Ruda Śląska, Industrial city in Upper Silesia, Poland
Ruda Śląska is a city with county rights in the Silesian Voivodeship in southern Poland, stretching along the Kłodnica River across several former mining communities. The districts of Nowy Bytom, Ruda and Wirek form the center, while spoil heaps, industrial sites and housing estates line up all around.
The first documented coal mine in Poland began operations here in 1751 and started the transformation of the region from rural villages to a mining town. After World War II several communities were merged into a single administrative unit that forms the current layout of the city.
The name comes from the Slavic word for ore and points to the long mining tradition in this part of Upper Silesia. The red brick workers' settlements and old pithead buildings still shape the look of the town and recall the time when coal determined the daily rhythm here.
Highway A4 and several train stations on the Katowice–Gliwice line allow access from all directions. Those who want to get their bearings should follow the main roads that run through the different districts and connect the key points.
A professional women's handball team from the town plays in the top Polish league and has won several national titles over the years. The home games take place in a hall regularly attended by locals and form part of the sporting life of the community.
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