Churches & monasteries

Archcathedral of Christ the King in Katowice

The Archcathedral of Christ the King in Katowice is a monumental church in the southern part of the city centre and one of Katowice’s most distinctive buildings. It was designed as a cathedral in the 20th century, and its classicising form, with a portico of eight columns, stands out through its scale and restrained monumental character. The Upper Silesian Pantheon operates in the crypt.

Construction and architecture

Work began in 1927 to designs by Zygmunt Gawlik and Franciszek Mączyński. Construction was interrupted by the war, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1955. The building is about 101 metres long, and its interior combines monumentality with Art Deco elements. Look for the wide nave, dome, façade decoration, main altar and an organ with 43 stops.

The Upper Silesian Pantheon

The crypt houses the Upper Silesian Pantheon, a cultural institution presenting people important to the region’s history, science, arts, sport and social life. The exhibition can be combined with access to the viewing terraces on the cathedral roof. This is a separate ticketed attraction, so check current prices, opening hours and entry rules on the Pantheon website.

Planning your visit

The cathedral is an active church, so access to the interior follows the liturgical schedule. The Pantheon is closed on Mondays, and its opening hours and last admissions can change. Visit 49A Plebiscytowa Street and combine the site with a walk through central Katowice; allow about an hour for the Pantheon exhibition.