Former Polska Mine Complex

The complex of the former Polska mine in Świętochłowice is a trace of the mining founded in 1873 by Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck. What remains of the mine are the historic winding towers of shafts I and II.

From Deutschland to Polska

The mine was created on 24 October 1873 from the merger of the Boheln, Gefall, Faustin and Hexenkessel mining fields. At first it was called Deutschland, from 1922 Niemcy, and from 3 May 1937 it has borne the name Polska. In 1972 it was merged with the Prezydent mine, and liquidation was completed in 2000. The record annual output, in 1979, was 2,037,838 tonnes.

What remains

The towers of shafts I and II have survived from the complex, entered in the heritage register of the Silesian Voivodeship. The towers have been renovated, and the tower of shaft I is open to visitors. The grounds of the former mine now house the City Police Headquarters, so part of the site is occupied by a public institution. A museum can be found nearby: the Silesian Uprisings Museum in Świętochłowice.

Practical information

• Address: Wojska Polskiego 16, Świętochłowice.
• The rules for visiting the tower of shaft I and the hours are not given in the sources; check them before your visit.
• The shafts stand by the street and can be seen from the outside.