Silesian Park

Silesian Park, formerly known as the Provincial Park of Culture and Recreation named after General Jerzy Ziętek, is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, covering 535 hectares and often referred to as the "green lungs of Upper Silesia." Its history dates back to 1950, when a decision was made to build it on devastated post-industrial land. The park was designed by architects under the direction of Professor Władysław Niemirski, dividing it into forest and recreational zones. In the 1950s and 1960s, numerous attractions were built, including a stadium, a zoo, and an amusement park. The park is home to rich fauna and flora, with approximately 3.5 million trees and shrubs, including the largest rose garden in Poland with over 35,000 roses, as well as many species of birds and mammals. Among the attractions are the Silesian Zoological Garden, Legendia – Silesian Amusement Park, Silesian Stadium, Silesian Planetarium, and the Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park. The park was renamed in 2012 to emphasize its regional character. An interesting fact is that in 2013, a helicopter landing pad for medical services was opened, and the park has become a venue for numerous cultural and recreational events.