Rydułtowy is a town and a commune in the district of Wodzisław. The town has a long history. It was mentioned as early as the thirteenth century. Nowadays, it is now a well known center of coal mining. As a result of years of mining, there is a huge spoil tip of accumulated overburden. It is one of the largest of its type in Europe, and today, it is affectionately called "Charlotte", the landmark of the city.