Opatowice

Opatowice, a district of Tarnowskie Góry, has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. According to local tradition, the settlement was founded in 1201 by Cistercians, although this has been disputed by some historians, including Dr. Hab. Eng. Marek Wroński. Opatowice were part of the Repecka parish until 1985, when the parish in Opatowice was established, and its church dedicated to Our Lady of Piekary was consecrated in 1996. In the 16th century, mining developed in the region, particularly the extraction of silver and lead, which had a significant impact on the growth of the settlement. The district features a few historical sites, including traces of early and late medieval settlements, and a small chapel from the early 20th century. Community life revolves around the Tarnogórskie Centrum Kultury, and in 2021, a statue of a miner (gwarek) was unveiled, highlighting the region's mining traditions. Opatowice is well-connected by major roads, and public transportation is provided by buses of the Metropolitan Transport Authority. The district is home to Public Kindergarten No. 26, and local residents have access to various primary schools in the area. An interesting fact is that the architecture of the parish church in Stare Tarnowice features the coat of arms of Opatowice, depicting a shovel, which references the region's mining past. Today, Opatowice is a quiet district where history and mining traditions continue to be part of the local community's life.