Welcome to the Town of
Opava

Moravia-Silesia Region of Czech Republic

(approx. 292 kilometers from Prague)

City of Opava rises above the Silesian plain at the foothills of the Jeseniky Mountains and is remarkable for its impressive architecture sensitively merging with the local landscape, which long ago, in days of yore, was inhabited by the Slavonic Holasic tribe. Opava (Troppau is situated at the confluence of the Opava and Moravice rivers. The earliest written record of the existence of Opava dates back to 1195, to the days when it was a crossroad of trade routes. But it was only by a decree, issued by King Premysl I in 1224, that it received recognition as a town. It flourished as a place where people were busy trading, farming and practising crafts. 2 market places were established in the centre of the town. Opava as part of the Czech crown lands became the centre of the Opava region's princedom. In 1742 after Austria lost the war of their “inheritance” against Prussia, Opava became the capital of so-called Austria-Silesia and simultaneously the seat of the authorities that administered of the land on behalf of the rulers. In 1820 the most prominent European monarchs and diplomats of the time convened here at the Opava Congress. At the end of World War II Opava suffered dire losses during the so-called Ostrava Operation. A considerable section of the town was destroyed. Nevertheless a number of cultural and historical monuments remained intact. The Minorite monastery and church of the Holy Spirit, built before 1269, are among the earliest memorials, which have been preserved and dean's church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary. Then there are some significant technical landmarks worth seeing such as the fortifications – a unique military stronghold built before World War II. The fortress in Opava – Milostovice is open to the public.
Today's Opava is a corporate town - it is the seat of the Silesian University, high schools and cultural and scientific institutions. Rich in history and historic landmarks, Opava is also an important cultural centre for the region. Since 1805 the Silesian Theatre has staged shows. The Silesian Municipal Museum founded on 1st May of 1814 is the oldest museum in the Czech lands and belongs to one of the most important institutions in the Czech Republic (exhibitions concerning nature as well as Silesian history, lifestyle and the development of art from the Gothic period till the present). The Silesian Institution and branch of the Archaeological Institution of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic are also situated in Opava. The Silesian regional museum built in 1893-1895 in a historic style is upholding the tradition. Annual festivals also figure prominently in the cultural life of the inhabitants of Opava.
In fact City of Opava has become the centre of important sports events. Importantly, it has a splendid modern football stadium set in the Municipal Gardens, the Tyrs stadium for athletics, the Winter stadium, a heated swimming pool, Municipal Lido, tennis courts and riding school.
Currently (with its population of 64000 inhabitants and 90 square kilometers total area) Opava flourishes as an industrial and business centre.

Czech Travel Accommodation in Opava

Hotel Opava, Hotel Koruna, Gabi Penzion, Oasa Motel, Iberia Hotel, Park Hotel Opava, Penzion Koruna Bed & Breakfast, Pension Mirka, Belaria Hotel, Sonata Hotel, Vera Bed & Breakfast Pension, U Mlyna Hostel, Pension Motylek B&B, U Golu Pension, A Club Penzion

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