Discover Żory

The historic street layout dates back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries and has been preserved to this day. Every year on 11 May, Święto Ogniowe is celebrated in memory of the great fire of 11 May 1702. Places to visit include museums, historic buildings and parks. Leisure activities range from Aquarion, which is open year-round, to the boat and SUP rentals available in summer at the “Śmieszek” bathing area.

To get a sense of the city’s history, it is worth exploring different periods and places. On ul. Murarska, you’ll find single-storey townhouses dating from the early 19th century. The street was laid out on the foundations of demolished defensive walls. A restored section of the medieval city walls can be seen on ul. Ogrodowa and ul. Bramkowa. The preserved urban layout adds Żory’s historic street plan to these individual traces of the past.

Muze.ON| Polskie Poznawanie Świata| Żory displays objects relating to the history of the city and region, as well as to non-European cultures. At Muzeum Ognia, the exhibition focuses on fire and how it is presented to visitors. It includes a film, experiments, questions and activities for visitors, including an activity where they virtually light a fire. Those interested in religious buildings can also include the Church of Saints Philip and James in their exploration of the city’s history. Construction began towards the end of the 14th century.

Another historic stop is the restored Pałac w Baranowicach, dating from the 17th century. Its English-style park features numerous old trees and natural monuments. In central Żory, a bronze bench sculpture commemorates the Żory-born painter and professor Fritz August Bimler. It was created at the workshop of sculptor Tomasz Wenklar from Tychy.

Park Cegielnia is located in central Żory and brings together several activities: a playground with a ropes course, a skatepark, a roller-skating rink and a traffic garden where you can practise cycling. At Park Staromiejski on ul. Rybnicka, there is an eco-friendly playground for children and hammocks for relaxing. You can choose between these different park activities depending on what you’d like to do.

There is also a special attraction in the market square: the “Żorzanka” carousel has 34 figures and can accommodate more than 70 people per ride. The TWINPIGS amusement park covers more than 10 hectares and features eight themed areas inspired by the history and culture of America. The options vary considerably, from parks and physical activities to an amusement park with American-themed attractions.

At Aquarion, which is open year-round, the leisure pool features a current channel, a whirlpool, a swing grotto and a climbing wall in the water. For a visit during the summer season, the “Śmieszek” bathing area offers two sandy beaches; kayaks, pedal boats and SUP boards can be rented there in summer. If water activities are important to your trip, bear in mind the difference between Aquarion’s year-round facilities and the seasonal rentals at the bathing area.

When is Święto Ogniowe celebrated?

The festival takes place every year on 11 May and commemorates the great fire of 11 May 1702.

What can you experience at Muzeum Ognia?

The exhibition includes a film about fire, experiments, and activities and questions for visitors. One activity invites visitors to virtually light a fire.

What is available at the “Śmieszek” bathing area?

The bathing area has two sandy beaches. Kayaks, pedal boats and SUP boards can be rented there in summer.

To the main travel overview: Sohrau.