Wirek

Wirek ( _de. Antonienhütte) is a district of the southern Polish city of Ruda Śląska.

Originally, it was a part of a village called Nowa Wieś, but separated in 1828. Wirek has been an industrial center since early XIX century, first factory - "Antonienhütte" ironworks, was opened in 1805. In the second half of the XIX century, the settlement grew, a school was opened in 1856, a Roman-Catholic church - in 1874 and a year later, a rail connection with Chebzie was constructed.

In 1921 Wirek became part of Polish Autonomous Silesian Voivodeship, during World War Two it was occupied by Germany. In 1951 Wirek became part of Nowy Bytom and then became part of Ruda Śląska, when it was created in 1959.