Undoubtedly the most picturesque corner of downtown Zabrze is the tree-lined Donnersmarck workers' colony, composed of over 40 strikingly handsome multi-family dwellings unique for their traditional timber framing and Prussian decorative details. Built between 1903 and 1922 for the workers of the nearby Donnersmarck steelworks, if you have some time to kill in Zabrze a walk through the area is highly recommended, particularly Krakusa street where you'll find the largest trees. Of note in the area is the Jewish Cemetery on ul. Cmentarna and the bizarre Steel House (Stalowy Dom) nearby at ul. Cmentarna 7D. A truly experimental structure, this two-storey building designed to house four families was completed in 26 days in 1927 when eight massive steel walls cast at the neighbouring Donnersmarck Steelworks were welded together to create a crude facade that no paint job would ever adhere to for more than a year before peeling. A quintessential Zabrze roadside curiosity.
Comments