Silesia /saɪˈliːʃə/ (Polish: Śląsk [ɕlɔ̃sk]; German: Schlesien (help; Czech: Slezsko; Silesian: Ślůnsk; Latin: Silesia) is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in present-day Poland, with parts in the Czech Republic and Germany.
Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest cities are Wrocław and Katowice in Poland, and Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Its main river is the Oder (Polish: Odra).
Silesia's borders and national affiliation have changed radically over time, both when it was a hereditary possession of noble houses and after the rise of modern nation-states. The first known states to hold power there were those of Greater Moravia and Bohemia. In the 10th century Silesia was incorporated into the early Polish state, but it later broke into independent duchies, coming under increasing German influence. It came under the rule of the Crown of Bohemia, which passed to Austria in 1526. Most of Silesia was conquered by Prussia in 1742, later becoming part of Germany. The easternmost part of this region became part of Poland after World War I, but the bulk of it was transferred to Poland after World War II. Meanwhile the remaining Austrian parts of Silesia mostly became part of Czechoslovakia after World War I, and are now in the Czech Republic.
Most inhabitants of Silesia today speak the national languages of their respective countries (Polish, Czech, German), although there is a recognized Silesian language, considered by some to be a dialect of Polish, with about 60,000 declared speakers in Upper Silesia. There also exists a Silesian German or Lower Silesian language (or group of German dialects), though this is almost extinct.
Source: CIA Factbook, Wikipedia
Did you find it useful?
Do you have pictures or stories to share about Silesian? Send them to
Hoteles Silesian
Member of the 4K.com™ network. Authoritative sites about hotels around the world.
Alberghi Silesia
Hotell Silesian
Hotel Schlesien
Hotel Silesian
Hôtels Silesie
Hotéis Silesian
Silesian酒店
Silesianホテル
Отели Silesian
Ξενοδοχεία Silesian