Łódź – the last undiscovered city

The amazing history of Łódź is a testament of the XX century.

Compared to many other cities in Poland, Łódź is very young. Throughout centuries it was known as Łodzia village, part of the Włocławek diocese. The real breakthrough came in the XIX century when the small settlement started turning into industrial center. Here new, huge factories were built. In the span of 60 years a modern, multi-cultural city was bron. Growth of Łódź is also the history of capitalism on Polish grounds.

Today Łódź still profits from its short but turbulent past. Remains of multi-lingual society can be found on every corner. Each year this richness is celebrated by the Festival of Four Cultures, presenting artistic output from Polish, Russian, German and Jewish cultures.

Architecture in Łódź is unique in a worldwide perspective. Factory complexes, villas and tenement houses show exactly what the old rich entrepreneurs liked. Urban landscape in the heart of the city shows clearly formed quarters with main axis – the Piotrkowska street. To this day it’s the center of Łódź and its exciting night life.

The plan of Łódź revitalization suggests that historical buildings should be renewed and turned into spacer useful to the citizens. An example of such action is the Łódzka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna, situated in the factory of Grohman, restored Poznański Palace and Manufaktura nearby. Old architecture became a place for a museum and shopping center, transforming the character of the city.