Council of Europe Square in Katowice

Council of Europe Square (Plac Rady Europy) lies in the Osiedle Paderewskiego-Muchowiec district of Katowice and is above all the forecourt of the Silesian Library building. The square also holds a drop hammer under conservation protection and a plaque commemorating the former Evangelical cemetery.

Origin of the name and what stands by the square

The square received its name in connection with the building of the modern Silesian Library, planned for over a dozen years. It has officially existed since 1998. The library was opened on 24 October 1998, and the building was designed by three architects: Marek Gierlotka, Jurand Jarecki and Stanisław Kwaśniewicz. The square is surrounded by Graniczna, Powstańców, ks. Konstantego Damrota and Przemysłowa streets.

The drop hammer and the site of the former cemetery

In front of the library entrance stands a drop hammer, which is under conservation protection. On the square there is a plaque devoted to those who rest in the former Evangelical cemetery, among them the founders of the town and other distinguished residents of Katowice.

On the western side, on the site of the German cemetery, extends a green with old trees. In the 1980s it was tidied by residents through voluntary work. To the west the square adjoins the historic cemeteries on Damrota Street.

Practical information

• Location: Katowice, Osiedle Paderewskiego-Muchowiec, next to the Silesian Library.
• The square is open to everyone, and the green is well suited to a short walk.
• The Silesian Museum is about 1.3 km from here.