The first radio station in Upper Slask was built in Gliwice in 1925. It had an output of 1.5Kw which was increased to 5Kw in 1927. However, rapid advances in radio technology meant that in the mid thirties the decision was taken to increase the strength of the transmitter in Gliwice.

This required the construction of a new building complex and a tall transmission tower. This was built between 1934 and 1935 by the German company Lorenz. The most distinctive part of the complex was the broadcasting tower, which, at 110m, is the tallest wooden structure in the world. It was built from larch wood which is particularly resistant to pests and weather. The structural beams were joined by brass screws. 16,100 were used in its construction but not a single iron nail. The ladder that leads to the top of the tower has a symbolic 365 rungs.

The Gliwice Radio Station made history as the place of the so called Gliwice provocation, the alleged Polish attack of the German radio station which was supposed to have given Hitler the pretext to invade Poland on 1st September 1939. The well preserved wooden tower in Gliwice remains in good condition and is still in use as an antenna mast.

Museum in Gliwice (woj. Slaskie)

www.museum.gliwice.pl