While the monumental Plac Centralny is the face Nowa Huta turns to the public, its true socialist realism glory piece is the Administrative Centre of the Steelworks - the palatial monstrosities flanking the main entrance gate to the complex. Built in 1952-55 to the design of two Janusz’s - Ballenstadt and Ingarten - these twin architectural monuments are crowned with a Renaissance comb attic and represent the most exquisite example of socialist realism in Kraków. Though the rest of the massive compound of the former Lenin Steelworks is off-limits to tourists, parts of these long abandoned administrative buildings can now be toured with a guide. You’ll be amazed at the grandeur and condition of these buildings - not only are they perfectly preserved, but they look as if the workers might be back tomorrow. The route takes you into the main lobby of one building, through offices, and massive conference rooms - where you’ll see magnificent marble staircases, enormous chandeliers, coffered ceilings and 50s decor - before heading underground into labyrinthine passageways to a secret command post filled with nuclear fallout maps, emergency communication equipment, sleeping cots and more. These subterranean passages connect the two administration buildings, both of which you get to explore during the 90min tour. Tours are available in English, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Italian and French, but need to be arranged in advance by phone or via online form. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and this experience is absolutely recommended. To get there take tram 4 to the 'Kombinat' stop.

Average visiting time: 90mins.