Culture of Lodz. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Łódź is a scale ancient city of centuries-old history and traditions with many of interesting sights still preserved. A large number of architectural and historical monuments were destroyed during the World War II. Many of the destroyed monuments were restored and renovated and today they are among the most important tourist places to visit. One of the most interesting ancient records is the building of Lodz Politechnic university administration. A nice building of audacious architectural form is well preserved till present days. The high turrets with skyward jutting spires add to massive building some tones of elegance. The ancient building is sinking in the greenery of a large garden which is by itself an important sight of the city.

The most interesting place in the city still remains Piotrkowska Street. It is totally deprived of city transport that makes it a fine place for hiking. During the stroll the guests of the city can not only visit the most popular shops and restaurants but also enjoy numerous landmark sights. At each turn the visitors will meet historical buildings and monuments each of which possesses its own unique history.

One of the most beautiful monuments is Petersi House built in 19th century in Art Nouveau style. Izrael Poznanski Palace is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Lodz being an interesting architectural construction. All the visitors can walk through the halls of the palace and enjoy the collections of priceless antique items. The halls are decorated with exquisite vintage furniture made of valuable woods and elegant chandeliers, big clocks, ancient statues and sculptures and paintings of staggering beauty. The design and decoration of the palace is well elaborated. Its interior is stunning and luxurious. In the nighttime the palace is decorated with a special illumination system. That is why many visitors come to see and enjoy the palace only in the evening. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Izrael Poznanski factory is placed nearby. This is a scale complex named a city within a city. The buildings of the factory are executed in a single architectural style and are built of red brick. The complex looks balanced and impressive. Lodz has preserved numerous private residences and palaces. Leopold Kindermann’s Villa is situated in the picturesque scenic street. The ancient building is surrounded with a high stone fence. Visitors are invited to walk through the territory of the villa and look into the apartments with the vintage atmosphere totally preserved.

In the Marysin area, you will find monuments reminiscent of the tragic events in the history of Poland and the whole world. We are talking about Litzmannstadt Ghetto located here. It was the second largest ghetto in Poland established during the Second World War. Jews, communists, gypsies were isolated here. Gradually, from a small reservation, the ghetto turned into a "factory" working for the Wehrmacht. Nothing left of synagogues that were once located in this place. During the rule of the Third Reich, ghetto residents were not even allowed to pray and celebrate holidays, both religious and political. Find out about this and other facts in the nearby Stacja Radegast Museum.

Going a little further, you'll see another monument of World War II and the Holocaust in particular - the cemetery Cmentarz Żydowski. This is the place more than seventy thousand Jews were executed and buried. However, not all graves testify to the period of the 1940s. In the same cemetery, one can also find Art Nouveau sculptures dated from the early 20th century, as well as a beautiful ablution house. Here, the house attracting with its original architecture presents many interesting things traditional for the Jewish people (as you know, the Jewish community was very powerful in Lodz).

Lodz is often associated with its textile industry. Today, you can see many monuments that testify to its high development. One of these is Ksiezy Mlyn, a group of textile factories built in 1824. Just like the Israeli Factory of Poznan, this historic monument is built of red brick - at that time this material was considered the most popular. In Lodz and Poland in general, you can notice many buildings of this kind. To learn more about the history of the region's textile industry, head to the Centralne Muzeum Włókiennictwa w Łodzi.

The city boasts many interesting monuments of sacred architecture, the most prominent of which is Sobór św. Aleksandra Newskiego. The Orthodox shrine was erected on the initiative of Ivan Kakhanov. The architect Hilary Mayevsky completed the construction in 1884. Today, the building appears to tourists as a magnificent example of Russian-Byzantine architecture. Another outstanding religious monument is Archikatedra pw. św. Stanisława Kostki dating back to 1912. The shrine is remarkable in that it is one of the highest churches in the country.

A wonderful architectural monument combining elements of the Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance is Kamienica Schmidtów - an apartment building with commercial premises built in 1893. It's hardly possible to ignore the building - its original architecture catches the eye immediately. Well, just like Pasaż Róży. Try to imagine a narrow installation laid out by fragments of mirrors (mosaics). Want to see it right now? Just do it, because the sight is really worth it. The author of the passage is Joanna Raikovska who presented her creation to the public in 2013. The Centrum Dialogu Marka Edelmana completed in 2010 stands out among other modern structures. Here, the focus is put on the dialogue between the cultures - Polish and Jewish.

Lodz boasts many good museums where tourists can find out a lot of interesting information about the world around. So, the Muzeum Tradycji Niepodległościowych w Łodzi has a historical orientation and telling about the struggle for independence in Poland. Particular attention is paid to the years 1939-1945. The cultural institution occupies a former prison building dating back to 1885. Get acquainted with the distinctive local culture at the Muzeum Archeologiczne i Etnograficzne. Here you will see traditional costumes, household items, and traditional crafts, as well as works of art created by local masters. Of great interest are an exhibition dedicated to primitive people and a collection demonstrating rural life.

The Muzeum Pałac Herbsta is a villa and Neo-Renaissance cultural monument built in 1877. It has preserved the interior of past years so this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditional way of life of local nobles. Many travelers would be interested in the Muzeum Kinematografii that tells about the history of Polish cinema. Exhibits presented here are related to cult Polish films and cartoons such as “SexMission”, “Znachor”, “Rex”, “Lolek and Bolek”. The collection consists of costumes, figurines, dolls, film sets, equipment that were used to create the masterpieces.

Any tourist route must include a visit to the Centrum Nauki i Techniki EC1. In particular, travelers will be amazed by its space exhibition and planetarium where they can admire the fascinating views of the starry sky. Those traveling with kids will surely appreciate several rides available in the museum. The cultural institution is housed in the former power station building that was operating in the 19th century. The fact that the building is near the railway station makes the route even more convenient for tourists. Another interesting attraction is Zajezdnia Muzealna Brus, which tells about the evolution of railway transport.

Lodz also attracts fans of theatrical art who can enjoy several excellent cultural institutions hosting great performances regularly. These include the Teatr Nowy Kazimierza Dejmka striking with its repertoire and exquisite exterior. Nearby is the Arlekin Puppet Theater, which is a must-have for children. Another local cultural institution worthy of a visit is the Teatr Wielki where not only theatrical performances but also symphony concerts and operas take place. For the same purpose (of listening to something from the classical repertoire), one can visit another concert hall - Filharmonia Artura Rubinsteina.