INDUSTRIAL PAST - GREEN FUTURE COMENIUS PROJECT

CHAMBER OF THE ‘ANDALUZJA’ COAL MINE TRADITIONS, PIEKARY ŚLĄSKIE

A scale model of the Andaluzja Coal Mine, created in the 1960s, seems to be the main attraction of the exhibition. The visitors can also watch some miners’ memorabilia as e.g. uniforms, distinctions, lamps, pickaxes, beer mugs as well as unique photos, press cuttings, books and leaflets on the history of the enterprise.

CATS’ HILLS (KOCIE GÓRKI), PIEKARY ŚLĄSKIE

For several centuries zinc, lead, iron, limestone and Triassic dolomite were mined in the Cats’ Hills (situated in the western part of Piekary Śląskie). The exploitation influenced the lie of the land in a great measure. However, as the man had abandoned the economic activities, processes of natural succession started. They resulted in creation of a scenic landscape that has plenty to offer for those who are interested in nature of postindustrial areas. Different species of protected plants and animals occur there including dwarf carline thistle, cross gentian, royal helleborine, giant puffball, European columbine, wasp spider and northern crested newt. The area of the Cats’ Hills is home to a huge variety of birds.

THE MUSEUM OF BREAD, RADZIONKÓW

The museum, founded by Piotr Mankiewicz, will give a fascination depiction of history, culture, traditions and tools connected with bread. ‘Bread banknotes’ defining the amount of bread the owner could buy in the period of hyperinflation seem to be of special value. The visitors also have opportunities to bake some buns on their own that are sampled just after a visit has been completed. In one of the rooms an old-fashioned classroom is located so that everybody should experience the school reality of his or her grandparents.

TRADITION PARK, SIEMIANOWICE ŚLĄSKIE

The complex was established in the district of Michałkowice in the area of former Michał coal mine. It consists of a historical building (with a museum, a small souvenir shop and a concert & conference hall inside), the Krystyn hoisting tower, an open-air gym, several chess tables and a tavern. In the museum the history of mining can be traced. Among the exhibits there are a 1900 steam engine, an image of Saint Barbara (the miners’ patron) and a collection of miners’ lamps.

PRESIDENT MINESHAFT, CHORZÓW

The 42-metre-high reinforced concrete President Mineshaft hoisting tower is the main feature of the Sztygarka complex situated in the area of former President coal mine. It was built in 1933 according to the design of engineer Ryszard Heileman and nowadays remains as a reminder of Chorzów’s industrial past. Thanks to the device 500 tons of coal could be hoisted to the surface per hour. A boarding house, a restaurant, a café and a spa are located in the surrounding historical buildings, while different cultural events take place in the area.