Poland Lodz what parks are there. Holidays in Lodz. Main attractions. What to see
Lodz is one of the largest and most famous cities in Poland. It is believed that the settlement was founded in the 13th century, and received the honorary status of a city in 1423.
The city of Lodz is associated with the ghetto that existed in the area during World War II. Now every tourist can better learn the history of the ghetto and, of course, be able to understand the historical features of the development of the city of Lodz.
Ancient architecture, rich collections of local museums, and various cultural institutions are what attract many travelers from around the world.
Piotrkowska Street is considered one of the most important in Lodz. This street connects two ancient squares: Freedom and Independence. It should be noted that from the very beginning it was Piotrkowska that turned out to be the central axis around which the Polish city developed. Industrial development began in 1821, after which architects began to implement interesting projects.
Until 1990, Piotrkowska Street was the main street in Lodz, but it was not fundamentally different from the rest. Subsequently, specialists were able to reduce traffic traffic and relocate tram lines. As a result, the street turned out to be a pedestrian thoroughfare. Now tourists can stroll here, sit on benches, visit cafes and restaurants, visit shops and go shopping. It is not surprising that Piotrkowska Street is an important center of the city of Lodz.
The cathedral was built in 1884, taking into account the best principles of the neo-Byzantine architectural style. However, later restoration of the temple was required so that the religious monastery could be preserved in a decent form.
In 1948, the shrine was recognized as a cathedral, and in 1971 - a national historical and architectural monument of Poland. It is not surprising that many travelers can appreciate the cathedral, consecrated in honor of Alexander Nevsky.
Location: Jana Kilińskiego - 56.
Łęczycki Castle is located near the city of Lodz. The ancient castle was built in 1357 - 1370 during the reign of Casimir the Great. Subsequently, the castle complex was used as a defensive fortification to guarantee protection from the Teutons.
However, in 1406, the knights of the Teutonic Order nevertheless led to the destruction of the Lenchitsky castle. Subsequently, it was here that important meetings of the Polish Sejm were held. In 1433, the Polish-Teutonic truce was signed in the castle.
At the end of the 15th century, when a major fire occurred, the site was abandoned. In 1560, the castle was finally restored, but 95 years later it was captured by the Swedes.
Lenchitsky Castle was finally destroyed during the Northern War. Local residents even dismantled the unique building for building materials.
Fortunately, Lenchitsky Castle was restored in 1964. Now in the castle complex, which reflects the Gothic style, there is a successful museum.
Location: Zamkowa - 1.
The museum, which has existed since 1960, is located on the territory of the White Factory in the city of Lodz. The museum exhibition is divided into several sections:
- History of textile production. Visitors can learn the features of manufacturing various types of fabrics and study valuable documentation.
- The second section presents ancient national women's and men's costumes and fabrics.
Visitors can not only see the exhibits, but also take part in lessons or master classes.
The ancient basilica, located in the city center, is one of the most important religious buildings. The first stone for the construction of the temple was laid in 1901. Construction activities lasted 11 years, and during this time many architects were replaced. Fortunately, the basilica still managed to acquire a holistic image that surprises tourists.
The Gothic basilica, which was restored after fires and war destruction, has earned the reverent attitude of the Poles. It is not surprising that the architectural design and interior surprise not only local residents, but also travelers.
Location: Ignacego Skorupki - 9.
The villa, built in 1894, is located in the center of Lodz. The landmark is considered a worthy example of eclecticism, but at the same time, in its architectural design you can see elements of the following styles:
- Baroque.
- Renaissance.
- Mannerism.
The 3-storey villa, complemented by an ancient tower, surprises with its beauty. In addition, the villa is ready to boast a winter garden.
Today the building houses the National Polytechnic University. Despite this, many travelers can appreciate the unique villa.
Location: Ks. Harcmistrza Ignacego Skorupki - 6/8.
The villa, built in 1901, is located in the center of Lodz. This landmark is considered a worthy example of the Art Nouveau style.
The building features decorations such as floral elements and original paintings. In addition, at the front entrance you can see an ornament made in the form of apples. If you go inside, you can see ornaments in the form of flowers, poppies, roses, apple trees and chestnut leaves. Some windows have amazing stained glass windows depicting the goddess.
Today the building houses a municipal art gallery.
Location: Wólczańska - 31/33.
This unique museum is dedicated to architecture. This museum center belongs to the Museum of the Textile Industry, but in reality it has a completely different meaning. Thus, the museum, created right in the open air in 2006 - 2008, attracts those tourists who want to better understand the peculiarities of the culture and life of the inhabitants of the city of Lodz.
The exhibits on display are typical buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries in Lodz. Every visitor to the museum can understand how special local architecture was a couple of centuries ago. The realities of the past can be recreated even with the help of signs with street names and installed lanterns.
Location: Piotrkowska - 282.
