History
Legend says that Opava is called after an argument of two mechants about a peacock, Opava means "o páva." The first settlement in the region dates back to the Stone Age, about 4000BC. Later archeological evidence is connected to German and Slav tribes in the area. The settlement in Kylešovice probably belonged to the small tribe of Holasici, the village Holasovice is still associated with them. The tribe had five settlements in the area of Opava in the 9th and 10th century and the hillfort in Kylešovice was settled until the 12th century. After the fall of Great Moravia, the tribe probably integrated into the rest of the population.
The Amber Road, an ancient trade raute, lead through the region, connecting the north to the south. Several documents mention a mechant settlement and a hillfort on the River Opava in the 12th century. The city was first documented in 1195 as a trade settlement from the North and Baltic Sea to the Meditarranean Sea. Amber beads were found at several archeological sites in the area.
The settlement became a city around the year 1215 and in 1224, the city is said to have Magdeburg city rights in a decree by King Přemysl Otakar I. Around that time, the city was concentrated in the area of the Upper and Lower Square (Horní and Dolní náměstí) and the street Between Markets (Mezi trhy). There was also one marketplace in the area of Masaryk Street, called the Livestock Market (Dobytčí trh). The first fortification was wooden, with ditches and ramparts.
Later, the city was fortified with stone walls and it had three main gates, Ratiboř in the north-east, Hradec in the south and Jaktař Gate in the west. Before the new Hradec Gate was built above Guard Street, there was an older gate above todays Masaryk Street, called the Closed Gate (Zavřená), because it was closed by a wall. There was also a fouth gate, a smaller entrance called the Mill Gate (Mlýnská Fortna) in the north, located at the entrance of todays OC Breda, a street called U Fortny.
A mint house for coin manufacturing was in Opava since the 13th century where the hotel Koruna is today. In 1327, a merchant house was built where the White Tower (Hláska) is today. A gothic fort was built in the nortn-east part of the city, where Mendel gymnázium is located today, in the late 14th century by Duke Přemek Opavský. Breweries were very common in the city, the first ones already existed in the beginning of the 13th century.
The House of Přemysl in Opava
Mikuláš I Opavský was the illegitimate son of Přemysl Otakar II and Agnes of Kuenring and the half-brother of King Václav II. In 1269, he became the Duke of Opava and the city became a principality. This started the side branch of the House of Přemysl in Opava, they had no claim for the Czech throne and they died out in 1521.
Mikuláš II Opavský was an important diplomat in the service of John of Luxembourgh (Jan Lucemburský) and Charles IV and he gained for his services the principality of Ratiboř.
Duke Arnošt Opavský was in debt and sold the principality to Jiří of Poděbrady, who gave it ho his son Victorín.
The last of the side branch of House of Přemysl, Duke Valentin Hrbatý, still a Duke of Ratiboř, died in 1521.
Troppau, a German City
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| Opava on Fire 1689 |
The city became protestant in the 16th century and there were many conflicts with the aristocracy. In 1614, Karl I of Lichtenstein became the Duke of Opava. During the Thirty Years' War, Opava was occupied by Danes in 1626 and by Swedes several times. In 1625, the Society of Jesus (jezuitský řád) came to Opava and in 1630, they founded a college school. The fire of 1689 was a catastrophe for the city and 321 buildings burned down. The Jezuite building on Sněmovní Street was reconstructed into Baroque style and gained by the noble estates (stavy) in 1773, after the order was dissolved, today, the building serves as an archive (Zemský archiv).
Opava, then called
Troppau, lost its importance in the Habsburg Monarchy and became a German city. Later, it became the capital of Czech Silesia after Marie Terezie lost the War of Austrian Succesion and the majority of Silesia was annexed by Prussia in 1740. The Treaty of Berlin in 1742 officially ended the wars and Austria ceded the territory. In 1758, another fire destroyed 336 buildings, including many churches.
The
fortification was demolished between 1800 and 1839 and parks were created. Today, the sites of the three gates are marked by modern art constructions. The 19th century was a time of economic growth and development, especially for the textile industry and sugar manufacturing, and in 1825, a brewery was built in the city. In 1804, the founding stone of the Silesian Theatre was layed and the building was finished in 1805. In 1814, the Silesian Museum was founded and it is the oldest museum in the Czech Republic.
In 1820, the Congress of Troppau of the Holy Alliance took place and three emperors visited the city. In 1855, a railway to the city was built which connected Opava to large cities such as Vienna through Ostrava-Svinov, it became a part of the Emperor Ferdinand Northern Railway from Bochnia in Poland. In 1877 Matice opavská and in 1883, a Czech grammar school were founded. In 1890, cemeteries were moved out of the city and a city cemetery was founded, it included a Jewish part.
The castle of Opava lost its importance very soon, in the 15th century, and served as offices until it was demolished in 1892. In 1895, the synagogue Templ was built in the Moorish style and it was one of the most architectonically prominet buildings in the country. Since 1905, trams provided public transport in Opava.
As a predominantly German city, Opava became the capital of Sudetenland in 1918, but the city was occupied without a fight by Czech soldiers on 18th December 1918. The synagogue was destroyed during the Kristellnacht on 9th November 1938. Opava was one of the most damaged cities in the WWII and was liberated by the Red Army from 22nd to 24th April 1945. One third of the city was destroyed, all the factories were badly damaged and many people were killed. The German inhabitants were relocated after the war and Czechs from the villages came to live in the city.
After the Second World War
In 1945, the Silesian National Theatre was opened again and in 1948, it was rebuilt in Social Realist style. Since 1952, trolleys are used for public transport and trams operated until 1956. In 1956, the museum of Petr Bezruč was opened in Guard Street and since 1958 the festival Bezručova Opava takes place every year. In 1974, the House of Art (Dům umění) was founded and since 1990, Opava has a university, the Silesian University was founded in 1991. Opava was damaged badly by the great flood of 1997.
