Gorywoda House Cellars

The Gorywoda House Cellars are Gothic vaults from the 14th century in the centre of Bytom, at Strażacka 8, not far from the Market Square. They have preserved stone pointed-arch portals and a palm vault, which are a rarity in secular building.

Cellars from the 14th century

The cellars were built in the 14th century, mainly of local dolomite. Above them stood a one-storey townhouse from the 18th century with a Baroque façade with an attic, and its residents traded in wine and stored it in the cellars. The name comes from the last residents of the townhouse, who occupied it in 1924-1934. The townhouse was demolished in 1955 contrary to the recommendations of the Ministry of Culture and Art, and a pavilion was built over the cellars.

Discovery and adaptation

The monument was discovered in 1953 by Henryk Gerliński, a PTTK guide. In 1972 the vaults were renovated and adapted as a catering venue, through the efforts of Gerliński and the PTTK Commission for the Care of Monuments. The cellars are entered in the heritage register.

Architecture

The surviving portals are of stone and pointed-arched, and the palm vault, like the portals, is rare in secular building. The whole is Gothic and made of stone.

Nearby

Nearest is the Silesian Opera building in Bytom, and a little further the Franciszek Kachel Municipal Park.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Strażacka 8, Bytom, town centre.
• A restaurant operated in the vaults, and the current rules of entry are worth checking before your visit.