Wirek (German: Antonienhütte) is a district in the centre of Ruda Śląska, Silesian Voivodeship, southern Poland. In 2006 it had an area of 5.9 km2 and was inhabited by 20,595 people.[1] On January 12, 2006 a part of it was split off to form a new district, Czarny Las.
Wirek | |
|---|---|
 Saint Lawrence church | |
 Location of Wirek within Ruda Śląska | |
| Coordinates: 50°16′28″N 18°51′52″E / 50.27444°N 18.86444°E | |
| Country |  Poland |
| Voivodeship | Silesian |
| County/City | Ruda Śląska |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Area code | (+48) 032 |
History
Originally, the area belonged to Kochłowice. First a settlement called Nowa Wieś (lit. New Village) was established. Wirek would later be developed around Antonienhütte ironworks, opened in 1805, and became a separate municipality in 1828. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the settlement grew owing to industrial development. A school was opened in 1856; a Roman Catholic church in 1874; and a year later, a rail connection with Chebzie was constructed. The municipality lost its independence in 1870.
In 1921, Wirek became part of Polish Autonomous Silesian Voivodeship. In 1924 Nowa Wieś again absorbed Wirek. A town hall was built in years 1929–1930. During World War II, it was occupied by Germany. In 1948 Nowa Wieś was renamed to Wirek.[2]
Wirek was merged into Nowy Bytom in 1951,[3] and as part of Nowy Bytom was amalgamated with Ruda to form Ruda Śląska on December 31, 1958.[4]
Notable residents
Gallery
Mail office
Saint Lawrence church
Lutheran church
Synagogue, destroyed in 1939
References
