Ostrava - what to visit? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Ostrava is a Czech city blending industrial heritage with a lively modern cultural scene
• Lower Vítkovice is a UNESCO-listed former ironworks and coking plant open to visitors
• Direct or single-change train connections link Polish cities such as Katowice with Ostrava
• The journey from Katowice to Ostrava takes roughly one hour by train
• Stodolní Street is Ostrava's famous entertainment district with bars, clubs, and restaurants
• Ostrava Zoo and the New Town Hall tower are popular sights for families and first-time visitors

It is also worth checking the website www.polishtrains.eu for a detailed schedule including departure times, duration of travel and cost of tickets.

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As early as the 19th century, there was an emphasis on industry in the town, thanks to which Ostrava developed so much. Today, the city is experiencing a real cultural and tourist boom. The reason for this is undoubtedly the attractions that attract visitors to Ostrava and make it memorable.

The first place worth visiting is undoubtedly Staré Město, or Ostrava's Old Town. It has the feel of a village - a truly aristocratic atmosphere, and a stroll through the elegant townhouses will take you back to peace. They are beautifully restored. The focal point of the old town is of course Masaryk Square. The architecture of the buildings is stunning and worth seeing. The building of the old town hall, dating from before 1539, now houses the Ostrava Museum, whose collection includes around 600,000 objects from the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries. Right next to the town hall, in the central part of the square, stands the Marian Column from 1712.

Beautiful sites, captivating views and a unique atmosphere - this is what Ostrava boasts. Attractions worth visiting include both ancient monuments and modern museums.

Among the older preserved monuments is the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. It is a neo-Gothic three-nave basilica-type building from 1886. On the other hand, in close proximity to the square, west of Masaryk Square, is the Cathedral of the Divine Saviour. It is a Neo-Renaissance church, the construction of which was completed in 1889. Its characteristic towers reach 67 metres in height.

Another equally valuable monument is the castle rising above the confluence of the Ostravice and Lučina rivers from the second half of the 13th century. It was built by the Piast princes as a frontier fortress. Inside is the Witches' Museum with an exhibition of torture instruments. From the top floor, visitors can admire the centre of Ostrava and its adjoining streets.

Among the modern sites, the absolute number one is the place known as Dolní Vítkovice (DOV). Although it describes itself as a museum, it can break more than one museum stereotype. It is a gigantic industrial complex of the former Viktovice ironworks. It includes a deep mine, a coking plant and blast furnaces. It is a kind of labyrinth of pipes, chimneys and steel constructions. Walking through it, you can feel as if you are in a science-fiction film.

For those craving a touch of modernity, there is also the brewing museum known as the Ostravar Brewery. It is a bourgeois brewery dating back to the 19th century. It still produces local beer using traditional fermentation methods. You can therefore not only learn about the history of brewing in Ostrava, but also taste a traditional product which is a hallmark of the Czech lands.

Of the entertainment destinations, Ostrava undoubtedly comes to the fore. Attractions for children are plentiful and families come here in large numbers. The following locations can be mentioned:

• OstravaZoo - Ostrava attractions for children? Go there right away! There are more than 4,000 animal species and 4 themed botanical trails, a mini zoo, refreshment kiosks or a safari train passing through an enclosure of African animals,

• Dino Park Ostrava - the attractions on your list must include this place! Here you'll find a huge range of robotic dinosaur models, playgrounds and educational elements. You can also take a ride with your kids on the Dino Express - guaranteed excitement!

• Papilonia - the Butterfly House - is the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. Butterflies fly everywhere, and there are a lot of them! They shimmer in a variety of colours and often sit on the shoulders of tourists. Children love it!

• Small World of Technology - this is a science centre offering educational pathways related to the industrial revolution. All exhibits are interactive - so you can learn through play!

• Skalka Family Park - this is a real paradise for children. On summer days, they can play on the playground with ladders, climb the climbing walls or walk on the rope pyramid. There is also no shortage of water attractions, merry-go-rounds or mini golf. It is exciting what Ostrava has to offer here - the attractions of gold panning or walking on the pirate ship Skaláčkova Perla will attract everyone!

What's worth seeing in Ostrava? A short stay can be exciting thanks to these three places:

Antonín Dvořák Theatre - Ostrava's main cultural centre. It was opened in 1907. It was designed in the neo-Baroque style with decorations by Czech and Viennese artists. The theatre hall has an Art Nouveau décor and excellent acoustics. In such a place, every performance is a real musical feast!

St. Wenceslas Church - the oldest church in Ostrava. Its history goes back as far as the 18th century! It is an example of Gothic architecture with Baroque additions. Make sure to go down to the basement, where you'll find the crypts where many of the most prominent citizens Ostrava has ever had are buried. These monuments are the perfect place for history buffs!

The New City Hall - is a peculiar symbol of Ostrava and the largest of the Czech city halls. Its observation tower is impressive! It was made in a local ironworks. It is 85.6 metres high. From the lookout point, you can admire not only Ostrava, but also the Polish Beskydy Mountains a little further away.

Ostrava can surprise you! These places are a must-see:

• Stodolní Street - is famous all over Europe. It is a place full of clubs, pubs and discos. There are also plenty of dining and entertainment venues. You won't want to miss out on the fun!

• Fire Brigade Museum - housed in an Art Nouveau building. It is one of the stops on the Route of Technical Attractions linking more than 30 buildings of a technical nature. It is full of stories about the fire brigade or modern fire-fighting technology.

• Comenius Park - the largest city park in Ostrava, located on the banks of the Ostravice River. Beautiful views, clean air and tranquillity - a must-see! A stroll through the park will also help you avoid the crowds on the main streets.

What else does Ostrava have to offer? The attractions are endless! Off the beaten track, visit the Moravian side of the city known as Ostravsko. This is where you will find old mines and ironworks with natural riches. It's non-stop entertainment and a lot of knowledge at the same time!

If you can't get enough of walking, be sure to also head to the Poruba district. Before the outbreak of World War II, it was an agricultural village. The town hall and a sawmill were located here. Nowadays, it is incorporated into the city, but is significantly different in its atmosphere, remaining one of the most familiar and yet extremely charming places on its map.

What's worth visiting in Ostrava?

Ostrava offers a range of attractions from historic churches to modern museums. Dolní Vítkovice, the Ostravar Brewery or the Antonín Dvořák Theatre are just a few of the many attractions available!

Is there a direct train to Ostrava from Poland?

Yes, you can take a direct train to Ostrava from Katowice, among other places. Information on departure times and ticket costs can be found at www.polishtrains.eu.

Does Ostrava offer attractions for children?

Yes, Ostrava offers many places that children are sure to love. These include Dino Park Ostrava, ZOO Ostrava and Skalka Family Park.

Ostrava is a city with an interesting history and stunning views. Above all, it offers a wealth of attractions. A short visit to Ostrava can include a visit to the zoo, the Old Town and museums. Experience this charming place!