Culture
Opava hosts many local cultural festivals and is home to several famous choirs and bands. The most famous choirs are Luscinia and Jeřabinka. Famous bands include KOFE-IN, Expedice Apalucha and Psychonaut. Opava has its own daily newspapers, Opavský deník and Hlučínský deník, and weekly published newspapers are Region and Region Opavsko. The town hall publishes its own magazine every month, it is called Hláska.
The building of the Silesian Theatre was built in 1805 and became an important cultural institution, presenting also balls and casinos. Today, the historical landmark is famous for operas, ballet and comedies by both Czech and internationally famous authors.
The the Silesian Museum was opened in 1814 and it is the oldest in the Czech Republic. The museum was focused on Silesia from the beginning, with large natural and cultural collections. In 1956, the Petr Bezruč Memorial was opened and in 1958, Arboretum Nový Dvůr became a part of the expositions. In 1989, the Memorial in Hrabyně and the fortification of Opava also became a part of the museum.
In 1877, Matice opavská was founded as a cultural organisation supporting the art and history of Silesia. In 1880, the organisation bought the building on Matiční Street, known today as Matiční House. As Opava used to be a predominantly German city, the organisation was wery importand for Czech culture. Their center housed a dancing hall, a theatre, a museum and a Czech library. Today, the organisation is called Matice slezská and its goal is to preserve the cultural traditions of Silesia.
There are several other cultural organizations in Opava. Many schools also participate in the cultural life of the city, especially Církevní konzervatoř with its many concerts.
The Marionettle Theatre (Loutkové divadlo) was founded in 1951 and it is indended for younger audiences.
The Opava Cultural Organization (Opavská kulturní organizace OKO) is now located in the Municipal House (Obecní dům). It offers a permanent exhibition of the history of Opava, including the Opava on Fire painting. It also exhibit fine arts, music, film and theatre performances and occasionally even lectures.
The Library of Petr Bezruč hosts many concerts, competitions and ceremonies, including weddings. Designed by Leopold Bauer, the building once belonge to the Opava Chamber of Commerce (Opavská obchodní a živnostenská komora).
There are many cultural and art festivals in Opava.
Bezručova Opava is an art festival of music, film literature and visual arts. It is one of the oldest festivals in the Czech Republic, because it started in 1958. Since 1998, the festival has a unified topic for all categories. Many international guests but also local schools cooperate within this festival.
The highest praise for cultural enrichment and artistic accomplishment is Cena Petra Bezruče. The city hosts the annual praise since 1959 as part of Bezručova Opava. It was given 37 times to many culturally important people in Opava.
Opava Cantat is a music competition of high school choirs. The festival is a countrywide exhibition in two categories. It is held since 1995 and traditionally hosted by Mendelovo gymnázium. Opava has many successful choirs, such as Luscinia, Jeřabinka and Domino.
Altrock is a music festival which includes bands from Opava and the surrounding area. FreiPlatz is a cultural festival focused on clubs and local art and culture. Some of the more known bands from Opava are KOFE-IN and Psychonaut. Opavský majáles is a students festival.
Další břehy is a cultural festival held in Opava since 1998. The goal of the festival is to explore and help to understand. There are many categories, both cultural and academic, unified in the theme of the year. The international festival Jeden svět focuses on documentaries about human rights.
Opavský páv is an international festival of student films. Students especially from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia present their films. There are five categories and one total winner of the whole festival. The entire festival is for free and the viewers can vote for their favourite film. It is organized by the Silesian University since 2014.
Beethovenův Hradec is a competition of young musical artists. Festival duchovní hudby is a music festival of spiritual music.
There are several sport clubs active in the city. BK Opava is a basketball club, the most successful sports club in the city. There is also a floorball club SK PEMA Opava, whis is now quite successful. Among other sports, volleyball, beachvolleybal and canoeing are popular in Opava.
The Silesian FC Opava is at home at the stadium in the Municipal Park. Football is very popular in the city and the first team was founded in 1907 and became quite prestigious. HC Slezan Opava is at home at the ice rink in the centre, now under reconstruction. Ice hockey has a long tradition in the city, with the first club founded tin 1908.
In 1884, the sports organisation Sokol was founded in Opava thanks to Jan Zacpal and Jan Kolofík. In 1926, Tyršův Stadium was opened at Kylešovský Hill by Sokol. After WWII, sport in the city was organized by TJ Slezan and TJ Ostroj.
Economy
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| Old Breda and Leopold Bauer |
Many international companies have their factories in Opava. The city is known especially for its pharmaceutical and automotive industries. There are many supermarkets and two shopping sentres, OC Breda and OC Silesia.
Big factories are located on the edges of the city or in the surrounding villages and many people from the surrounding area work there. There is a large industrial area in Komárov, where traditional companies, such as Komas and Balakom, now AkzoNobel, have their factories. The automotive industry is represented by KSR Industrial and Brano, a large factory located in Branka u Opavy. BidFood, Bivoj, Moravskoslezské Cukrovary and Mlýn Herber represent the main production in the food industry. Another inportant company are Model Obaly and Optys, which work with paper and graphic design.
The pharmaceutical industry has a long history in the city, the first company in Komárov was founded in 1883 by PhMr Gustav Hell. It became the national company Galena in 1952. In 2001, the American company IVAX invested in the company and it was renamed. In 2005, IVAX was bought by the Israeli company
Teva and in 2009, the company in Komárov was also renamed. Today, the international Teva company is the largest generic drug manufacturer in the world.
Kofola, a carbonated soft drink, is the principal rival of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It was developed in Opava by Zdeněk Blažek in 1959 and introduced in 1960. Kofo syrup, the main ingredient of Kofola, consists of 14 herbal and fruit ingredients and contains less sugar and phosphoric acid and more caffeine than most cola drinks. This sirup was produced by Galena by a process developed by Jaroslav Knap.
Opava had brewing rights since 1224 and in the 16th century,
beer was made in 279 houses in the city. In 1824, the brewery Zlatovar Opava was founded and soon became very successful. The WWII meant a great catastrophe for the brewery, but it was rebuilt and became state owned. Pivovar Zlatovar was bouth by Kamil Kolek in 1998 and became quite successful for a time. Beer brewing was stopped in 2005 and in 2006, the brewery was closed altogether.
