Tarnowskie Góry is a picturesque town located in southern Poland, in the Silesian Voivodeship. It is situated about 25 km northwest of Katowice, forming part of the Upper Silesian metropolitan area. The town is renowned for its rich history related to mining and its numerous tourist attractions. In Tarnowskie Góry, there are several unique places worth seeing. The Historic Silver Mine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers fascinating underground tourist routes and a mining museum. The Black Trout Adit is a unique attraction where tours take place on boats through picturesque underground corridors. Below, I will present the attractions you must visit while in this picturesque place.
Development of Mining and Granting of City Rights
In 1526, under the influence of George Hohenzollern, the town was officially founded under German law, which significantly accelerated its development. The town was named Tarnowskie Góry, referring to the blackthorn shrub commonly found in the area and to mining (Góry), which formed the foundation of its economy. Soon, Tarnowskie Góry became one of the most important mining centers in Upper Silesia.
Modern Times and Industrial Development
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town continued to develop due to the intensive extraction of silver and lead. In 1788, the first steam-powered mine on the European continent, “Fryderyk,” was established, making Tarnowskie Góry a pioneer in the use of modern technologies in mining.
19th and 20th Centuries – Industrialization and Political Changes
The 19th century brought further industrialization to the town. In addition to mining, other industries such as metallurgy and machinery production also developed. In 1857, a railway line was built through Tarnowskie Góry, greatly improving the transportation of raw materials and industrial products. During the interwar period, after Poland regained independence, Tarnowskie Góry became part of the Second Polish Republic, which involved certain administrative and economic changes.
6 Tourist Attractions in Tarnowskie Góry
Silver Mine
The Historic Silver Mine is the main tourist attraction of the town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The underground tourist routes lead through the former mine corridors, where visitors can see what the miners’ work was like in the past. The mine also houses a museum that presents the history of mining and metallurgy in the region.
Black Trout Adit
The Black Trout Adit is one of the oldest and longest adits in Poland, open to tourists. The tour takes place on boats, making this attraction particularly interesting. The underground route is about 600 meters long and leads through picturesque, narrow corridors.
Town Park in Tarnowskie Góry
The Town Park is an ideal place for relaxation and walks. It features a beautiful pond, numerous walking paths, and a variety of plants and trees. The park also offers playgrounds for children and picnic areas.
Market Square in Tarnowskie Góry
The Market Square is the historical heart of the town, surrounded by colorful townhouses and historic buildings. The square houses the town hall and numerous cafes and restaurants, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the charm of the town.
Museum in Tarnowskie Góry
The museum is located in a historic building of a former school, where visitors can learn about the history of the town and the region. Exhibits include items related to mining, metallurgy, and the everyday life of the inhabitants of Tarnowskie Góry over the centuries.
Church of St. Peter and Paul
The Church of St. Peter and Paul is one of the most important sacral monuments of the town. Built in the neo-Gothic style, it attracts attention with its architecture and beautiful interiors. It is worth visiting this church to see its rich decorations and learn about the history of the parish.
