The Promised Land- Lodz

I was at the bus station, handing over my luggage to the responsible person and he asked me what way my final destination. I said Lodz, he didn’t seem to understand. I repeated a few times. Then I tried Lodzkie? Still didn’t work out. I showed him my E-ticket finally, and he was like Ohh“Wuch”. Well yes that’s how they pronounce Łódź.Ah! I know I was equally surprised as you guys are right now.

I reached this huge Lodz Fabryczna station at night and my friends were there to receive me and they helped with my luggage. I was moving there for around 5 months; of course I had a lot of it. The station was very wide, bright and simply I would rate it 5 of 5.

We waited at the bus stop for some time but soon realized that no public transport is going to pass since it was late. So we decided to walk. I saw a lot of people on the way wearing hair bands with lights. First I thought it was some small party. But no, they were in a huge number. Welcome to the Lodz Light Move Festival.  I couldn’t see much that day, as I was very tired. But fortunately, the festival was going to continue the day after as well.

The first thing to do next morning was finding me a place for my stay during the semester as I couldn’t get a place in one of the dormitories. Fortunately with the help of this amazing Italian girl, I did find one in a very good price and in quite a good location.

Then I was relaxed, after all knowing that you will have a shelter over your head in the upcoming 5 months was a big deal. You might be surprised that I came to Lodz without arranging any accommodation. Well I had faith on God perhaps and I have seen things before working like this for me at least. So getting back to the point, I was relaxed and in a perfect mood to go out at night and enjoy the Light Move Festival everyone was getting crazy for.

After seeing some initial displays, I was already a fan of it.

And then one of friends said, it’s nothing, let’s go the place where Piotrkowska (I will introduce this beauty to you in the upcoming paragraphs) begins, the real show is there. And she was absolutely right. The displays at the Garrison Church of the Pentecost (former evangelical Church of Holy Trinity) were breathtaking. The show at the museum next to it was no less, but yes the Church was the best part. (See more pictures in the gallery) 

So what people do in Lodz, when there is no Light Move Festival? Well, we have the longest commercial street of Europe- Piotrkowska Street. It is home to sculptures, monuments, cafes, bars, restaurants, residential buildings, banks, post offices and perhaps all that we need in life. I have walked that street numerous, literally numerous times, and every time I discover something new. It’s simply magical.

Don’t forget to visit the Rose Passage located at Piotrkowska 3. 

I have realized that Piotrkowska need an entire blog just to itself. So I will move on other things to see in Lodz.

Manufaktura is the next big thing of Lodz. It is home to a big shopping mall with stores of almost all the known local and international brands. Other than that you will find restaurants, arts centre, a factory museum, an entertainment centre and much more. Also it has the biggest public square in Lodz. You will see the architectural style of it closer to that of an industry. Nevertheless those red bricks won’t disappoint you. 

Just next to Manufaktura is the Izrael Poznański Palace. If you fascinate royal life, make sure to give it a short visit. They have a lot of gold coins there too,Ssshhh!  

If you like Churches I would recommend Alexander Nevsky Cathedral which is quite close to the Lodz Fabryczna Station. Some research revealed that it’s an orthodox church which was built as a gift by the Lodz Industrialists for the Orthodox Community.

Another favourite of mine is the Dormition of Blessed Mary Church which is at walking distance from Manufacktura. 

I am going to be here in Lodz for another 3 months, and whenever I find something else interesting, I will definitely share it with you. J

Note: The picture of Rose passage has been taken from:

• https://www.dreamstime.com/editorial-stock-image-rose-passage-mosaic-glass-building-piotrkowska-street-city-lodz-poland-one-longest-commercial-thoroughfares-image86462239

And the Pictures of Piotrkowska from the following links:

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g274837-d285659-i240529955-Piotrkowska_Street-Lodz_Lodz_Province_Central_Poland.html
• http://elmo.mobi/hello-world/
• http://www.exploration-online.com/tag/piotrkowska-street/

Lodz Fabryczna:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%81%C3%B3d%C5%BA_Fabryczna_railway_station

All the other photos are my own!

Photo gallery