Jewish merchants Max Breda and David Weinstein opened their first grocery store at the end of the 19th century and became very successful. In 1928, a huge department store was built in Opava by the company
Breda&Weinstein. After the revolution, the departmentstore slowly deteriorated and was closed down in 2012. In 2021, the building was finally purchased by the city council, but in the meantime, a new shopping centre was opened next to it.
Ostroj is an engineering company which exports mining equipment and machinery. The first company in Opava was founded in 1878 by Eduard Tatzel. The state owned company on Těšín Street was founded in 1948 and since 1992 it is a private company.
Opavia is the most known company producing cookies in the Czech Republic. The brand is a traditional Czech food company which marks products such as Fidorka, Tatranky and Kolonáda. In 2012, it became a part of Mondeléz and its factory was moved out of the city centre.
The Czech Republic has a long history of jewelry making and is also well known for sewing historical robes and costume designs. Many companies sell products, such as beads, tools and fabrics, one of the biggest ones is located near Opava, in Bolatice.
Stoklasa textile store sells haberdashery, craft supplies and accessories both in shops and online since 1990.
Landmarks
Opava has many important historical, architectural and cultural landmarks. There are many churches in the city, which once had many monasteries belonging to different orders. There are several
glacial erratic boulders (bludné balvany) in Opava, an unusually big rock, weighting about 11 tonnes, is located in Křížkovský Orchad and can be seen from Prasek Street.
Among the landmarks which do not exist anymore are the fortification and gates of Opava and the castle, all demolished in the 19th century. Parts of the fortification still remain in the south-east, the most prominent is the Bird Hill. Another beautiful landmark was the Templ, a Jewish synagogue which stood in Opava from 1895 to 1938. For historical pictures of the city, visit
staraopava.cz.
The
Upper Square (Horní náměstí) is the social, cultural, economic and political centre of the city. It is one of the oldest parts in the city and in German, it was called Oberring.
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| Templ |
Most of the buildings were destroyed during WWII, including two entire streets, Post Street (Poštovní) and Town Hall Street (Radniční). In their place, new buildings were built in the communist era, some of them have already been demolished. Once a shopping centre, Slezanka is now a controversial building as well as the estetically unpleasing block of flats opposite. Several projects to return the southern part of the square to its historical roots have been created, however, so far, the proposals were not approved.
The first town hall was created in 1580, when a town house was rebuilt on the southern edge of the square. In 1873. it was reconstructed in Neo-Gothic style. It was destroyed by fire in 1945, with the rest of the southern buildings.
The White Tower or the Lookout (Hláska), is first mentioned in 1327. It was first a wooden merchant house, a town hall and a watchtower for fire reporting until it was destroyed in 1561. The Town Hall was relocated to a house next to the tower (today known as Slezanka) and stayed there until the end of WWII.
From 1614 to 1618, a new Renaissance tower with a clock was built and has not been changed much since. The building around it, calld Schmetterhaus, was demolished in 1902 and a new, representative one was built in Nordic Neo-Renaissance style in 1903. The reconstruction exposed the full body of the tower and uncovered the original Renaissance windows and one of them is still visible in the attic of the new Schmetterhaus. It housed a museum, an archive and the famous Café Niedermeyer. Since 1945, it serves the Municipal Council of the city. In 2006, the building was renowated. The tower is 60m high, a 500kg bell is located there as a part of the exhibition and the whole building is a protected cultural monument.
The character of the square changed after WWII and was finalised in 1971. Parking at the square was forbidden and the rautes of public transport were changed to create a pedestian zone.
The Model of the Solar System starts at the Sphere fountain (Koule) on the Upper Square and it is the biggest in the world. It is built in a ratio of 1:626 576 000 and the distances between the objects are also in this ratio. Mercury is right next to the Silesian Theatre, the Earth is in Dvořákovy sady and Pluto is in Arboretum Nový Dvůr. The statue commonly called Koule is a 2,3m big concrete sphere made by Ivo Klimeš in 1971 and a favourite meeting point for everyone.
Silesian Theatre (Slezské divadlo) was founded in 1804 and opened in 1805. It was rebuilt several times, it changed radically until it was returned to its rich historical style in 1883. There was a fire in 1909 and the theatre was reconstructed again. On 1st September 1944, all theatres were closed by the Nazis and reopened after the war. In 1948, the building was rebuilt in Social Realist style and in 1957, the administrative building was added. The last reconstruction took place from 1990 to 1995 and the theatre was returned to its historical Neo-Renaissance style, the interier was reconstructed from 2010 to 2011.
Baker Street (Pekařská) was named after its bakeries, known for their fierce competition. It used to be a short streed, ended by the fortification, but now it goes all the way to Kateřinky. Today, one of the sugar rafineries is located on the street.
In 1877, the street was connected to the Dominican Square. The Church of Saint Václav (Kostel sv Václava) is the dominant landmark of the street and the Dominican Monastery was founded by Mikuláš I Opavský in 1291. The church used to be the biggest and richest in the city, it had nineteen altars and two chapels. It was dedicated to st Václav and the Chapel of the Holy Cross was known for masses in Czech. In 1788, the church was given to the army and served as a storage facility until the 20th century. The Gothic chapel is consecrated to St Dominic and there are partially preserved originl frecos in it. Today, the church is used as a music and exhibition hall.
The green area in front of the church is decorated with the Running Girl statue from 1976 by Kurt Gebauer. The monastery was rebuilt between 1969 and 1975 into the House of Arts (Dům umění) which now specialises in contemporary art. One of its wings is now an art elementary school.
The only 19th century wholesale was located on the street, on the crossroads with Cargo Street (Nákladní). It was owned by Josef Fromm who sold Russian tea and rum. He was a great supporter of Czech culture in the city.
Wheelmaker Street (Kolářská) is parallel to Baker Street. The guild had their houses there since at least he 16th century. In 1916, the Zentral Cinema was opened on the street by Josef Tschamler and in 1925, it was bought by the city council. The cinema was later called Freedom (Svoboda) and it was demolished in 1964. Today, the cinema is called Peace (Mír) and it is still operational.