The history of the museum center, which is dedicated to Polish cinema, began in 1976. The museum is located in an ancient building, designed taking into account the best principles of the Renaissance. It should be noted that the building previously turned out to be a film set for numerous films in Poland. However, in 1986 the museum finally moved to an old building.
The collection includes a thousand films on film and video cassettes, unique technical devices, and equipment for theatrical productions. Moreover, some exhibits reveal the peculiarities of the development of Polish animation. The rich exhibition reveals interesting features of Polish cinema.
Location: plac Zwycięstwa - 1.
The history of the Botanical Garden began in 1929. The botanical garden is open to the public every day from April 1st to October 31st.
Thousands of plants are collected here, which are divided into the following thematic sections:
- Japanese garden. This part is located next to two small ponds. Plants from various countries of the Far East are presented here, including Japan and China.
- Department of herbaceous plants.
- Alpine garden. This area is characterized by the presence of stone blocks and winding paths. Various alpine plants and trees grow here.
- Department of Biology and Morphology. Small trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are represented here.
- Section dedicated to ornamental plants. Here you can see coniferous trees and shrubs, rhododendrons, roses.
- Park landscaping department.
- Department of Polish flora.
- Department of Medicinal Plants. Important plants that are traditionally used for traditional medicine are presented here.
- Arboretum. This department is the largest.
It should be noted that a visit to the botanical garden will definitely give you a vivid and unforgettable experience.
The palace, which today houses the city museum, surprises with its architectural design. It should be noted that most of the museum exhibits are directly related to the owners of the palace complex. Israel of Poznański was an important textile magnate in Central Europe and philanthropist.
In 1877, a house and land next to a textile factory and workers' houses were purchased in the city of Lodz. As a result, the palace complex was built taking into account the principles of the French Renaissance. After the death of Israel Poznanski, the project continued. In 1903, the palace and park complex was successfully completed.
The palace surprises with the beauty of its facades. Allegorical sculptures add special beauty. It should be noted that the palace halls are designed in an eclectic style. Even today, the palace surprises with its worthy execution.
Location: Ogrodowa – 15.
The complex was created at the end of the 19th century by local entrepreneurs who tried to increase their capital and create a large number of jobs for city residents. Previously, work was in full swing here, aimed at producing various products. Now Księži Mlyn, which includes industrial enterprises and various factories, is a famous tourist attraction.
Location: Tymenetskogo street - 5.
Lodz is one of the most interesting cities in Poland, a trip to which is a must.
In the tourist community, there is an opinion that industrial cities are not of particular interest from an architectural and cultural point of view.
That is why Lodz often remains in the shadow of the brilliant Warsaw and majestic Krakow. In fact, those who bypass it lose a lot.
The famous Piotrkowska street
In the city of Lodz there are sights at every step; there are no less of them here than in the capital of Poland. A special place among them is occupied by the central street - Piotrkivska, colorful and atmospheric.
All of it is at the mercy of pedestrians, so you can look around completely calmly, without endangering your life. And there will certainly be something to pay attention to here.
The mansions and villas that once belonged to wealthy manufacturers are luxurious and different from each other. Industrial complexes are not gray and boring, but sophisticated and elegant.
Many buildings today are occupied by museums. An excellent option for those who come to the city of Lodz in autumn or spring and want to hide from rainy weather. Moreover, the exhibitions presented are really interesting.
Piotrkowska Street is famous not only for its traditional, but also for its very unusual sights. A special place among them is occupied by the Walk of Stars, on which the names of directors known throughout the world, as well as famous Polish film figures, are immortalized.
By the way, this is far from the only attraction of Lodz associated with the film industry.
Film industry in Lodz
In addition to the above-mentioned Avenue of Stars, the cinematic attractions of Lodz may well include the Higher School of Cinematography, the most “advanced” in all of Poland, and the Museum of Cinematography. The first, unfortunately for tourists, is operational. You can only look at it from the outside. It is unlikely that you will be able to get inside. But the museum is completely at the mercy of the guests.
Its exhibition, which began its work in 1976, tells about the past and present of Polish cinema - here you can see a collection of films and cassettes, various equipment, and scenery.
In addition, the palace itself, in which the museum is located, is a very atmospheric place; it has appeared on the screen more than once. The luxurious Renaissance-style house, once owned by a wealthy German industrialist, attracted the attention of filmmakers and directors immediately after World War II.
A slightly less famous, but no less interesting museum in the city of Lodz associated with the film industry is Se-Ma-For, dedicated to animated films. This is not even a museum, but a real cinema center.
There are not only exhibitions here, but also a hall where cult Polish cartoons are constantly shown, as well as a room for events. If you're lucky, you can take part in some master class or seminar.
The city's industrial past
Lodz became the main industrial city of Poland back in the 18th century. Rich and aspiring industrialists opened factories here. It is not surprising that wealthy people built themselves rich, luxurious houses, unlike others. Many of them have been perfectly preserved to this day.
