Rybnik Coal Area

Rybnik Coal Area (Polish: "Rybnicki Okręg Węglowy", "ROW" ) is a coal area and industrial region in Silesia, Poland centered around Rybnik, Silesian Voivodeship. Its population is about 0.7 mln.

Geography

Rybnik Coal Area is located in the historical region of Upper Silesia in southern Poland in a basin between the Vistula and Oder rivers.

Climate

The climate of the area is continental humid. The average temperature is 17 degrees Celsius (-5°C in January and up to 30°C in July). Yearly rainfall averages at 750 mm, the most rainy month being July.

Cities

Tourism

In contrast to the central part of the Upper Silesian Industry Area a short distance to the north, Rybnik enjoys the reputation of a "green" city having a relatively clean environment. While the city is no centre of tourism, it does have various interesting sights and opportunities for recreation. To the north-east of the built-up area, there is a reservoir ("Zalew Rybnicki") on the river Ruda, which serves as a cooling water source for the power station. Surrounded by forests, it offers swimming, fishing, sailing and surfing opportunities, and due to the power station's waste heat it is warm enough all year to be a habitat for grass carps. The Beskidy Mountains, a popular recreational area, also for skiing, are within a 1-2 hours drive.

Sights worth visiting:
* the neo-gothic basilica of St. Anthony ("Bazylika św. Antoniego"),
* the building of the former district authority (1887),
* the neo-classical new town hall (1928),
* the neo-classical old town hall with clock-tower, today housing the registry office and the museum of local history,
* the Church of St. Catherine ("Kościół św. Katarzyny") (1534),
* the Church of St. Lawrence ("Kościół św. Wawrzyńca") (1717),
* a late Baroque estate house (1736),
* a Piast castle from the early 13th century, completely redesigned in the 18th century.

ee also

*Upper Silesian Industry Area