Gliwice: 10 attractions worth seeing

From the Radio Tower to the Palm House — explore Gliwice!

Gliwice is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in Upper Silesia, southern Poland. On the western edge of the Silesian metropolis, it mixes industrial heritage with lots of green spaces. Gliwice is still an underrated travel gem — we did not expect to find so many charming places and fun attractions. What made it a great spot for a family trip, and why would we happily return?

• a small, very charming market square surrounded by townhouses — car‑free, lined with calm cafés and restaurants; children play freely on the square and by the fountain
• the square is close to the main railway station (PKP — Polish State Railways) and the Palm House; from the station you walk to the Palm House along a wide pedestrian avenue
• the city has many sights — see our suggestions below

1. Market Square, Old Town, and the viewpoint on All Saints' Church tower

Gliwice’s Market Square is an almost square plaza with a historic town hall, surrounded by old townhouses, cafés, and restaurants. Its layout dates back to medieval times. Streets used to lead out from the corners — a classic Silesian market plan. This has always been the heart of the city: authorities, trade, and celebrations. Much of the old town was damaged in World War II. After 1945 the square was rebuilt to a design by engineer Franciszek Maurer (a Lviv Polytechnic graduate), creating the look visitors see today.

One of the top things to do is climb the viewing terrace of All Saints' Church, right by the square. From about 57 m high you can see the panorama of Gliwice — the Market Square, the historic center, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and, in very clear weather, Saint Anne Mountain, the Beskid Mountains, and the Jeseníky Mountains (in the Czech Republic). Tip: check current opening times; access is usually by stairs.

Entrance to the tower of All Saints' Church in Gliwice – observation deck with a beautiful city panorama.

The Church of All Saints is one of the most recognizable buildings in Gliwice and also the best viewing terrace in the area. ...

2. 'Woman with a Pot' by the Market Square

'The Brave Woman of Gliwice' is a sculpture of a woman holding a jug, placed against a fragment of the old town’s buildings. It refers to a local legend: during the siege of Gliwice by General Mansfeld’s troops, the town’s women helped defend the walls. According to the story, they poured hot water and porridge on the attackers, helping to save the city. The statue has decorated the corner building at Krótka and Plebańska streets since 1956. It was created by sculptor Wanda Demczyszyn‑Wiśniewska; the model was local resident Gerda Rothkegel.

3. Gliwice Palm House — a tropical garden in the city center

Feel like a traveler walking through tropical forests, Mediterranean gardens, and desert landscapes — without leaving the city. The Gliwice Palm House is one of the city’s highlights, so add it to your must‑see list. Several greenhouses and an aquarium pavilion make it a great stop in any season.

Gliwice Palm House — a tropical garden in the heart of the city

The Gliwice Palm House is one of the most beautiful and distinctive attractions in Gliwice. Feel like a traveler exploring tropical forests, Mediterranean gardens, and desert landscapes. ...

4. Splash Park — perfect for kids on hot days

The splash park is in the very heart of the city — in Chopin Park, right next to the Palm House and close to a traditional playground. The water is filtered, disinfected, and kept at about 26 °C (around 79 °F). Entry to the water area is via clearly marked shallow basins with anti‑slip tiles, and it is accessible for wheelchair users.

5. Gliwice Radio Tower — a symbol of history and the tallest wooden tower in Europe

The Radio Station (Gliwice Radio Tower) is a unique landmark in Silesia. This 111‑meter wooden antenna tower is now one of the region’s best‑known symbols and a living history lesson. It was built from impregnated Siberian larch, with parts joined by brass bolts — not a single steel nail!

Gliwice Radio Station – the tallest wooden tower in Europe

The Gliwice Radio Station is a unique place to visit in Silesia. This 111-meter wooden antenna tower is today one of the best-known symbols of Upper Silesia. ...

6. PKP Restaurant

Looking for a place that will fascinate kids and serve adults a tasty, home‑style meal? In the center of Gliwice there is the PKP Restaurant — known above all for a model train that brings drinks to your table. This family‑friendly spot has a retro station vibe and a miniature railway running through the dining room!

Tracks run across the room and small wagons deliver your drinks — something that always makes children smile. The interior is styled with station themes: tunnels, signals, and tiny platforms. It’s a fun choice for a family outing.

7. Kolejkowo

Kolejkowo in Gliwice is one of the largest model railway exhibitions in Poland, with day‑and‑night effects, a 'storm' with lightning, and even a floating ship. You will see models of Gliwice landmarks — the radio tower, market square with the town hall, and the station — plus Będzin Castle, Silesian mines and townhouses, and playful extras like an 'Indian village' and the Wild West.

A big advantage is the opening schedule — it is open 360 days a year, including Sundays and public holidays.

Kolejkowo Gliwice: A tiny world of adventure for everyone, not only rail fans.

Kolejkowo in Gliwice is the largest model railway exhibition in Poland. You can see Gliwice landmarks such as the Gliwice Radio Tower, the Market Square with the Town Hall, and the railway station, plus the castle in Bedzin, Silesian mines, and historic townhouses. ...

8. Boat cruise on the Gliwice Canal

The Gliwice Canal is a unique part of the Silesian landscape — a historic waterway linking Gliwice with the Oder River, used today for transport and tourism. It was built mainly to move coal and ore from Upper Silesia to Oder ports, and then to the Baltic Sea. During the communist era it carried several million tons of goods per year. Canal cruises are a calm way to enjoy nature and see historic hydrotechnical structures up close.

Tourist cruises on the Gliwice Canal - discover Silesia from the deck of a boat

The Gliwice Canal is a unique part of the Silesian landscape - a historic waterway linking Gliwice with the Oder River, now used for both transport and tourism. ...

9. Piast Castle in Gliwice

Piast Castle is one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings in Gliwice, located not far from the market square. Its beginnings likely date to the 14th century, when it was part of the city’s defensive system. The name suggests a link to the Piast dynasty, though researchers note it was mainly a municipal stronghold rather than a ducal seat.

Today the castle is part of the Museum in Gliwice. Inside, a permanent exhibition tells the story of the city and region, with archaeological finds, items from medieval Gliwice, and objects showing the lives of residents over the centuries.

10. Caro Villa

Caro Villa is one of the best‑preserved bourgeois residences from the late 19th century in Upper Silesia. Built in 1882–1885 as the grand home of Gliwice industrialist Oscar Caro, it is now the main seat of the Museum in Gliwice. The permanent exhibition presents 19th‑century interiors of Upper Silesian industrialists’ villas — the authentic room layout survives up to the first floor, and the furnishings come from the museum’s collections.

• Address: 8a Dolnych Wałów Street, entrance from Studzienna Street. For current hours, tickets, and events, see the Museum in Gliwice website.

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Silesian Center for Freedom and Solidarity in Wujek Mine

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