Sosnowiec's center from Dąbrowa
Górnicza's Center?
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14. S O S N O W I E C ' S
L E G E N D S
• While Sosnowiec might not be as renowned
for specific legends compared to some other
cities, local folklore often intertwines with the
region's history. One prevalent story revolves
around the spirit of the Black Lady. Legends
speak of a mysterious, veiled figure haunting
certain areas, believed by some to be
connected to the city's past. This spectral
presence is said to have a melancholic aura,
sparking tales and ghostly encounters
among locals.
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15. S O S N O W I E C ' S
L E G E N D S
• Another legend is centered around the
industrial boom, weaving tales of the
sacrifices and struggles of the laborers who
toiled in the coal mines and steel factories.
Stories of resilience, hard work, and the
enduring spirit of the people have become
part of the city's folklore, symbolizing the
industrious nature of Sosnowiec's past.
• These legends, though not universally
known, add an intriguing layer to
Sosnowiec's history, reflecting the folklore
and oral traditions passed down through
generations in the city.
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16. FA M O U S
P E O P L E T H AT
H A I L F R O M
S O S N O W I E C
• Isaac Bashevis Singer: A Nobel Prize-
winning author, Singer was born in
Sosnowiec in 1902. His works often explore
Jewish life in Poland and emigration to the
United States.
• Dorota Masłowska: A contemporary Polish
writer and playwright known for her novel
"Snow White and Russian Red." Masłowska
was born in Sosnowiec in 1983.
• Marek Kanievska: A film director known for
movies like "Another Country" and "Less
than Zero," Kanievska was born in
Sosnowiec in 1946.
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17. S O S N O W I E C ' S
D I S T I N C T
M O N U M E N T S :
• Castle Sielecki: A historic castle with
beautiful gardens, showcasing architectural
elegance.
• Saint Alexander's Church: A striking Neo-
Gothic church known for its intricate design
and religious significance.
• Old Train Station: A heritage railway station,
echoing the city's industrial past and
architectural grandeur.
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18. W H A T H A V E Y O U
L E A R N T S O F A R
A B O U T S O S N O W I
E C ? P A R T 2
• Name 2 famous people who hail from
Sosnowiec.
• What was the name of the ghost from the
first legend?
• Name one monument in Sosnowiec worth
seeing.
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19. Z A G Ł Ę B I E
S O S N O W I E C -
H O C K E Y
• Zagłębie Sosnowiec is a professional ice
hockey club based in Sosnowiec, Poland. The
team competes in the Polska Hokej Liga
(Polish Hockey League), which is the top-tier
ice hockey league in Poland.
• The club has a significant history in Polish ice
hockey and has been part of the country's
hockey scene for many years. Zagłębie
Sosnowiec has had periods of success and has
been a prominent team in the league,
contributing to the development and popularity
of ice hockey in the region.
• Teams like Zagłębie Sosnowiec often serve as
focal points for local sports enthusiasts, offering
an exciting opportunity for fans to support their
city's team and enjoy high-level hockey
competitions within the country's league
system.
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20. F U N FA C T S
A B O U T
S O S N O W I E C
• Sosnowiec's Solar Clock: The city features a
unique solar clock that utilizes the position of
the sun to indicate the time, serving as both a
functional timepiece and an architectural
marvel.
• City of Eagles: Sosnowiec is sometimes
affectionately referred to as the "City of Eagles"
due to its emblem featuring a crowned eagle.
• Underground Tunnels: Rumors persist about a
network of underground tunnels beneath the
city, stemming from its industrial past. While
many are closed off, some enthusiasts explore
these mysterious passages.
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21. D I S C O V E R
S O S N O W I E C :
U N V E I L I N G
T O M O R R O W ' S
T R E A S U R E S
• As Sosnowiec continues to evolve, its rich
tapestry of history and innovation awaits
exploration. Embrace the city's untold
stories, vibrant culture, and promising future.
Join us in unveiling the hidden gems that
await in this dynamic and ever-evolving city.
Let's journey together into Sosnowiec's
tomorrow!
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22. A N U N O F F I C I A L
S I T E D E V O T E D
T O S O S N O W I E C
click here
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23. S O S N O W I E C ' S
M A P
click here
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24. W E AT H E R
F O R E C A S T F O R
S O S N O W I E C
click here
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25. S O U R C E S
• Facebook page – Sosnowiec Łączy
• Wikipedia
• Dziennik zachodni
• Onet wiadomości
• Alamy stock photo's
• Tripadvisor.com
• Adobe stock
• Google Scholar
• Wyborcza.pl
• Garnek.pl
• Slaskie.travel
• Zamkipolskie.com
• Culture.pl
• Portalkomunalny.pl
• Sponsoringsport.pl
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