Gliwice Radio Tower, Poland
Our recent visit took us to the historical Gliwice Radio Station, located, as its name suggests, in the vibrant city of Gliwice (historically known as Gleiwitz). This remarkable site is home to a transmission tower constructed entirely of wood, which was put into operation in 1934. Standing at an impressive height of 111 meters, it holds the distinction of being the highest wooden structure in Europe and one of the tallest wooden masts in the world, a true marvel of engineering for its time. Historically, the Gliwice Radio Station gained significant notoriety as the target of the infamous German provocation in Gliwice, a staged incident that directly preceded the outbreak of World War II, marking it as a place of immense historical significance and a poignant reminder of the events leading up to the conflict.
The access and parking next to the radio station
Accessing the Gliwice Radio Station is straightforward, as it is conveniently situated near road 88 (Aleja Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego). To reach the site, you should head towards Lubliniecka street, where you can easily park your car near the fenced area encompassing the radio station (1; GPS: 50.3136600, 18.6877764). During our visit, we found that crowds were not an issue, and securing a parking spot was effortless. From the parking area, it's just a short walk of a few meters to the entrance gate, and then you are officially within the captivating grounds of the radio station, ready to begin your exploration of this unique historical and architectural marvel.
The transmitting tower
The transmitting tower at Gliwice Radio Station is genuinely impressive (A; GPS: 50.3133311, 18.6887581), a true spectacle of wooden construction that defies modern expectations. The entire area surrounding it has been meticulously maintained and beautifully landscaped, featuring strategically placed trees and numerous comfortable benches, inviting visitors to sit and admire the towering structure. Thoughtful lighting has also been installed, designed to illuminate the tower dramatically during the evening hours, creating a striking visual experience after dusk. As you approach the tower, you'll find it encased by a transparent plastic wall on all sides, preventing direct contact but allowing for an unobstructed view of its intricate construction. Through this barrier, it becomes abundantly clear that the tower was indeed masterfully crafted entirely from wood, a testament to the engineering capabilities of its time. After capturing several photographs from various vantage points, we proceeded to a nearby building that once housed the essential radio equipment and now serves as the engaging Museum of the History of Radio and Media Art, further enriching the historical context of the site.
Museum of the History of Radio and Media Art
The Museum of the History of Radio and Media Art (B; GPS: 50.3126083, 18.6904478) is thoughtfully housed within the historic old building of the Gliwice Radio Station, seamlessly integrating the museum experience with the site's rich past. Inside, visitors are treated to an extraordinary collection, including the original German transmitting installations, which offer a tangible link to the station's pivotal role in history. Many of the exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to engage directly by touching them, which greatly enhances the learning experience. For anyone with an interest in radio technology, a visit to this museum promises a deeply satisfying and enjoyable experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of broadcasting. It is, however, a regrettable peculiarity that, due to what appears to be an unusual policy, filming the rooms inside was prohibited during our visit (though still photography was permitted). Such inconsistent limitations in museums can be frustrating for visitors today. It is truly high time for institutions to re-evaluate this approach, especially in the 21st century, an era where information generated by ordinary individuals holds increasingly significant importance. A compelling YouTube video, for instance, created by an enthusiastic visitor, can often provide more effective and authentic advertisement for a given place than a professionally (and expensively) produced TV program, which, incidentally, is being watched by fewer and fewer people. For example, in France, filming is generally welcomed in every museum without any issues, reflecting a progressive approach. A similarly sensible policy is observed in the Czech Republic, where a nominal fee is sometimes charged for filming, providing a fair balance between preservation and public engagement.
Gastronomy in Gliwice
Gliwice, a city with a rich industrial past and a vibrant present, offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects both traditional Silesian flavors and a growing influence of modern Polish and international cuisine. As the current location is Bielsko-Biala, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, the local gastronomy in Gliwice will naturally share many similarities with the broader Silesian culinary traditions.
What to Try? (Silesian Specialties)
- Rolada Śląska (Silesian Roulade): This is perhaps the most iconic Silesian dish. It consists of thinly sliced beef (or sometimes pork) rolled around a filling of bacon, pickled cucumber, onion, and mustard, then slow-cooked in a rich gravy. It's traditionally served with Silesian dumplings (kluski śląskie) and red cabbage.
- Kluski Śląskie (Silesian Dumplings): These distinct, round potato dumplings with a characteristic "hole" in the middle are a staple accompaniment to rolada and other meat dishes, perfect for soaking up rich gravies.
- Modra Kapusta (Red Cabbage): Often served alongside rolada and kluski, this sweet and sour red cabbage is cooked with bacon, apple, and spices, providing a perfect balance to the rich meat.
- Żurek: A sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl, with white sausage (biała kiełbasa), hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes potatoes. It's a traditional Polish soup, very popular in Silesia.
- Krupniok (Silesian Blood Sausage): A regional delicacy, this hearty blood sausage is made with buckwheat groats and blood, often pan-fried or grilled.
- Silesian Strudel (Kołocz Śląski): A sweet pastry, similar to strudel, filled with poppy seeds, cheese, apples, or dried fruit. It's a popular treat for celebrations.
- Pierogi: While a national dish, Polish dumplings (pierogi - spelling like "pee-ROH-ghee") are always a great choice. You'll find various fillings, including meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, potato and cheese (Ruskie), or sweet fruit fillings.
- Craft Beer: The Silesian region, including Gliwice, has a growing craft beer scene. Look for local breweries offering unique brews.
Where to Eat?
Gliwice offers a variety of restaurants, from traditional Polish and Silesian eateries to more modern cafes and international cuisine. The city center and areas around the main square (Rynek) are good places to start your culinary exploration.
- Restaurants specializing in Silesian cuisine: Look for "Karczma" (traditional Polish inn) or restaurants explicitly advertising "Kuchnia Śląska" for authentic regional dishes. These often have a rustic, traditional decor.
- Restaurants around Rynek (Market Square): The main market square in Gliwice is usually a good spot to find a concentration of restaurants and cafes, offering a mix of Polish and international fare. These places often have outdoor seating in warmer months.
- Modern Bistros and Cafes: Beyond traditional cuisine, Gliwice has seen an emergence of modern bistros and cafes offering contemporary Polish dishes, international cuisine, and excellent coffee.
- Local Bakeries (Piekarnia): For fresh bread, rolls, and traditional Polish pastries like "drożdżówki" (yeast buns with various fillings) or "pączki" (donuts), visit a local bakery.
- Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny): For a very authentic and budget-friendly experience, try a "Bar Mleczny." These are cafeteria-style eateries offering traditional Polish homemade meals at low prices. They might not be fancy, but the food is typically wholesome and classic.
Exploring the gastronomy in Gliwice provides a delicious insight into the heart of Silesian culinary traditions, offering hearty and flavorful dishes that are deeply ingrained in the local culture.
See also: