about Katowice
The main city and the administrative centre of Upper Silesia, Katowice is a focal point of the region's industry, finance and communications. In the late 18th century, coal deposits were found near the city and plenty of mines sprung around the area. Katowice developed into a heavy mining and metallurgy city around the end of the 19th century. After the World War I, during the country's 20 years of independence it enjoyed a period of growth. Now Katowice strongly heads towards democracy and market economy, remaining an important centre in the area.