Łódź Maps

Łódź is the third-largest city in Poland, located in the central part of the country approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Warsaw. With a population of around 655,000 residents, it serves as the capital of Łódź Voivodeship. The city's name literally means "boat" in Polish, though Łódź is not situated on any major river.

The city's rapid growth began in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, transforming it from a small settlement into one of the world's major textile manufacturing centers. This period saw an unprecedented influx of workers, entrepreneurs, and craftsmen from across Europe, creating a unique multicultural environment. The city became known as the "Polish Manchester" due to its similarity to the British industrial center.

Today, Łódź is renowned for its film industry and cultural institutions. The city is home to the prestigious Leon Schiller National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre, which has educated many notable Polish filmmakers, including Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Kieślowski. Piotrkowska Street, one of the longest commercial streets in Europe at 4.2 kilometers, serves as the city's main artery and is lined with historic architecture, restaurants, and shops.

The city's industrial heritage is preserved in numerous sites, including the Manufaktura complex, a former textile factory transformed into a modern commercial and cultural center. Another significant landmark is the Księży Młyn, a well-preserved 19th-century industrial complex that includes factory buildings, workers' housing, and the owner's palace. The city also features the EC1, a former power plant converted into a science and technology center, planetarium, and cultural space.

Łódź has experienced significant revitalization in recent decades, with many of its historic factory buildings being transformed into modern apartments, offices, and cultural spaces. The city's OFF Piotrkowska has become a creative center, housing alternative art galleries, designer shops, and restaurants in a former cotton mill. The city is also an important academic center, with the University of Łódź and the Łódź University of Technology being among its major educational institutions.