Gliwice: A Hidden Gem in Upper Silesia

• HelloCześć
  [Cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [Do veedzenya]
• YesTak
  [Tak]
• NoNie
  [Nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [Proshe]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [Jenkoo-yoo]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [Pzheprasham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [Yak shay mahsh?]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [Dobzhe. A tih?]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [Chih moovish poh ang-yehlskoo?]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [Nye rozoomyem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [Hchalbm zobachich menu, proshe]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [Nye yem myensa]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [Na zdrovye!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [Hchalbm zapwacheech, proshe]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [Pomotsi!]
• Go away!Odejdź!
  [Odeydz]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [Zadzvon po politzyeh!]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [Zadzvon po lekarza!]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [Zgoobiem say]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [Yestem hory]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [Hchalbm koopich...]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [Tihko shyeh rohzglondam]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [Eele to kosh-too-yeh?]
• That's too expensiveTo jest za drogie
  [To yest za drogyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [Chih moo-zhesh obneeooych cheneh?]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [Ktoora yest gojzina?]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [Yest pyervshah]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [Poo do dzyeshyontay]
• MorningRano
  [Rano]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [Popowoodnyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [Viechoor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [Vchoray]
• TodayDzisiaj
  [Jee-shey]
• TomorrowJutro
  [Yootro]
• 1Jeden
  [Yeden]
• 2Dwa
  [Dva]
• 3Trzy
  [Tshi]
• 4Cztery
  [Chteri]
• 5Pięć
  [Pyench]
• 6Sześć
  [Sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [Syedem]
• 8Osiem
  [Oshyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [Jevyench]
• 10Dziesięć
  [Dzyeshyonts]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [Gdzyeh yest...]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [Yaki yest adress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [Chih moo-zhesh mee pokazach (na mapye)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [Kyedy yest nastepny (autobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ...)
  [Byelet (do ...)]

Gliwice's origins date back to the early medieval period, with the first mention of the settlement appearing in 1276. During this time, Gliwice was part of the Kingdom of Poland, and it developed as a small trade and craft center. The town received its Magdeburg rights in 1276, which spurred further growth and development.

In the 16th century, Gliwice came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy following the defeat of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The 19th century brought significant industrial development to Gliwice, transforming it into an important center for coal mining and metallurgy. The city's first blast furnace was built in 1794, laying the foundation for its industrial prowess.

Gliwice is notably known for the Gleiwitz incident on August 31, 1939, when German SS troops staged a false flag operation by attacking the Gliwice Radio Tower. This event was used by Nazi Germany as a pretext to invade Poland, marking the beginning of World War II. The radio tower, standing at 118 meters, is the tallest wooden structure in Europe and remains a significant historical landmark.

After World War II, Gliwice became part of Poland once again. The post-war period saw extensive reconstruction and modernization efforts. The establishment of the Silesian University of Technology in 1945 significantly contributed to Gliwice's development as an academic and technological hub. Today, Gliwice is known for its industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and educational institutions.

Gliwice boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous landmarks. The Piast Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is a testament to the city's medieval past. The Market Square, with its Renaissance-style Town Hall, is the heart of Gliwice's historic center. The Palm House in Chopin Park, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Poland, showcases exotic plants and offers a tranquil escape.

Gliwice is located in the Silesian Voivodeship of Poland. The nearest international airport is Katowice Airport, approximately 45 kilometers away. From Katowice Airport, you can take a taxi or a direct bus to Gliwice, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Gliwice by train from major Polish cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wrocław. The journey from Warsaw takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by train. Gliwice is also well-connected by road, with several bus services operating from nearby cities.

Gliwice has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams that connect various parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available and can be called via phone apps. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets, as not all places accept cards.

Gliwice is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Gliwice does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available throughout Gliwice. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in religious places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always be quiet and respectful in churches. Public Transport: Do be considerate and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a simple 'Dzień dobry' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gliwice like a local, visit the Rynek (market square) where you can enjoy outdoor cafes and local shops. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss a visit to the Gliwice Radio Tower, which is the tallest wooden structure in the world. For a unique experience, take a walk through the Palm House in Chopin Park, which houses a variety of exotic plants.