The most exemplary are the Villas of Leopold Kindermann and Eduard Herbst - by visiting them, you can get acquainted not only with the architecture, but also with the interior decoration. Having crossed the threshold, guests seem to travel back in time, finding themselves from the dynamic 21st century to the much more measured 19th century.
No less interesting are the Palaces of Mauritius and Israel of Poznań, which today house an art gallery and the Lodz Historical Museum. The latter is different from traditional boring exhibitions.
In its halls, using the example of the life of one rich family, you can learn about how the industrialists and factory owners of the city lived in the 19th century.
However, one should not think that everything here is dedicated exclusively to the Poznański family. There are many interesting “corners” dedicated to completely different topics. Among them there is even a theatrical one - colorful and “dusty”.
In an art gallery, everything is much more typical - works by Polish and European masters of the 19th century stand side by side with modern paintings, sometimes controversial, but certainly interesting and striking.
In the city of Lodz, not only private properties are of interest, but also industrial buildings. It's hard to believe that a manufactory can be an architectural masterpiece, but it is. White Factory, once owned by Ludwig
Geyru, built in 1837. It is an excellent example of the neoclassical style. In 2002, the factory ceased operations and became a textile museum.
Guests can touch all stages of production, look at machines, materials, rare products of the 19th century, as well as photographs and documents. In addition, this is another chance to learn about the industrial history of the city of Lodz.
What not to forget to see in Lodz
Having become acquainted with factory Lodz and cinematic Lodz, you should not think that all the sights of the city have been explored.
There are many other interesting places here that deserve attention. For example, the Basilica of St. Stanislav Costica or the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Catholic and Orthodox churches coexist well on the same street, attracting tourists and local residents.
While walking around the city, you should definitely pay attention to the interesting monuments - the Three Factory Owners, the bench of Julian Tuwim, the piano of Arthur Rubenstein and others. And tired of the urban bustle, you can relax in one of the city’s parks.
Lodz(Polish) Łódź(inf.) - “boat”, “rook”) - one of the largest cities in Poland. Located in the center of the country, 120 kilometers southwest of Warsaw, it is the center of the Polish electronics industry. Founded in the 13th century, city status since 1423.
In 1940-1944 Lodz was named Litzmannstadt in honor of the German World War I general Karl Litzmann. From 1940 to 1944, the city was home to one of the largest Jewish ghettos.
Story
1332- Lodz was first mentioned in the document transferring the village of Lodzia (lat.) to the bishops of Wloclawek. On July 29, 1423, by decree of King Władysław Jagiello, Lodz received city rights.
1820- On September 20, by decree of Konstantin Pavlovich, the governor of the Kingdom of Poland, Lodz was declared a factory city, in 1821 the Nowe Miasto cloth mill was founded, a continuation of which in 1824 was the Lodka weaving town.
1865- On July 30, local authorities received permission to build a railway connecting Lodz and Koluszki, which was put into operation on September 19, 1865. Passenger trains began running regularly on June 1, 1866.
1887- The largest, most beautiful and luxurious synagogue in the Kingdom of Poland, burned by the Nazis in 1940, has been reopened.
1888- October 6 in the building of the Victoria Hotel on the street. Piotrkowska 67, the first professional theater in Lodz was established. Nowadays there is a modern cinema "Polonia" here.
1898- On December 24 at 13:00 the first electric tram in the Kingdom of Poland was launched in Lodz.
1899- November 3 in Lodz, at st. Voskhodnya 19, Józef Piłsudski and his wife settled there. Here Pilsudski published the newspaper "Worker" - the organ of the underground Polish Socialist Party. On the night of February 22, 1900, Pilsudski was arrested by the Tsarist police and was imprisoned on the street. Gdańska 13. In December 1938, the memorial museum-apartment of J. Piłsudski was created here.
1903- On August 20, the Polish Theater Society was created in Lodz, the first organization in Poland engaged in theatrical and educational activities.
1905- On May 17, the first children's hospital in Poland was opened. Anna Maria (in memory of the deceased granddaughter of the largest Lodz manufacturer Karl W. Scheibler). In 1951 it was renamed the hospital named after. Janusz Korczak.
1908- in Lodz, on al. Kościuszko 14 houses the largest bank in Poland (a hall with an area of 1100 m²).
1914 - in the first months of the First World War, the battle for Lodz took place between the German and Russian armies.
1919- the Lodz Voivodeship was created, headed by Anthony Kamensky.
1936- On May 26, the Circle of Friends of Lodz was created, which resumed its activities in 1959 (November 27) and was renamed the Society of Friends of Lodz. The range of its activities is quite wide: it includes educational work, historical and local history activities, organization of cultural events and competitions, publishing work, protection of historical and architectural values, etc. The main department of ODL is located at pl. Liberties, 2.
1939- Lodz was annexed by Germany and renamed Litzmannstadt in honor of the German general who captured Lodz at the end of 1914; in 1941 it became the center of the administrative district of Litzmannstadt of the Reichsgau Wartheland.
1940- Before the Nazi occupation, 230,000 Jews lived in Lodz, who made up a third of the city's population. At the beginning of the war, all the Jews of the city and surrounding areas were herded into ghettos and later deported to death camps. The Lodz ghetto was the last of the Polish ghettos to be liquidated, as it was important for German industry. During the war, 420,000 city residents died, including 300,000 Jews and 120,000 Poles. Camps for Gypsies and Poles were also established in the vicinity of Lodz. After the war, 900 Jews remained in the city.
1945- On January 18, 1945, the city was liberated by the Red Army. In 1945, the Polish government moved to Lodz, and the city de facto served as the capital until 1948. In 1945, on the basis of the Pedagogical Institute (1921-1928), the Higher School of Social and Economic Sciences (1921-1928) and a branch of the Free Polish universities that existed in Lodz during the interwar period, the University of Lodz was created.
1948- On October 18, the grand opening of the Higher School of Cinematography, Television and Theater took place with the participation of its first applicants. This world-famous institution of higher education is located in the Oscar Cohn Palace on the street. Targova. The school is especially proud of its famous graduates: Andrzej Wajda, Roman Polanski, Andrzej Munk, Jerzy Skolimowski, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Zanussi and others.
In 1972, the construction of apartment buildings in the residential area of Retkina began.
Along with the indigenous inhabitants, the visiting population played a huge role in the industrial development of Lodz. In the second half of the 19th century, Poles, Germans, Jews, Czechs, and Silesians lived in Lodz. The Jewish population, numbering 240 thousand people, gave Lodz the largest manufacturers (Israel Kalmanovich Poznansky, Marius Silberstein, Stanislav Yarotinsky, Oscar Cohn, etc.), merchants, bankers, famous architects (David Lande, Gustav Landau-Gutenteger, etc.) and writers (Julian Tuwim and Jerzy Kosinski). Since 2002, the city has hosted the Festival of Four Cultures.
Poznański Palace- Ogrodowa Street, 15. Now the palace houses the Museum of the History of the City of Lodz, which contains exhibits related to the life of the city and its celebrities: Julian Tuwim, Wladyslaw Reymont, Alexander Tansman, Arthur Rubinstein and Jan Karski.
Old cemetery on Ogrodowa Street - Catholic, Evangelical and Orthodox. The largest industrialists Biedermann, Grohman, Geyer, Kindermann, Scheibler, as well as scientists, actors, artists, national heroes and priests are buried here. Among dozens of historical tombstones, the mausoleum of the manufacturer Scheibler, which looks like a small neo-Gothic temple, stands out for its monumentality.
Jewish cemetery- near Bratskaya street. The largest Jewish cemetery in Europe (41 hectares) was created in 1892 and has about 160 thousand graves. Many stone tombstones, in particular the mausoleums of major industrialists Poznansky, Silberstein, Prussian, Steiller, Yarotinsky, are classified as architectural monuments. The parents of Julian Tuwim and Arthur Rubinstein are buried here. In the southern part of the cemetery there are graves of victims of the Lodz ghetto. In 1956, a memorial complex was erected in memory of those killed during the war. On November 20, 2012, more than 20 tombstones from the 19th century were broken by vandals.
Attractions
Karl Anstad Alley
- Monument to the victims of communism in Poland.
Piotrkowska Street
The current Piotrkowska street runs along the line of the former Piotrkowska tract, which in the 19th century witnessed the rapid development of the city. Piotrkowska Street is the main street of the city. It stretches from the octagonal Freedom Square (Polish. Plac Wolności Plac Wolności), which previously bore the name of the market square of the New Town (Polish. Nowe Miasto Nowe Miasto). The longest pedestrian zone in Poland with shops, bars and restaurants (of which there are more than a hundred), and in the summer also street cafes. In addition, you can ride along the boulevard in a pedicab or retro tram. Piotrkowska Street hosts numerous events, fairs, happenings and sports competitions.
Monuments
- St. Piotrkowska 32 - To Three Manufacturers.
- St. Piotrkowska 104 - Julian Tuvim's bench.
- St. Piotrkowska 137 - Vladislav Reymont's chest.
- St. Piotrkowska 78 - Grand piano by Arthur Rubinstein.
- St. Piotrkowska 112 - monument to Leon Schiller.
- St. Piotrkowska 98-146 - monument to the Residents of Lodz at the Millennium Milestone: 12,859 slabs engraved with the names of famous and ordinary residents of Lodz.
- St. Piotrkowska - a section of the street between Moniuszko Street and Rubinstein Passage - Alley of Polish Cinema Stars.
- St. Piotrkowska 11 - Karl Scheibler's house.
