Rudzka Forge

Rudzka Kuźnica, known in German as Rudahammer, is the northern part of the Ruda district in Ruda Śląska, located north of the Bytomka River and bordering Zabrze and Bytom. The area was primarily inhabited by workers living in two-story buildings known as "familoks." The history of the settlement dates back to the 12th century when these lands were part of the Bytom Black Forest, with the first mention of Kuźnica appearing in 1401. In the 18th century, the settlement was known as Ruder Kuznitze and was a site of industrial activity, featuring an iron forge and the modern "Carlshütte" zinc smelter, built between 1812 and 1816. Rudzka Kuźnica also witnessed significant historical events, such as the march of John III Sobieski's troops through its territory in 1683 on their way to Vienna. Between 1904 and 1908, the Bracka Spółka Hospital, one of the most modern in Upper Silesia, was constructed there. After World War I, it served as a military hospital. Due to financial and operational difficulties, the hospital was eventually closed, and its grounds were converted into a sports field. A cultural highlight of the region is the John III Sobieski Park, established in the 19th century by Count Ballestrem. For many years, it served as a recreational area, though it experienced various forms of degradation over time. The park covers an area of approximately 3 hectares and is located near the Szkopka Pond, which provides a habitat for various species of fish and birds. An interesting historical note is the operation of trams between 1898 and 1929. Additionally, although Rudzka Kuźnica became part of Poland after 1922, it was surrounded by German territories, resulting in unique communication dynamics. Today, the area is served by KZK GOP public transport lines and lies at an important transportation hub of Upper Silesia, near National Road 88 and the A4 highway. Architecturally, Kuźnica is characterized by typical regional familoks and remnants of industrial structures. Historically, it is a region with a rich cultural heritage that has significantly shaped the landscape of Upper Silesia.