Nestled in the northeastern reaches of the Czech Republic, roughly a three-hour journey from Prague, you’ll discover a city adorned with exquisite art, vibrant music, spectacular architecture, and an intriguing past. Welcome to the historically-rich city of Ostrava, where engaging attractions await every visitor’s exploration during their Czech journey.
Czech Republic attractions
1- The Legacy of Industry
Etched its name from the Ostrava River, the city sprouted from humble 13th-century settlements and grew into an essential industrial hub with the 18th-century discovery of coal fields. This pivotal moment dramatically transformed the inhabitants’ lives in what is now the third-largest city in the Czech Republic. Today, coal’s significance has diminished, with Ostrava evolving into a key cultural center in the country.
Several of Ostrava’s old coal mines have metamorphosed into tourist hotspots, like the preserved Michel mine. Visitors can experience a miner’s journey through an organized tour, traversing the pathway from the entry point to dressing rooms, kitchen, doctor’s room, and machine rooms.
2- The Mandy Park Land Experience
In the heart of Mandy Park Land, just eight kilometers from Ostrava’s city center, stands a preserved mine-turned-museum. Here, you can delve into history, picturing the lives of 3,000 miners who once worked 620 meters underground, extracting biofuels for various industries.
3- Sauntering or Pedaling through the Ancient City
Despite its industrial roots, Ostrava’s old town boasts incredible charm, featuring a plethora of fantastic spots like the cafe and restaurant-laden main square. A bike can aid your exploration of the city center, facilitating your voyage to antique historical landmarks.
4- Masaryk Square and the Vintage City Hall
Masaryk Square, named after the inaugural Czechoslovakian president, and its surrounding streets are graced with beautifully colored old buildings, creating a vibrant ambiance akin to many European cities.
The Square is crowned by the Old City Hall, renowned for its elegant design and lofty watchtowers. Rebuilt in 1727 in Baroque style, this structure, now housing the Ostrava Museum, is one of the few buildings that survived large fires that swept the city in 1556 and again in 1675.
5- Minione: A Microcosm of Iconic Landmarks
Minione Park showcases miniature replicas of Ostrava’s landmarks alongside seven wonders of the world and crucial European landmarks like “Big Ben,” the Eiffel Tower, and the Brandenburg Gate. The park also features small trains and waterways.
6- Silesian Ostrava Castle
Perched on a hill near the Ostravice and Lučina rivers’ confluence, this 13th-century castle serves as an integral historical monument and major city landmark. Its present appearance is the result of multiple rebuilds after repeated destruction. The preserved structure, surrounding walls, and numerous galleries, including those exhibiting torture tools, are open to public viewing.
7- The Sky-high Perspective from the New City Hall View Tower
For a panoramic view of Ostrava, make the 86-meter New Town Hall View Tower your priority. The tower grants an encompassing perspective of Ostrava and its environs, including the Upper Silesian Plateau to the east, the Jeseniki Mountains to the west, and the Beskydi Mountains to the south.
8- Family Time at Ostrava Zoo
An ideal spot for those with children, Ostrava Zoo offers over 350 displayed species, a petting zoo, playgrounds, a mini-train, and a friendly staff. To bypass potential crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or early morning.
9- Fine Arts Gallery
Immerse yourself in Ostrava’s cultural and artistic essence at the Fine Art Gallery. It houses an invaluable collection of European art, featuring works by Klimt, Czech art from the 19th and 20th centuries, a compilation of Russian realist art, and Spanish art from the 20th century. The gallery, established in 1922, is situated in a building designed by esteemed Czech architects František Fiala and Vladimír Wallenfels in 1926.
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