- St. Piotrkowska 29 - banking house of Wilhelm Landau.
- St. Piotrkowska 72 - former Ludwig Meyer factory, rebuilt into the Grand Hotel***.
- St. Piotrkowska 74 - palace and factory of Ludwig Geyer.
- St. Piotrkowska 77 - the palace and banking house of Maximilian Goldfeder, now the Academic House of Culture and the magnificent restaurant “Heirs Club”. The colorful stained glass windows and picturesque decoration of the premises on the second floor deserve special attention.
- St. Piotrkowska 86 - The facade is decorated with a sculpture by Jan Gutenberg.
- St. Piotrkowska 100 - in the past it was a trading house in the Secession style, currently the Esplanade restaurant.
- St. Piotrkowska 104 - Julius Heinzl's palace, now the building of the City Hall of the city of Lodz and the regional administration.
- St. Piotrkowska 137/139 - Ernst Kindermann's palace decorated with a Venetian mosaic frieze.
- St. Piotrkowska 152 - the largest wall graffiti in Poland.
- St. Piotrkowska 262 - the mansion of industrialist Robert Schweikert, currently the European Institute, which hosts seminars, conferences and other events.
- John Paul II Square - Cathedral of St. Stanislaus Kostka.
- St. Piotrkowska 272a is the halved residence of the brothers Karl and Emil Steinert.
- St. Piotrkowska 282 - “White Factory” by Ludwig Geyer, Museum of the Textile Industry.
- St. Piotrkowska 283 - Evangelical-Augsburg Church of St. Matthew in the neo-Romantic style.
Architecture
- Israel Poznański Palace - Ogrowawa Street 15. The largest residence of a manufacturer in Poland, now the Museum of the History of the City of Lodz. The palace (in the neo-Baroque style) is located on the corner of Zahodnya (Zapadnaya) and Ogrodovaya (Sadovaya) streets, along which massive factory walls and workers' quarters stretch.
- Villa of Eduard Herbst - Pshendzalnyana Street (Spinning) 72. A typical example of a late 19th century mansion with interior decoration elements typical of the residences of wealthy manufacturers.
- Palace of Karl Scheibler - Zvychenstvo (Victory) Square 1. The calm Renaissance-style façade with unobtrusive ornamentation contrasts with the colorfully decorated interior. The palace (now the Museum of Cinematography) is located deep in the ancient Zrudliska park with its 300-year-old oak trees.
- Palace of Mauritius Poznański - Więckowski Street 36. The palace is designed in an architectural style reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. Currently it houses the Museum of Modern Art.
- Charles Poznański Palace - Gdańska Street 32. The architectural design of the palace is reminiscent of the Florentine Renaissance. Currently, the Music Academy is located here.
- Villa Leopold Kindermann - Vulchanskaya street 31-33. Secession style villa with rich external decoration. Now the City Art Gallery is located here.
- Villa Reinhold Richter - Skorupki street 6. The eclectic style mansion is located in the depths of a centuries-old park, in which a huge “oak tree” grows. Now the rector's office of the Polytechnic University is located here.
- Villa Florian Jariš - Kościuszko Alley 88.
- Palace of Robert Biedermann - Franciscanska (Franciskan) street 1/5. Currently the building of the University of Lodz.
Industrial buildings
Despite the fact that the history of Lodz dates back to the Middle Ages, the city’s greatest prosperity dates back to the period of the Kingdom of Poland. It was then, in the 20s of the 19th century, that cloth and weaving plantations were created in Lodz: first along the Piotrkowski Trakt (now Piotrkowska Street), where the Nowe Miasto settlement was founded, then Lodka and Nowa Lodka, as well as water-factory settlements on the river Ash. Favorable economic and housing conditions attracted foreign industrialists. The first manufactories and mechanized factories were built in the classicist style and had smooth, plastered walls. In the second half of the 19th century, hundreds of brick factories built using reinforced concrete structures appeared in Lodz, and the city received the nickname “Polish Manchester”.
- Factory of Israel Poznański - Ogorodova street 17. At one time, the factory, which owned the second place after the Karl Scheibler factory, employed more than 6 thousand people and was engaged in the manufacture of cotton fabric. Currently, a shopping, cultural and entertainment center “Manufactura” has been opened on the territory of the factory, which combines modern forms and architecture of factory buildings from the 19th century.
- “Ksenzhi Mlyn” - on the corner of Pshendzalnyana and Tymenetskogo streets. This large factory and housing complex was created by Karl Scheibler, owner of Europe's largest cotton mill. The industrial architectural ensemble includes a spinning mill, a fire station, a railway station, a hospital, a school, shops, a farm and houses for workers.
- “White Factory” by Ludwig Geyer - Piotrkowska Street 282. The first mechanized industrial plant in Lodz dates back to 1839. Now it houses the Textile Industry Museum.
