Lodz, pronounced ‘woodge’, is Poland’s third largest city, and is often referred to as the “Polish Manchester” due to its industrial success of the 19th century followed by an economic decline after the Second World War.

Lodz, pronounced ‘woodge’, is Poland’s third largest city, and is often referred to as the “Polish Manchester” due to its industrial success of the 19th century followed by an economic decline after the Second World War. Just like Manchester, Lodz has been experiencing a great revival in the last few decades, with old mills and factories turned into modern creative spaces, and culture and nightlife attracting visitors from all over the world.

History of Lodz

The word “lódz” means “boat” in Polish, and residents of the city have long referred to themselves as “the boat people”, with the boat even included in the city’s emblem. The settlement of Lodz was established in 14th century and granted the town charter in 1423, but the city of Lodz did not truly begin to develop until the 19th century when it became the centre of the new textile industry.
Over the next few decades, merchants, craftsmen and people attracted by the new opportunities came to settle in Lodz, which was fast becoming a wealthy multinational city. At the beginning of WW2, Lodz had almost equal populations of Polish, Jewish, German and Russian people. By the end of the war, Lodz’s population had been more than halved.

Hollylódz

Confirming its reputation as a creative hub of Poland, Lodz boasts many famous creatives, including Max Factor, the founder of the same-name cosmetics brand, pianist Artur Rubinstein, and many more. The city’s film school has produced several world-famous directors such as Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda, and the city has been keen to capitalise on its creative success.

Piotrkowska Street has its own walk of fame, nicknamed the Hollylódz (pronounced Holly Woodge). The city is also home to several historical mansions and palaces, 34 parks, and one of Europe’s longest commercial streets (Piotrkowska Street). Manufaktura is Lodz’s arts centre, as well as a leisure and shopping complex. It is housed in a renovated old textile factory, and includes Lodz’s largest square which also serves as a hub for the city’s cultural and art events.

By Maia Nikitina

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