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| demolition of the brewery |
The
At the Wall Street (Na Valech), named because its proximity to the fortification, is an arched street that used to connect the Jaktař gate, today the street
At the Jaktař Gate (U Jaktařské brány), to the northern part of the fortification. A Jewish ghetto was located here since the 13th century. The street was also named Water Street, because there used to be a public fountain. The area was known for many shops and offices in the history of the city. Jaktař Gate lead to the road to Jaktař and Krnov and was demolished in 1821.
The At the Gate Street (U Fortny) heads north of Wheelmaker Street and connects it to At the Wall Street. There used to be a small fortification tower Fortna and a mill. The gate small northern gate of the city was called Mill Gate (Mlýnská Fortna). One of the few Renaissance houses in the city is located at number 50. This corner house with an oriel view was documented in 1644 and its barrel vault ceiling was preserved until today. In the 19th century, it was owned by the textile factory owner Anton Springer.
Opava had brewing rights since 1224 and in the 16th century, beer was made in 279 houses in the city. Since the 15th century, these small breweries joined together and since 1495, a brewery called Taberna made most of the beer. The breweries became owned by the city and only one of them existed in the beginning of the 18th century.
In 1824, the brewery Zlatovar Opava was founded and soon became very successful. Brewery Street (Pivovarská) connects to Cargo Street (Nákladní) and it was named after the brewery that was built there in 1826. This city brewery replaced the so called New Evangelical Cemetery, which was just behind the fortification. The brewery, which was later expanded and modernised, was typical for its red bricks. A fire destroyed the brewery in 1899 and a major reconstruction followed. The WWII meant a great catastrophe for the brewery, but with the help of enthusiastic people, the brewery was rebuilt and became state owned.
Pivovar Zlatovar was bouth by Kamil Kolek in 1998 and became quite successful for a time. Beer brewing was stopped in 2005 and in 2006, the brewery was closed altogether. The brewery became a national landmark in 2007, but most or it was demolished in 2010. After extensive archeological research, some of the old buildings were incorporated into the modern department store Breda&Weinstein finished in 2012. Today, parts of the building, including the chimey, are part of the new OC Breda & Weinstein.
The Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) is located on the edge of the city center, where the Jaktař Gate used to be. The area changed its name many times, bearing the name of Franz Joseph I, Hermann Göring and Josif Stalin. A monument dedicated to the Red Army stood on the square for many years since 1945.
One of the oldest hotels in Opava, At the Golden Crown (U Zlaté koruny) stood on the square since the 17th century. It was damaged by WWII and in 1977, it was decided that a bigger hotel is needed. The new Hotel Kamyshin was finished in 1985, its colour complementing the co-cathedral and its terraced shape reminiscent of the old fortification. Today, the hotel returned to its historical name and is known as the Crown Hotel (Koruna).
In 1889, Jewish entrepreneurs Max Breda and David Weinstein opened their first store on Brewery Street (Pivovarská). With success, they bought the entire area of their original store, but Max Breda died in 1914. After WWI, the Breda&Weinstein company decided to build a new department store. From 1927 to 1928, a huge department store was built, designed in Art Nouveau style by architect Leopold Bauer. He was inspired by American architecture, especially Chicago buildings and the work of Louis H Sullivan. At that time, it was the biggest department store in Czechoslovakia, with five storeys above ground and two storeys underground, it cost 6,8 million Czechoslovak crowns. The reinforced concrete used and highly advanced technical equipment for the period helped to preserve the building until today.
In 1938, the Weinstein family fortune was confiscated by the Nazi regime and David and his wife probably comitted suicide in Prague in 1939. Their son Robert escaped from Czechoslovakia and the family settlet in Israel. The family was not given back its heritage in the restitutions. The department store survived the war relatively intact, as one of few buildings in the city centre.
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| the Savings Bank with the old buildings |
During the communist era, the department store was called Průkopník and later Prior. In 1994, it was bought by Kamil Kolek, there was a large fire in 2004 and the building was reconstructed. Later, the department store faced many problems and was closed in 2012 because it was unsafe. The controversial situation was resolved in 2021, when the city bought the department store for 39,5 million Czech Crowns. It is expected that the restoration of the building will cost about 400 million Czech crowns A new shopping centre was opened in 2012, the original plan was to interconnect the two buildings but it is obvious that Opava cannot support such a large department store.
The Savings Bank (Spořitelna), founded in 1858, is the building of the savings bank built in German New Renaissance style by Karel Kern. It was completely reconstructed from 2004 to 2005.
Krnov Street (Krnovská) used to be called Jaktař Street, because it lead from Jaktař Gate to Jaktař village first. There used to be a inn called At the White Cross, now the restaurant At the Golden Cross and horses could be exchanged in the inn At the Black Horse. Many other inns stood in this area which was also formed by military presence. Now, only the name Barracks Street (Kasárenská) commemorates the army facilities from the 19th century which included a military academy. Now, the buidings serve as offices for the city council, police and other institutions.
The first electric power plant and public transport depo were located here since1904. Until 1938, it produced direct current, then it was converted to produce alternating current. Many large factories were located in this area, such ast the first sugar rafinery and dairy factory. The first Czech city school was opened here in 1909 and its relief decorates the building even today.
Olomouc Street (Olomoucká) is one of the longest and most beautiful streets in Opava. Most of its buildings are from the 19th century, then the empire road lead to Olomouc. Beautiful and luxurious buildings were built at the end of the 19th century. One of the first Art Nouveau houses in the city is at number 56.
It was an important area of industry as well as a public space with cafés and parks. The luxurious café called the Court of Hedvika is now known ast the National Café at number 14. At number 27, the court house and prison still operate until this day. On the edge of the city, a hospital complex was built in the late 19th century.
The cookie factory called Opavia at number 8 is the most known company producing cookies in the Czech Republic. The brand is a traditional Czech food company which marks famous products such as Fidorka, Polomáčené, Horalky, Tatranky, Věnečky, Zlaté, Disko, BeBe, Piškoty and Kolonáda.
