Anna Coal Mine in Pszów

The “Anna” mine in Pszów operated from 1832, and its Pszów unit was closed in February 2012. Of its buildings, the “Chrobry I” shaft complex, designed by the architect Hans Poelzig, has survived.

From 1832 to closure

The mine was founded in 1832 by Ferdinand Friedrich August Fritze. In 1903 output reached 148 thousand tonnes with 483 employees. In 1940 the mine produced 1.377 million tonnes of coal, and in 1943 1.736 million tonnes. High-quality coking coal was mined, and in 1995 it employed 4,096 people. In March 2004 it was merged with the Rydułtowy mine, and the Pszów part operated as the “Anna” Unit. At the end of 2011 extraction ended, and in February 2012 the “Anna” Unit was closed for good.

The Chrobry I shaft complex

In 1914-1919 the “Chrobry I” shaft complex was built to a design by Hans Poelzig: a winding engine house, a winding tower, a coal washery and a power station. The historic buildings were entered in the heritage register in 2015. You can see other mining heritage of the region at the “Ignacy” Historic Mine, about 5 km away.

Practical information

• Location: Pszów, the site of the former mine, about 600 m from the basilica in the town centre.
• A post-industrial site may be subject to redevelopment and restrictions on entry. Before a visit it is worth checking with the Pszów town office what is accessible.