- Bleaching shop Kopisha - Tymenetskogo street 5. This was the first manufactory in Lodz, which was founded in 1826.
- "Grokhman's Barrels" Manufactory gate of the Grokhmanov weaving factory.
- Factory power plant Scheiblerov - Tymenetskogo street 3/7. A monument of industrial architecture in the Secession style (rhythmic forms, decorative elements made of ceramics and metal).
- Factory of Markus Silberstein - Piotrkowska street 250. Factory building with features of fortification architecture. Now it is a shopping center.
- Ferdinand Geldner Factory - 1905 Revolution Street No. 52. This restored factory building is occupied by the Graduate School of Economics and Humanities.
Botanical Garden
Founded in 1929 and located in the western part of the city on the street. Krzemienecka 36/38.
“There’s nothing to see in Lodz,” they said. My inner skeptic raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Having taken more than 31 thousand steps on this beautiful day, I can say with confidence... Although, however, it’s better to show it first! Is it worth going to Lodz or not - decide for yourself
It is definitely different from all the tourist towns like... Red brick buildings, tall chimneys of former boiler houses and factories, futuristic inclusions, unexpected sculptures - all this gives a walk around Lodz the feeling that you have accidentally walked into the scenery of some movie from the early 20th century . Meanwhile, it’s only an hour and a half drive from Warsaw.
Well, let's look into Lodz's unique eyes?
You can describe interesting places in Lodz in any order, but it’s probably best to do it along the route.
I traveled on the low-cost bus service FlixBus - in terms of price-quality ratio, this is probably the most convenient way. We get to the Łódź Fabryczna train station - essentially in the city center. If you look at the map, the most important attractions will be at the top. But if we immediately go up, we won’t see much of anything interesting, so first we’ll move a little to the side, then go down, and then go up the longest street in Poland - Petrikovska.
I have carefully prepared an approximate route for you. With visiting museums and practically no rest, it took me almost 8 hours, and I didn’t have enough time to go along the branch on the left - to the Botanical Garden. However, you can always drive up if necessary.
Railway station
Big and empty. There is little food and entertainment, too, but there are thoughtful waiting rooms where it is not drafty, like in the rest of the space.
Complex EC-1
Literally a few hundred meters from the station is the promising scientific and museum complex EC-1, rebuilt from an old power plant. The architects did a great job and weaved a single whole from an industrial building and futuristic inserts. It is not surprising that this particular complex took first place in the popular vote “7 New Wonders of Poland,” which I even managed to visit thanks to an invitation from National Geographic.
Now here you can get to the Planetarium and wander through the nooks and crannies of the building and the surrounding area, and also visit the Center for Science and Technology. By the way, it’s worth spending at least three hours on it! It is best to buy tickets in advance online. For example, a family (2+1) costs 18 zlotys (and a regular adult – 23 zlotys).
Park and greenhouse
The park is nice, the greenhouse is small, and I didn’t go inside.
Edward Herbst Palace (Museum Pałac Herbsta)
We are used to the fact that kings and queens usually live in palaces. But we are in Lodz - the main city of factories! What about industrialists? In the 19th century, this was the center of the textile industry, and Herbst was one of the owners of the production. It’s interesting to look into the house of an entrepreneur, isn’t it? Paintings, furniture, and household items from a bygone era have been preserved inside. It is interesting to listen to your feelings: where is it more comfortable - in the palace of a ruler or a factory owner?
I really liked the house museum, and judging by the ratings on Tripadvisor, I’m far from alone.
After your visit, be sure to relax in the garden and savor the experience - after all, there is another museum ahead, so it’s worth resting.
Opening hours: 11.00-17.00, except Monday.
Ticket prices: 10 - full, 5 - reduced, for young people under 26 years old - 1 zloty.
Address: ul. Przędzalniana 72.
Museum of the Textile Industry (Muzeum Włókiennictwa)
It’s enough just to enter the territory and we’re already in the museum. Well, or to the movies. If you go to the right, you will find old houses; if you go to the left, you will come to a weaving workshop with machines.
It must be said that the houses and the church appeared here quite recently - they were transported from the outskirts of Lodz. This cute little booth, for example, used to stand about 5 kilometers from here and serve as a tram stop.
The most interesting thing is in the hall with the weaving looms, but be sure to take a look inside the old houses (which will be open).
Opening hours: 09.00-17.00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, from 12.00 to 19.00 on other days except Mondays.
Ticket prices: 10 - full, 6 - reduced, on Thursdays admission is free
Address: ul. Piotrkowska 282.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Lodz is, according to reviews, a rather pleasant place. There is a zoo nearby. Children will most likely be happy. I didn’t get to this place, although I marked it on my map - there will be something to visit next time.
Piotrkowska Street
So we got to the main street for tourists in Lodz - Piotrkowska. It is also the longest in Poland and one of the longest in Europe - the path from start to finish is 4.9 km. Part of it is pedestrian. This is where the trendiest cafes are concentrated and popular street events and fairs take place.