In 1840, Kaspar Melhior Baltasar Fiedor and his wife Amalia fouded the Fiedor company in Opava. First made on open fire, baked goods were a part-time job for the family and an opportunity to earn more money. Amalia, born Salinger, was the daughter of Marianne Schwarz and continued an ancient family tradition. After the fortification was demolished, she had a small stand on the new city promenade and baked the then fashionable spy waffles on the spot. The couple had three children and the youngest, their son Theodor, took over the company after his father died in 1879.
At that time, the family lived at Meat Street (Masařská) and the bakery expanded its range of goods. Becoming more and more successful, the family bought machines to help with the production. Theodor died in 1887 and his wife Marie took over the company. In 1901, a new factory was built on Olomouc Street number 8 and it was run by 60 employees.
The modern and prestigious company Theodor Fiedor GmbH was taken over by the oldest son Oskar. New factories were opened in Prague, Vienna and Budapest and the factory in Opava had about 450 employees. The family owned it until 1945. Then, it was confiscated and became a part of the company Czechoslovakian Chocolate Factories (Československé čokoládovny n.p.), so in 1951, the existence of the Fiedor company was erased from the registry of businesses. The family was removed from Opava and deported to the American occupation zone in Germany.
In 1958, the factory in Opava was renamed Opavia. Between 1968 and 1980, the factory was reconstructed and modernized, so it became the most important manufacturer of baked goods in Czechoslovakia. In the 1991, the company became privately owned again and it was sold to Danone Group and Nestlé. In 1996, the factory at Olomouc Street was closed and since 1997, a new factory operates in Vávrovice. In 2007, it was sold to Kraft Foods and in 2012, it became a part of Mondeléz. Today, it is a modern company with 16 assembly lines and more than a thousand employees.
Čapek Street between the Republic Square and Olomoucká Street was created after the demolition of the Boulov military barracks. The now famous passageway to the Upper Square was created after WWII, when several buildings were demolished. The oldest building in the street is from 1874 and it used to be a Jewish school. It is now the only Jewish landmark in the city which used to have more than 2000 Jews in 1930.
The Street At the Synagogue was named in 1946 to commemorate the Jewish synagogue Templ. The newest of the synagogues in Opava located At the Pond number 4 (Na Rybníčku) was built by Jacob Gartner in the oriental Moor style. In 2013, a memorial was built in the part, made of pink granite the same colour as the Templ used to be.
At the Pond Street (Na Rybníčku) was named after a settlement with a mill, that was important enough to own its own seal. At the end of the 19th century, it was a narrow street with small and poor houses and a brickyard. The bricks were handmade and sold well, so a water-filled hollow formed and was settled by frogs.
The Rector's Office at number 1 is a building which originally served as a seat of the garrison command and a military casino. The huge building has an Empire style facade and it was built between 1913 and 1919. It was reconstructed from 2001 to 2003 and became a part of the Silesian University.
Numbers 48-50 are the birthplace of Joy Adamson, born Friederike Victoria Gessner, a naturalist, artist and author. Her most famous book is Born Free and it describes her experience with the lioness Elsa, the first lion to be successfully released into the wild. She is best known for her conservation efforts and became an international celebrity raisong money for wildlife.
The Cultural Centre at the end of the street was finished in 1895. It is now owned by the city and in 2012, its renovations were finished. It is now a place for balls, dancing lessons and other cultural events.
Dvořák Orchad was created when the fortification in this part was demolished. In the 1860s, a new school was built and many trees were planted. The horse chestnut orchad is sometimes called the Alley of Moans (Alej vzdechů).
High Shool of Healthcare and Nursing was founded in the school year 1947-1948, after the previously German school was closed. It inherited its building insipred by the Wienna Ringstrasse in Arcade Style. The first graduates were nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants. Today, the school educates more than 400 pupils.
The Meteorological Column was placed in front of the school in 1945. It used to be locate din front of the Savings Bank since 1913. This Art Nouveau cabinet is decorated with a tree frog and allegories of the seasons.
The Fish Market (Rybí trh) and Matiční Street are one of the oldest public spaces in the city centre. There used to be breweries and befere Chtistmas, fish used to be sold there. Later, farmers markets took place on the square.
A Romanesque church stood on the square as early as 1216, but very little is known about it. The Gothic towers used to be separete, but later the southern tower was completed as a Baroque Laterna and the northern tower is remains only Gothic. After the fire of 1689, the church was reconstructed in Baroque style and returned bact to its original form in the early 20th century.
Now, the Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Konkaterdála Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) is the most important Silesian Gothic monument in Opava. This style, also called Backstein Gothic, is typical for using red bricks and the co-cathedral is its biggest representative in the Czech Republic. It was built in the 1470s by the Teutonic Order (Řád německých rytířů).
The church was once surrounded by a cemetery and acheological excavations in this areal are very rich. Later, cemeteries were banned in the city and the most important graves were integrated into the co-cathedral. The tomb of Karel I of Lichtenštejn is located in the wall, but the Prince is buried in Vranov. The noble houses of Beer and Renard also have their memorials there.
The Chapel of St Elizabeth (Kaple sv Alžběty) is just as old as the co-cathedral. It was rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century. The commandery (komenda) next to it became an orphanage in 1959.
In 1880, Matice opavská bought the building on Matiční Street, known today as Matiční House. It is actually a group of houses reconstructed into one, but their mediaeval cellars were preserved.
Another controversial building in Opava is the Theatre Club and Studio at number 4. The old communist department store Slezanka is supposed to be demolished with all the surrounding buildings. However, there is now a debate about some of the buidings becoming a historical monument. The houses, some as new as 1981, are quite delapidated and some parts are closed as dangerous. The Silesian Theatre planned renovations of the buildings, but the project were financially demanding.
In 1929, a new converter station was built and operated until 1985. Today, it is a unique monument of industrial architecture and the only of its kind in the Czech Republic. Some of its equipment is as old as 1904 and was made by the AEG company.
Popish Street (Popská) got its name because it was near a Teutonic commandery and the Deanery of Opava, so the church owned property on the street. Only for a short while after WWII, the street was named At the City Hospital, because of the hospital at st Elizabeth.
