Kolonia Emma

Kolonia Emma is a workers' housing estate in Radlin, in the Marcel district, built for mine employees in two phases: the first buildings were put up in 1897, and the main part in 1910-1913.

Two phases of construction

The old colony of 1897 was designed by A. Becher. The extension of 1910-1913 was prepared by the architect William Müller. This second part draws on the garden-city idea and has features of early modernism, and the houses resemble English country residences. The flats measured from 43 to 55 square metres. Hans Poelzig planned further expansion, but his designs were not carried out.

What the estate included

According to a description of its state in 1913, the colony had 14 residential buildings for officials, 49 houses for workers' families and 20 rooms for bachelors. The estate also included administrative buildings, a department store, an inn, a library, a bathhouse, a laundry, a bakery, a barber's and three lodging houses.

Today

The estate is an industrial heritage site entered in the municipal heritage register, and part of the buildings has been renovated. Nearby lies the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Radlin, and a little further away the “Ignacy” Historic Mine.

Practical information

• Place: the Marcel district in Radlin, Wodzisław County
• This is a residential estate where people still live, so it is seen from the outside, with respect for residents' privacy
• The rules for visits and any walking routes are worth checking with the Radlin tourist information office before your visit