subject: Ostrava Beckons! [print this page] The Czech Republic's third largest city beckons you with its incredible architechtural delight that stands as an evidence to the city's dynamic history. Founded in the year 1267, Ostrava was a significant juncture of prehistoric trading route known as the Amber Road. Until the late 18th century, Ostrava was a small regional town with a population that amounted to approximately 1000 inhabitants who where mostly involved in handicraft. Upon the discovery of large deposits of black coal in the year 1763, this small town suddenly blossomed with industrial boom with an influx of new immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries turning Ostrava into and industrial city. In time, Ostrava came to be known as steel heart of the republic. The 20th century witnessed further industrial expansion with a growth population along with a growth in civic services and culture. Although Ostrava suffered large amounts of damages during World War II, the city continued to grow post war.
The city of Ostrava is located in the north-eastern tip of the Czech Republic. It is about 15km away from the Polish border and bout 55 km from the Slovak border and the average elevation amounts to 210m above sea level. With a temperate climate comprising of warm summers and relatively cold winters, the city of Ostrava is worth a visit specially during the summer months.
There are a number of interesting places to visit and a list of interesting things to do in the city of Ostrava.
The Hornick Muzeum
The Hornick Muzeum is situated on the northern part of Ostrava and this museum of coal mining is locally known as the Hornick Muzeum. This museum is found within the 19th century Anselm pit colliery. The museum exhibits a range of objects relating to mining from all over Northern Moravia and it is possible for tourists to descend down an old coalface and shaft to see the 250m long underground corridors. An original mining gallery from the 19th century is also a part of the exhibition.
The Ostrava Museum
This museum showcases a range of regional archaeological display and it also contains abundant informative natural history displays along with a number of quite unexpected ancient treasures such as the priceless statue of the Petrkovick Venus.
The Dum Umeni Art Museum
The Ostrava Art Museum houses the best collection of paintings in this part of Northern Moravia. Visitors can look forward to see plenty of modernist 20th century paintings by a number of famous Czech artists, together with various visiting exhibitions.
Benes Wall
Located just to the north and winding westwards from the Hornick Muzeum lies a fortification system known as the Benes Wall. This line of defence was of great concern to the German military and after it was annexed, it was used as a testing and training place for the attacks against the western fort areas.
Other Tourist Attractions
Much of the tourist attractions and significant landmarks in Ostrava are centuries old and are expected to receive the much deserved World Heritage status soon.
The Jirsek Square
This square comprises of an orderly collection of buildings in the Art Nouveau style exhibiting impeccable architectural proportions and are considered to be urban planning from the turn of the 20th century.
The Old Town Hall
The old town hall has been housing the Ostrava Museum, and the original offices of municipal authorities since 1931. It is the oldest surviving construction from the historical city center. The first written document of the city dating from 1539 is kept here. The tower comprises of an early 16th century astronomical clock. During the year 1737, a new Baroque square clock tower was built and in 1835, an extension was added to the first floor with another extension to the second floor in 1859. During 2004 and 2005 during the last reconstruction, a new peal consisting of 22 bells weighing 5 220 kg was installed. The largest and the heaviest bell weighs 234 kg and on it is an inscription in Mtu (city in motion). The bells peal out popular Ostravan melodies just two minutes before the hour from 8:00 to 20:00 hours. Below a glass floor, one can see the remains of the house walls dating to the 14th century.
New Town Hall / Viewing Tower
Locally known as the Nov Radnice, the new town hall has four large statues in the front, depicting four of city's main preoccupations namely, commerce, metallurgy, mining and science. Those who are on the lookout for the best views of the Ostrava city-scape, can take an elevator to the top of the 85 meter (279 foot) clock tower from where the view is spectacular. On a clear day, one can capture the Jeseniky and Beskids mountains from the top of the tower.
Silesian Ostrava Castle
This castle is one of the most distinguished of all the city's landmarks and monuments from the past. Built towards the end of the 13th century, the Silesian Ostrava castle stands close to the meeting point of both Ostravice river and Lucina river. This splendid Gothic-styled castle is rich in many interior visual delight. It was remodelled as a Renaissance chateau during the earlier part of the 16th century. Unfortunately the fire during the 1870s caused much damage to the castle.
St. Wenceslas Church
An important landmark, The St. Wenceslas church is a striking Gothic building with a grand Baroque exterior and historical Romanesque foundations.
Puppet Theatre (Divadlo Loutek)
A welcoming entertainment for all ages, the puppet theatre is located along the Pivovarsk and is amongst one of the city's recent attractions and landmarks. The puppet theatre is a prominent landmark with five huge sculpted puppets standing next to the entrance.
The Stodoln Street
The Stodoln street is the most popular place in Ostrava. Within a span of fifteen years, the area in and around Stodoln has altered from being a specimen of what industrial towns should not be, to one of the most attractive place in the city for people of all ages. A space of just few blocks accommodates 80 bars, clubs and restaurants that are open until dawn. A walk down the street offers a visitor a view into world culture. The street is lined with Irish bars, Caribbean clubs, Italian restaurants, Kebab corners, discotheques, rock clubs and more.
The Ostravan Zoological Gardens
The zoological gardens are located within the Stromovka Park covering an area of approximately 100 hectares (40 acres). There are around 300 different varieties of species. During the summer months, tourists throng the zoological gardens to watch elephants, giraffes, monkeys, rhinos and zebras. During the winter months, one can enjoy a spot of cross-country skiing within the zoo!
Where to stay in Ostrava
Finding a hotel in Ostrava will not be a problem, there is something for every taste and for every budget. Stay in the heart of downtown Ostrava, an ideal base for business travelers looking to conduct business in the "Steel heart of the Republic" as well as leisure travelers exploring the Czech Republic's third largest city.
Although Ostrava still bears a strong connection to its legacy of Vitkovice steelworks, it is now closed and the skyline of the city is no longer enshrouded in smog. The city has since long broken free from its industrial manacles and has become one of the greenest and most pleasant Czech cities that one could possibly visit.