There are various sculptures here and there, and also its own alley of movie stars. It appeared here for a reason - the fact is that Lodz is home to the State Higher School of Cinema, Television and Theater, respected throughout Europe. Among the school's graduates are winners of prestigious awards - Krzysztof Kislewski, Roman Polanski, Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Zanussi and others.
Palace of Karola Poznański (Pałac Karola Poznańskiego)
Judging by the description, it has something in common with the Edward Herbst Palace - both places display interiors and household items of factory owners. Worth a visit, especially since admission is free on Sunday.
Opening hours: 09.00-20.00, except Monday.
Ticket prices: no information yet, who will be there - please write to me.
Address: Gdańska 32.
City Museum (Muzeum Miasta Łodzi)
Another beautiful building in front of us. I don’t know about you, but in front of its façade I felt like I was in aristocratic Vienna.
Inside there is a city museum. But not simple. Its highlight is that the exhibition is designed in the form of rooms of famous Poles - people from Lodz and the region. Among them are the famous pianist Arthur Rubinstein, Nobel Prize laureate Vladislav Reymont...
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu: 10.00-16.00, Wed, Sat, Sun: 12.00-18.00, closed Friday.
Ticket prices: 12 - full, 8 - reduced,
Address: ul. Ogrodowa 15.
Manufactory
Hooray! We've arrived! Everyone knows this museum and exhibition complex. Built relatively recently, it is very much loved by the townspeople and guests of Lodz.
If you're overdosing on cultural attractions, you can take refuge in a shopping mall. And if not, welcome to the museum, which, it seems to me, is already, according to the industrial-Lodz tradition, simply called - M32.
We sit, relax, drink coffee. Most likely, it’s already evening, and it’s time to enjoy the last minutes of your stay in Lodz before heading back home. Or towards new adventures 😉
Where to stay in Lodz
In addition to sightseeing, Lodz is a great place to arrange “factory” photo shoots in the now fashionable surroundings of red brick and glass. If you want to arrange an easy, relaxing trip, then two days in Lodz may well be suitable for these purposes.
Here is a selection of good hotels close to the center.
How to get to Lodz
The cheapest way to do this is with the help of the low-cost bus carrier FlixBus - tickets start from 1 zloty, and the average price at which you can buy a ticket is about 15-20 zlotys one way. Buses to Łódź from Warsaw depart from the platform at the Młociny metro station.
TOURISTS' ANSWERS:
The attractions in Polish Lodz are overwhelming. Here's what you can see here:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Sobor sw. Aleksandra Newskiego)
This Orthodox cathedral was built in 1884, next to the Lodz railway station. The church in the Russian-Byzantine style turned out to be quite spacious and could accommodate up to 850 parishioners. One can note the exquisite and rich interior decoration of the church - stained glass windows, stucco molding, a beautiful iconostasis and carved oak doors. Fortunately, during the Second World War this cathedral was not damaged, and since the 71st year of the last century the cathedral has been included in the list of architectural monuments of the city.
Address: Kilińskiego 56
Basilica of St. Stanislaw Kostki (Bazylika archikatedralna sw. Stanislawa Kostki)
The luxurious Catholic cathedral stands on John Paul II Square. Seeing it from afar, or rather, you can see its 100-meter tower. Construction of the basilica began in 1901 and lasted over the next 11 years. Polish and Austrian architects worked on the project. Finally, in 22, the church was completed and illuminated. The church in the Gothic style was built from light yellow brick, the interior is richly decorated with colored stained glass windows, arches, bas-reliefs, and sculptures. The temple houses valuable works of art and gifts from wealthy local residents. Unfortunately, during the Second World War the basilica was looted and turned into a military warehouse. However, after the war the church was reconstructed. However, the second misfortune happened to this beautiful basilica more than 30 years later, when the building was engulfed in fire - the roof of the church collapsed, the furniture and decorative items in the church were significantly damaged. The church was repaired for almost a year. Today, the church appears before tourists as a magnificent spectacle, and it looks especially beautiful in the evenings, when it is illuminated from all sides.
Address: Piotrkowska 265
Lodz Historical Museum
The museum is located in the former residence of a local businessman, in the building of the Poznański Palace. The building itself is quite impressive, it was built in the early 20th century and is a rich Baroque structure, with sculptors and a dome on the roof. Inside you can see a luxurious ballroom, dining room and billiard room, and almost all rooms are decorated with stucco and marble, and pictures in rich frames hang on the walls. The museum was opened in 1975. Actually, in the museum you can learn more about the history, culture and everyday life of the town from the end of the 19th century until the First World War - there are paintings, photographs, documents, as well as old furniture and household items. Another hall of the museum was created in honor of famous residents of Lodz, including the former owner of the house, as well as architects, artists, the famous pianist Arthur Rubinstein and others. In this museum you can also learn how the city’s theatrical life developed, in particular, delve into the halls that imitate actors’ dressing rooms. And after visiting the museum, take a walk through the beautiful garden surrounding the museum - there are many beautiful sculptures.
