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Lodz

The creative city of Poland
Lodz, Poland's third-largest city, is a special destination where its industrial past is harmoniously intertwined with a vibrant and creative present. Developed right in the center of the country, the city has reinvented itself in recent decades, transforming itself from an industrial hub to a cultural and artistic capital. Walking through Lodz is a journey through fascinating contrasts: from imposing industrial architecture converted into cultural spaces to lively city streets embellished with urban art. It is no coincidence that in 2017 Lodz was included by UNESCO in the Creative Cities network and also named City of Cinema.
 
La città di Lodz vista da Freedom Square. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The city of Lodz seen from Freedom Square. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
Lodz has a long history that is inextricably linked to textiles since it became the beating heart of the Central European textile industry in the 19th century. Today, its disused factories are no longer symbols of production, but of cultural rebirth. An iconic example is Manufaktura, a vast industrial complex transformed into a multifunctional center that houses shops, restaurants, a cinema and the MS2, a Museum of Contemporary Art that houses important collections of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, a branch of the Muzeum Sztuki (Museum of Art) established in 1929 in the Maurycy Poznański Palace. The symbol of the entire complex is the monumental gate on Ogrodowa Street, which serves as the entrance to the former factory.
 
Manufaktura e l'MS2, Museo d'Arte contemporaneaa a Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Manufaktura and the MS2, Museum of Contemporary Art in Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
In addition to industrial buildings, Manufaktura includes iconic elements such as the Poznański family house in the Izrael Poznanski Palace, currently home to the Lodz City Museum, and the central square of the same name which is one of the largest in Europe and represents a lively meeting point where you can spend your free time.
 
Palazzo di Izrael Poznanski a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Izrael Poznanski Palace in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Another historical symbol of the city is Księży Młyn (Priest's Mill), an industrial district converted into a beautiful creative center. The residential-industrial complex on the Jasień River was built in the 19th century by Karol Scheibler, the richest industrialist in Lodz. Here, among the restored post-industrial red brick buildings, there are art galleries, design studios, exhibition spaces, concert halls and libraries. Walking through Księży Młyn is like stepping back in time into the impressive cotton factory, surrounded by an atmosphere that celebrates the dialogue between tradition and innovation. In 1971 the urban complex was recognized as a monument of industrial architecture and today the post-factory interiors are home to cultural events, festivals, fashion shows, while the former mansions have been transformed into museums.
 
Księży Młyn (Mulino del Prete) a Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Księży Młyn (Priest's Mill) in Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
The beating and artistic heart of the city is Ulica Piotrkowska, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Poland, which stretches for over four kilometers between eclectic or Art Nouveau buildings. This street is the soul of Lodz, a place where the past meets the present and where historic buildings, fountains, shops, cafes and restaurants follow one another, but also art installations and murals that reflect the creative spirit of the city. Highly original, the murals in Lodz adorn the sides of more than 170 buildings, creating a large urban gallery thanks to the creations of well-known Polish street artists (such as Proembrion, M-City and Etam) but also foreign (such as Osgemeos, Inti, Aryz, Remed and Eduardo Kobra).
 
Murales di Artur Rubinstein da Eduardo Kobra a Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Murals by Artur Rubinstein at Eduardo Kobra in Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
Worth a visit, at 3 Piotrkowska Street, is the magical courtyard of the "Passage of Roses" with a mosaic of mirrors cut in the shape of roses, designed by Joanna Rajkowska. While at the Unicorn Stable, next to a large tram stop with a rainbow roof at the intersection of Piotrkowska and Mickiewicza streets, you will find the unicorn, the symbol of Lodz
 
Unicorn Stable e l'unicorno, simbolo di Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Unicorn Stable is the unicorn, symbol of Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
Along Ulica Piotrkowska you can admire some of the most iconic attractions of Lodz, such as the Monument to the Embroiderers and on this street there is also the Aleja Gwiazd, the Avenue of Stars with "HollyŁódź" and the bronze stars set in the pedestrian walkway with the names of famous Polish film personalities. The street is also the stage for events and festivals that animate city life, making it a must-see for those visiting Lodz.
 
