Lodz – a Cotton Empire

Itinerary: In the 19th century Lodz used to be called “ A Cotton Empire” due to the number of textile factories housed here. It is also called the City of 4 Cultures, where till WWII Poles, Jews, Germans and Russians lived together. Each nation contributed to its history and culture which makes Lodz one of the most fascinating cities in Poland. During the tour we discover all the highlights: a gorgeous Piotrkowska Street, a symbol of prosperity of Lodz in the end of 19th century and one of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Eastern Europe, Ksiezy Mlyn district built by famous manufacturer Scheibler which has survived almost unaffected since 19th century. The unique architectural complex consists of factory buildings, a housing estate, mansions of the owners, as well as streets and railway sidings, a school, two hospitals, a fire brigade depot, a gas-works and a factory club. We also visit famous Manufaktura – a huge cultural and shopping centre arranged in the complex of former factory belonging to Iserles Poznanski. An impressive Poznanski palace became the symbol of Lodz. We also retrace the history of Jews from Lodz – before WW II the city was inhabited by more then 200 thousand Jewish citizens. We visit the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe, the former ghetto area and Radegast station – the last stop on the way to the death camps.
Highlights: Iserles Poznanski Factory and Palace (today Manufaktura complex), Piotrkowska Street, Ksiezy Mlyn Museum, Jewish Cemetery
Duration: 10 h, drive from Warsaw to Lodz 1,5 – 2 h depending on traffic
Entrance fees: Ksiezy Mlyn Museum, The Jewish Cemetery