In 1883, the Friedenthal Hospital was built but soon became outdated, so it was modernized and expanded. After WWII, it became the Hospital At the Knights and some doctors still have their offices there even today. After extensive renovations, a large part of the complex was transformed into luxurious residences.
Bezruč Square (Bezručovo náměstí) was created shortly before WWII, when two Teutonic courts were demolished. Nemad after the most famous celebrity of Opava in 1945, it became the place where the festival Bezručova Opava beginning ceremony took place. The houses built at the square in the beginning of the 20th centure were some of the most modern and luxurious in the city. The two biggest landmarks were built in 1907 and 1911 and now bolong to the Silesian University. In 2015, an astronomical observatory was built in number 13 fot the purposes of astronomical research.
Beethoven Street (Beethovenova) used to be called Spital and later Convent Street, because of the Franciscan Order monastery and later the nun convent of the Teutonic Order. These were connected to the hospital at Popis Street and the nuns also helped to run a school. The buildings were built just before the fortification was demolished, but because it was expected, they already face out of the city.
Although named after Ludwig van Beethoven, his supposed visit to the city in 1806 probably never happened. His friend Anton Weiser lived in the city and worked in the hospital, which probably contributed to the creation of the legend. The famous musician did visit the city in 1811 and attended the mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit.
Guard Street (Ostrožná) is one of the most important roads in Opava. In the Mediaeval times, it became important after the first Hradec Gate was closed and the street became the new connection to the Upper Square. There are many historical buildings because the street served as the residence to many important merchants, bankers, attorneys, physicians, officers and craftsmen. In the 19th century, the street was renowned for serving beer, with pubs such as At the Black Elephant. Today, it is a busy street with many shops and cafés.
Some of the oldest buildings in Opava, numbers 34 and 38, are located here, although their facades are from the 19th century. Inside, Renaissance ceiling vaults, maashauses and mediaeval cellars can be found. Number 10 also belonged to the oldest and in 1991 it became a cultural monument, but its structural intensity was compromised and it was demolished. Several other buildings now, such as number 33 with its flowers and golden balls, have a facade that does not belong to the historical centre.
The Municipal House (Obecní dům) was designed by Rudolf Eisler and served as a bank. This building is in Neo-Baroque style, with the influence of Neoclassicism. Statues of Mercury and Ceres are located on the seconf floor balcony. The building was renovated in 2009 and now serves for cultural occasions. There is a festive hall, a gallery, a museum of Opava, a café and a club in the basement. The building by the OKO, Opava Cultural Organisation dedicated to the history of the city.
Number 42 used to be a Franciscans monastery built in the 17th century in place of many smaller buildings. In 1806, Heiderich Hospital was opened in its place and remained functional until 1900. Today, the building belongs to the Silesian Museum.
Number 35 was built between 1954 and 1956 in the birthplace of Vladimír Vašek, later known as Petr Bezruč. The original house was destroyed in the war. Petr Bezruč Memorial was opened in 1956 as a museum, a part of the Silesian Museum. It is a science and literature institute with an exposition, focused on gaining and researching objects from the life of famous people of Silesia and north Moravia. It also houses more than 200 thousand documents from famous writers. The memorial is located in the house in which Petr Bezruč was born.
At the Post Office Street (U Pošty) used to be called At the Muddy Street (Na Blátě), because there was no paving and there may have even be a dirty watercourse. The street was renamed in 1948, but the post office was built in 1886 and served until 2014.
Pink Street bears its name since the Middle Ages, some say that it was connected to prostitution in the 15th century. Another explanation is that the street was very dirty and the name was an ironic joke. Today, some buildings on the street are painted pink and house cafés.
Potter Street (Hrnčířská) was named after the potters that sold their goods here in the Middle Ages. Potters vere not allowed to make their goods within the city walls for safety reasons and they probably resided somewhere around Hradec Street. The street was filled with craftsmen and clerks houses, but also with pubs.
In the 20th century, many old houses were demolished and the streed became wider. It housed many famous cafés, restaurants, hotels and bars, for example Niedermeyer, Orient and Raida, and also banks. Number 22 houses a police station and its headquarters.
Hradec Street was the main street of the southern periphery of the city. It used to begin at the Hradec Gate which was demolished in 1828.
It begins with the Bayer Villa built in 1879 which used to belong to Karel Bayer of Bayerburg, the owner of Albrechtice near Krnov. Later, it was used as the main office of the company Ingstav and as a bank. Today, it is a fancy restaurant named At the Three Roosters with a stylish cellar. The name is a reference to an inn from 1866 which had a huge garden restaurant and a ballroom for 2500 people. It was hit by an air strike in 1945 and demolished in 1946. It its place, the telephone switchboard headquarters were built.
Giller Court used to be owned by the butcher guild, there was a sugar rafinery and a storage for building material. Today, It is owned by the Silesian University and it houses classrooms, a lecture hall and dormitories.
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| Sobek Palace |
Masaryk Street is another important street in Opava and many landmarks are located there. The street is a little younger than the Upper and Lower Squares, with its first houses dated in the half of the 13th century. It used to be called the Horse Market and later the Noble Street, because the Provincial Assembly used it on its way to the now Provincial Archive and many aristocratic palaces were built there.
In the lower parts of the street, hotels such as At the Three Counts and At the Roman Emperor offered accommodation, but these were demolished after WWII. Two very successful cafés were also located on the street, Niedermeyer and Raida, later called the Universe (Vesmír).
The Minorite Monastery with the Church of the Holy Spirit (Minoritský klášter a kostel svatého Ducha) are located at the top of the street. The Gothic church was built in the 13th century and was reconstructed in Baroque style the 17th century, after the fire in 1689. The monastery at number 39 was founded in 1300 and it has crypts where members of the House of Přemysl of Opava are probably buried. It was the seat of Silesian assemblies and the court since the 16th century. There used to also be a school library with more than 50 thousand books, some of them very rare incunables. The complex belonged to the city until 2013, when it was restituted by the church.