Aleja Gwiazd, il Viale delle Stelle con "HollyŁódź", Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Aleja Gwiazd, the Avenue of Stars with "HollyŁódź", Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
For film enthusiasts, Lodz also offers a Museum of Cinematography that celebrates the city's role as the centre of Polish cinema. Located inside the neo-Renaissance Karol Scheibler Palace (former residence of the richest industrialist in Lodz), the museum offers a journey through the history of cinema, with exhibits including costumes, sets and film equipment. Also renowned is the State School of Film, Television and Theatre, which has trained world-renowned directors and actors, such as Roman Polański, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Jerzy Skolimowski or Krzysztof Zanussi. Another place of great historical significance is the Radegast Station Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, a poignant and sober site that is a reminder of the city's painful past and an important stop for those who want to learn more about the history of Lodz.
 
Lodz, Piazza della Libertà. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Lodz, Freedom Square. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
Pulsating creative city, Lodz offers a series of interesting events and festivals throughout the year such as the "Fokus" Art Biennial (September), the Festival of Four Cultures (September), the International Design Festival (October), the International Festival of Comics and Games (October), the International Festival of Photography (May) or the International Graffiti Festival (July).
 
Fontana artistica nel vicolo di Leon Schiller a Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Artistic fountain in Leon Schiller's alley in Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
And, due to its tradition of the textile industry, Lodz is also considered the capital of fashion in Poland and of shopping celebrated with the Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week festival (October), which attracts young designers, look makers and fashion managers. Shopping and fashion lovers can certainly indulge in shopping not only on Piotrkowska Street, but also in shopping centers, such as Galeria Łódzka or the Manufaktura also full of several trendy clubs.
 
Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Lodz. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
To relax in the middle of nature in the urban context, you can reach the Breakfast Park in the Źródliska Park, the oldest in Lodz, or the Zdrowiu Park where you can walk in the greenery or visit the Orientarium Zoo Lodz, which presents fauna and flora of Southeast Asia. Near the zoo there is also the beautiful Botanical Garden, to rest and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can observe and admire thousands of plants including magnolias, Japanese cherry trees, peonies and tulips: a perfect setting for an invigorating walk.
 
Lodz cuisine
A trip to Lodz wouldn't be complete without savoring its cuisine. The city is famous for its traditional dishes, which reflect the multicultural influences of the region. Local specialties include pierogi, ravioli stuffed with meat, cheese or potatoes, and zrazy, rolled and stuffed beef. Also not to be missed is the simple Zalewajka soup with boiled potatoes, pasta and onions (a more modern version includes pork cracklings, sour cream, black pudding, mushrooms or cottage cheese) or placki ziemniaczane, delicious potato pancakes often served with sour cream.
 
Placki ziemniaczane Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Placki ziemniaczane © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Zrazy Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Zrazy © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Pierogi Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Pierogi © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
 
Lodz's restaurants offer innovative dining experiences, combining tradition and modernity, and many establishments are located inside historic buildings, thus adding a touch of charm to the gastronomic experience. The best pubs in Lodz can be found on Piotrkowska Street, along with many cafes and pastry shops. Also worth trying are the Polish beers produced in the Ksiezy Mlyn area, such as "Włókiennicze" or "Bawełniane", which recall the past of the place and the traditional methods of brewing beer at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
 
Texts by Alisè Vitri
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited. Copyright © Sisterscom.com
 
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Where to stay in Lodz
Lodz. Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Lodz. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Lodz offers various possibilities for accommodation in facilities equipped with the best services.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers , you can search  by stars but also by places of interest
 
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WHERE TO GO IN LODZ
Tourist Attractions and Museums in Lodz
Manufaktura di Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Manufaktura of Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Manufaktura of Lodz
The Manufaktura in Lodz (former weaving factory) houses over 300 shops, restaurants, museums, nightclubs, bowling, climbing wall, billiards, dance school, cinema and a hotel. The square of Manufaktura with its fountains hosts concerts and outdoor events. In summer, you can relax on the city beach and in winter, you can skate on the rink. It is accessed through the monumental gate on Ogrodowa Street and you can also admire the house of the Poznański family which houses the Museum of the City of Łódź.
Via Piotrkowska a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Piotrkowska Street in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Piotrkowska Street in Lodz
Piotrkowska is the most famous street in the city of Lodz and the longest in Poland with palaces, shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and music clubs. Animated all year round, it also hosts the Light Move Festival or the Songwriter Festival. Along Piotrkowska, you will discover the interiors of the renovated courtyards, including the courtyard of Off Piotrkowska and the Passage of Roses. Here you will also find the Lodz Walk of Fame, which recalls the city's film heritage, and the Monument to the Citizens of Łódź.
 
