NIKISZ (full name: Nikiszowiec, german: Nikischschacht) - the architectural pearl of Silesia - has changed a lot since two German architects Emil and Georg Zillman worked out a construction plan of the "ideal town" at the beginning of the XX century. They planned Nikiszowiec as an autarkic space for miners and their families. Till the moment when the process of restructuring the coal mining in Poland was initiated in the end of 90', everything had been consistent with the plan - the inhabitants worked in the nearby coal mine "Wieczorek", children were educated in a nearby primary school, everybody could satisfy all needs without necessity to visit Katowice, the voivodship capital. Now, after the transformation, it looks little bit different.
On the one hand the essay shows how the inhabitants cope with problems connected with an unemployment (some of them earn money selling the coal collected on the slagheaps) and departing from old silesian traditions. On the other hand - the photographs illustrate how important for keeping the silesian identity alive is to cultivate an affection to Catholic Church, to take care of historical space of the "red town" and to care for the mining celebrations like for example Barborka - the day commemorates Sta. Barbara, the miners' patron.