Silesian Voivodeship
A southern Polish province where industry meets pilgrimage and mountain resorts, with the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa and the Beskid Mountains.
Silesian Voivodeship lies in southern Poland. Its capital, Katowice, is a traditional coal-industry center, now known for its converted industrial heritage and cultural events. Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa houses the "Black Madonna" icon and is Poland's most important pilgrimage site; the lead and silver mines of Tarnowskie Góry are a World Heritage Site; and in the Beskid Mountains to the south, Wisła and Szczyrk are good for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Katowice Airport and the rail network are the main transport gateways, and Kraków is also close.