Sobek Palace at number 28 is a Baroque and Rococo palace finished in 1733. It was reconstructed by Maxmilián Jindřich Sobek. Another important owner of the palace was the Count of Šternberk. It is unique for its Black Madonna on its front facade. Today, it is the seat of Opavská lesní.
The house at number 34 belonged to the family of Rottenberg of Kiertz (Rotmberk of Ketř) if from the 16th century, but it was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th century, when it was owned by the Lichtensteins. Today, it houses the famous bar Myslivna.
Gastheim Palace at number 37 is a Neoclassical palace. The cellars and enty are still reminiscent of a Clarisian convent. Later, it used to be the set of the provincial government and president. In 1924, the first Czechoslovak President Masaryk visited Opava, this is commemorated by the name of the whole street and a memorial plaque on the palace. For a long time, it also served as a dormitory of a vocational school. In the 1990s, it was reconstructed and it is now used by the Silesian University.
Blücher Palace at number 35 is a richly decorated Baroque palace. It belonged to Gebhard Blücher, grandson of the Generalfieldmarschall who defeated Napolen in the Battle of Waterloo. It has two inner courtyards and five wings. It was built there in place on another palace and its balcony and coat of arms commemorates the earlier owners, the House of Mönnich. It was a center of culture as there were concetrs and theatrical performances.
In 1820, during the Congress of the Holy Alliance, Tsar Alexander I and his delegation occupied the palace. The Tsar was delighted with his accommodation and an orthodox chapel was even prepared for him in the attic so he could attend mass. It was also the home of František Stratil, an important political and cultural figure. Today, the building serves the scientific department of the Silesian Museum as a depositary and it is in need of reconstruction.
Sedlnic Palace used to be one of the prominent palaces the the crossroads of Masaryk and Potter Streets. Count Metternich stayed there in 1820 during the Congress of the Three Emperors. After WWII, the palace was demolished.
At number 2, a monumental building was built in 1906 to house the Financial Office with the directorship for Silesia. The building survived the war and still houses the Financial and Tax Office.
The Orchad of Freedom (Sady Svobody) and the former Monastery Street (Klášterní) connect the Guard and Masaryk Street. On the southern side, the Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) was created when the Hradec Gate complex was demolished.
A parking spot was created first for coaches, then for buses, in front of the two pubs, At the Green Stag and At the Hradec Gate. Today, the Green Stag belongs to the Hotel School and serves as a canteen.
The memorial in the centre of the orchad first displayed the statue of Joseph II, then Friedrich Schiller and Reinhard Kudlich. Today, there is a statue of young Opava, a female figure with a coat of arms at her feet.
Schinzel House is from the 19th century, it was created when two buildings were fused, the bridge sweeper and the guards house. It belonged to Karl Schinzel, an inventor an chemist who worked for Kodak and Agfa. He had a lab in his house and he helped to create the colour photograph. Today, it serves the Hotel School for the practical training of hairdressers. There used to be a house next to it, housing the Summer Café Nierermayer, but it was destroyed in 1945.
The cornerhouse At the Closed Gate at Masaryk Street number 36 belonged to the family of Bítov. Until the late 18th century, the Trassler printing house was located there since the end of the 18th century, now comemmorated by the restaurant At the Printing House at number Orchad of Freedom. After WWII, the tradition was taken over by the Optys stationery shop.
The Bird Hill is a remnant of the fortification, called the Lüttermann Chance, and the bastion fortification from the 17th century. It was since decreased by a half and a music pavilion Pergola was built there in 1897. The pavilion was destroyed in 1945 and a new one was built later. Bird cages were located on the hill in the past and today, modern statues of birds decorate the top.
Křížkovský Orchad, named after Pavel Křížkovský, is located within the Orchad of Freedom, from Potter Street to the Bird Hill. At the southern part of the hill, an alpinum was founded in 1903.
The wall of the garden of the Minorite Monastery surrounds the Orchad from the north and east. Archeological research in this area discovered fortification from the 13th century. Parts of the garden wall were also part of the inner fortification of the city.
In front of the Minorite garden wall, a stone staircase with two pillars can still be found, remnants of a restaurant. Several restaurants and cafés occupied this place, until it became the Promenade Restaurant in 1875. It was infamous for its unconventional menus and live music by military orchestras. In 1924, it was bought by the Philipps family and it survived until 1945, when it burned to the ground.
The Train Station Circuit (Nádražní okruh) is a street in the centre of Opava which leads to the East Station (Východní nádraží) and, with Prasek Street, it is one of the busiest in the city centre. The eastern part is framed by luxurious villas and apartment buildings from the 19th century.
Opava was siezed by the Soviet Army after three weeks of intense bombings and three days of fights within the city. In the end, the defeated and fleeing Nazis started many fires and about 70% of the city was destroyed. The destruction was most evident in the area that is now Prasek Street, where entire streets and squares had to be demolished. The infrastructure that does not exist anymore includes Johanite Street (Johanitská), Commander Street (Komturská), Hospital Street (Špitálská), Schössler Square (Schösslerovo náměstí) and a part of Narrow Street (Úzká). After the demolitions, a new wide road was built, named after the first headmaster of the Czech grammar school, Vincenc Prasek.
The Chamber of Commerce and Trades at number 27, today the Library of Petr Bezruč, is a beautiful building with stained-glass panes in the big hall. Built in 1910 by architect Leopold Bauer, the founder of Vienna Art Nouveau style, the building is an architectonical masterpiece. There are Art Noveau stained glass windows in the hall and the central hall features a monumental staircase. In 1978, an organ was installed and today, the main hall hosts concerts, weddings and other ceremonies.
Razumovských Palace at number 31 is a late 19th century palace built for the Russian House of Razumovsky, as a summer residence. Today, it belongs to the Silesian Museum and the Silesian Institute and serves as an administrative centre.
The University Garden is located at the back of Gastheim Palace and can be seen from Prasek Street. The largest erratic boulder is located at its fence, it is 210x180x110cm big and it weights about 11 tonnes. It was founf in 1958 in the sand quarry in Palhanec and transported to this location by the Czechoslovak army.