Księży Młyn a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Księży Młyn in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Księży Młyn
Founded in the 19th century by Karol Scheibler, Księży Młyn was a self-sufficient residential-industrial complex, with factories, workers' houses, schools and hospitals. A model of the industrialization of Lodz, it housed a cotton mill and an urban settlement inspired by English examples. After the decline of the textile industry, the area was transformed into a cultural and tourist space with events, exhibitions and museums. Since 1971 it has been a monument of industrial architecture, a symbol of the city's manufacturing past.
Murali, graffiti e street art a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Murals, graffiti and street art in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Lodz street art
Over 170 buildings in Lodz are transformed into works of art thanks to an extraordinary collection of murals, creating the largest open-air urban gallery in Poland. Created by famous Polish street artists such as Proembrion, M-City and Etam, and by international artists such as Osgemeos, Eduardo Kobra, Inti and Aryz, they were born as part of the Gallery of Urban Forms Festival and, in the past, the International Graffiti Festival and gave life to urban art in Lodz.
 
EC1 Łódź - Città della Cultura a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
EC1 Łódź - City of Culture in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
EC1 Łódź - City of Culture
The first power plant in Lodz, which has been in operation since 1907, consists of two blocks: EC1 East and EC1 West. After operating as a thermoelectric power plant until the early 2000s, the building underwent a major revitalization in 2008, becoming a centerpiece of the New Center of Lodz.
Today, EC1 is home to Poland's most modern planetarium , the National Center for Film Culture , and the Center for Comics and Interactive Storytelling. Since 2018, the former power plant has also housed the Interactive Science and Technology Centre, the largest in Poland.
MS2, Museo d'Arte contemporanea a Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
MS2, Museum of Contemporary Art in Lodz Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
MS2, Museum of Contemporary Art
Within the Manufaktura complex is the MS², a Museum of Experimental Art, with a contemporary collection spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. The works are organized around themes considered significant for the contemporary public, offering an innovative curatorial path.
On the ground floor, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions focused on the heritage of the avant-garde, while other spaces are dedicated to workshops, educational activities and multimedia meetings, including conferences and film screenings. A welcoming "Avant-garde" café and a bookstore specializing in art complete the experience.
 
Museo Centrale dei Tessuti a Łódź Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Central Museum of Textiles in Łódź Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Central Museum of Textiles in Łódź
The Central Textile Museum, located in the historic White Factory, houses one of the largest collections of modern artistic textiles and since 1972 has organized the prestigious International Triennial of Tapestries. The museum offers a multimedia experience on the textile history of Lodz, with displays of textiles, historical clothes and vintage machinery. Next door is the Cultural Park of the City of Lodz, with 19th-century buildings, including weavers' houses and a wooden church. The White Factory was founded by Ludwik Ferdynand Geyer, a pioneer of the local textile industry. Today, its garden has become the Wł. St. Reymont Park and preserves the industrial memory of the city.
Museo della Città di Łódź Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Museum of the City of Łódź Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Museum of the City of Lodz
The Museum of the City of Lodz is housed in the villa of Izrael K. Poznański, one of the most influential industrialists of the nineteenth century. The museum exhibits both the historic interiors of the residence and the industrial history of Lodz, with rooms dedicated to personalities linked to the city, including the pianist Artur Rubinstein. The winery houses the permanent exhibition "On a Common Yard", which explores the multiculturalism of Lodz before 1939. While, the exhibition "Łódź in Europe. Europe in Łódź" tells the story of the evolution of the city over the last two centuries. The villa is next to the Manufaktura and is surrounded by a garden with the Alley of Sculpture, an outdoor sculpture exhibition.

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