Address: Ogrodova street, 15
Lodz Factory Museum (Muzeum Fabryki w Lodzi)
The museum is located in an industrial-residential complex built in the 19th century. By the way, it was built at the expense of the same owner of the house where the Lodz Museum is located today. The textile industry was very developed in some years, but the museum will tell you exactly how the work at this factory took place, here you will admire the equipment, look at various photographs and read documents. That is, from cotton from the fields to the final product. Quite entertaining, although maybe children won’t find it very interesting here. The factory closed in 2002 and became the Manufactura shopping center.
Address: Drewnowska 58
Museum of Cinematography (Muzeum Kinematografii)
The museum was opened in 1976, and it is the only such museum in Poland. He talks about the history of the development of Polish cinema. The museum is housed in a 19th-century house that was once the property of a famous German industrialist. This house in the center of the old park was built in the Renaissance style. It’s interesting that after World War II, this building, as they say, “went from hand to hand,” and even somehow became a set for the film crew. And all because the palace is truly beautiful, with unusual interiors, a fireplace, stained glass windows and mosaics. The museum houses a rich collection of films on film and video cassettes, various technical devices, and so on.
Address: Plac Zwycięstwa 1
Piotrkowska Street
The main street of the city and one of the longest shopping alleys in Europe. The length of the street is almost 5 km! This street connects Freedom Square and Independence Square. We can say that the city grew up around this street, and is now quite large. At first, Piotrkowska was exclusively a shopping alley. And even until the 90s of the last century, the street was, in principle, the same as everything else in the city, although it was still considered the main one. It was only after the 90s that the alley began to be actively remodeled and transformed until it turned into an extremely fashionable place with bars, hotels, cafes, shops and restaurants. If any holidays and festivals are held in the city, then they must be on this street. Be sure to take a walk there! The street is simply luxurious!!
Villa Leopolda Kindermanna
The Art Nouveau style villa is located in the very center of the city. It was built at the beginning of the last century at the expense of a Polish businessman. The gray building with a red tiled roof is of course impressive primarily for its facade, decorated with floral details, in particular images of apples - which is why this building is sometimes called the “villa under the apple trees”. By the way, not only outside, but also inside you can see a lot from nature - decorations in the form of chestnut leaves, poppies and roses, and other flowers. There are also luxurious stained glass windows inside. An interesting fact is that all the windows of the building are made in different shapes, seriously, no two are alike. And some windows are also “girdled” with luxurious forged bars. Beauty and that's it. It is immediately clear that the rich man clearly did not spare any money for the construction. Today the villa houses the Lodz Art Gallery.
Address: Wolczańska 31/33
Is the answer helpful?
120 kilometers from Warsaw is the beautiful city of Lodz, home to more than 700 thousand people. Many tourists consider the city to be industrial, and therefore bypass this unusually beautiful and cozy settlement.
The first mention of the settlement of Lodz dates back to 1332, but for 500 years it remained a small village. It was only in the 19th century that the city began to take on its modern appearance.
You should probably start getting to know Lodz from Piotrkowska Street, where the main attractions are located. By the way, the total length of the street reaches 5 kilometers, and it is considered the longest street in Europe.
Poles consider Lodz the cultural capital of the country, largely due to the fact that there is a cinematic center with its Avenue of Stars (between Moniuszko Street and Rubinstein Passage) and the Cinema Museum (Zvytenstva Square 1).
Another celebrity of the city is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is located on Kostelnaya Square. It was built in a neo-Gothic style with very rich decoration.
There are a lot of ancient houses of noble nobles here, many of which are of historical value. For example, the Mauritius Poznański Palace (Węckowskiego Street 36), which now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Villa Leopold Kindermann, located at Vulchanskaya 31-33, hospitably welcomed the art gallery.
After fully enjoying the architecture of the city, be sure to take a stroll through Poland's largest botanical garden, where the Palm Conservatory (Piłsudskiego 61,Park Źródliska) is located.
After enjoying the beauty of Lodz, numerous tourists can go shopping in the huge shopping and entertainment center “Manufaktura”, where there are more than 300 shops, not counting all kinds of cafes and restaurants. This complex can be found on Ogrodowa street.
And finally, it wouldn’t hurt to rest not only your soul, but also your body. Aquapark “Fala” (Water Park “Wave”) is considered the largest water park in the country. This is a very original building with eight pools, one of which is specially made for children. It is located at Al. Unii Lubelskiej 4.
Despite the fact that the name of the city of Lodz translates as “boat”, it will still be much more convenient to get here by land transport. From Warsaw it's only two hours by train.