The first Czech grammar school (Matiční gymnázium) in Silesia was opened in 1883. It was moved to a bigger building at Komenský Street in 1919. The original noble house, belonging to Count Wilczek, was damaged in WWII and demolished. Now, there is a small park next to the cadastral office, with a small T-shaped monument commemorates the school and a fountain with a statue of a sitting girl. This area used to be the large Schössler Square, but in 1962, the cadastral, geodesy and cartography offices were build in Brussels style at number 11. The small park is also decorated by .
Within Smetana Orchad, at Prasek Street number 8, the High School of Industry is located. The building was finished in 1870 and served as the German grammar school until the end of WWII. The street is now known as Grammar School Street (Gymnazijní), it is only a small road into the orchad from Prasek Street. Another school, at Prasek Street number 14, was first known as Joseph school and it now belongs to the Silesian University.
Smetana Orchad (Smetanovy sady) and Museum Orchad (Sady u muzea) are parks located between Prasek Street and the Train Station Circuit. Remnants of the fortification with a rocky Gothic porch are preserved here. The entire area was renovated after WWII, but the old streets and walls still exist under the terrain. Thanks to the renovations of the Silesian Museum, extensive archeological research was conducted.
The Church of Saint John the Baptist (Kostel sv Jana Křtitele) is a small church from the 15th century built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem (Johanité). It was rebuilt in Baroque style after a great fire.
The Silesian Museum was founded in 1814 at the old Jezuite College as a school museum and it is the oldest in the Czech Republic. The people behind the foundation were Faustin Ens, Franz Mückush von Buchberg and Johann Josef Schössler. The museum, then called the Franz Joseph I Museum of Arts and Trades, was focused on Silesia from the beginning, with large natural and cultural collections.
Its new representative Neo-Renaissance building with a dome was finished in 1895. The the museum was modernised, there were many branches and institutions. The end of WWII was a catastrophe for the museum, the representative building was destroyed by fire with most of its collections. It was rebuilt from 1947 to 1951 and in 2012, further renovations took place. Just like in the past, the building is now decorated by a statue of a Genius on the dome and two Pegasus winged horses on the sides.
In 1956, the Petr Bezruč Memorial was opened and in 1958, Arboretum Nový Dvůr became a part of the expositions. In 1989, the Memorial in Hrabyně and the fortification of Opava also became a part of the museum. Several other famous buildings within Opava are now part of the museum, including Blücher Palace and Razumoský Palace.
The Müller House, the house of the keeper of the castle, is now located near the museum, and was recently reconstructed. It was built in 1726 and it is the only building left of the old castle complex. In 1927, it became the the museum of the Czechoslovak Legion.
Castle Circuit (Zámecký okruh) is the street that once surrounded the castle, demolished in 1892. It was also once called Lichtenstein Street, after the ruling house of Opava and Krnov. In the east, it leads into Těšín Street and to the west, it is connected to Prasek Street through Komenský Street (Komenského).
In the north-east part of the street leading to Těšín Street, a sugar rafinery was built in 1863. It was one of the biggest sugar factories in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and it remained operational until a fire in 1942.
An ice rink was built in the northern part in 1885, one of the biggest in Europe. In 1900, a pavilion and changing rooms for 3000 people were built. The ice ring hosted many competitions, including the world championship of 1908 and Europe chanpionships from 1928 to 1938. In 1954, a new winter stadium was finished and a roof was built over it in 1957. The old pavilion was reconstructed into a hotel with a restaurant.
In 1775, a school was founded instead of the Jesuite College at Assembly Street, it later became a teaching institute. In 1899, its new building was opened in the area of the demolished castle. Since 1919, it became the new building of the Czech grammar school. In 1992, it was renamed after the founder of genetics, Johann Gregor Mendel.
On the corner of the street, there is a beautiful building with a pentagonal tower. Opposite, a building was built in 1905 which became the Silesian grammar school. This building is the first structure in the country where reinforced steel with a supportive framework was used.
On the north-west corner of the Castle Circuit, a highrise building called the House of Horror was finished in 1967. Next to it, the new city spa center in Brussels style was finished in 1968.
The Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) is one of the oldest parts of Opava an its German name Niederring is used even today. It is surrounded by traditional noblemen houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. The cellars of the southern buildings are even older, from the 14th century, and they include so called black kitchens. The provincial courthouse used was once located on the square. The passage called the Mouse Hole (Myší díra) was created by the turn of the 19th century. The square was heavily damaged during WWII and many houses on the southern side were replaced by new buildings. The area was completely reconstructed in 2004, after large archeological excavations. Today, the sculpture called the Spy dominates the square.
The Church of Saint Adalbert (Kostel sv Vojtěcha) used to be a small Gothic church dedicated to saint George. During the Thirty Years War, the surrounding property belonging to Karl of Lichtenstein was given to the Jesuits and the Teutonic Order gave up its church in 1672. The Jezuits built an imposing Baroque building in its place, including a college and a grammar school. It was inspired bya church in Rome and it was said to house a miraculous painting of Virgin Mary, so it became a well-known pilgrim destination. The coat of arms of the House of Lichtenstein is in the facade even today. It was badly damaged during WWII and a great part of its frescos and the altar were destroyed.
Underneath the square, the Square of Liberators (Náměstí Osvoboditelů) is now a park surrounded by a wall. The area used to belong to the Ratiboř Gate with its fortification, demolished in 1836. Five buildings used to frame the square under the Archive and opposite the buildings heading north to Cargo Street.
The
Provincial Archive (Zemský archiv) is housed in the complex of buildings around the church. The small southern street was first called Castle Street (Zámecká) because it lead to the castle. Now, it is called Assembly Street (Sněmovní), bacause since 1861 the provincial assembly of Austrian Silesia used to take place in the building which was later made smaller to allow trams to pass from the square. In 1814, the first museum in the Czech lands was founded in the grammar school, then already state-owned.
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| the Little White Horse |
The Marian Plague Column stands in front of the Church of St Adalbert. It is an important Baroque monument, the original column was built by Jiří Štěpán Bruntálský of Vrbno in 1675. It was, however,demolished in 1825 and a new column was built in 1869, using elements of the old one.
The House at the Little White Horse (U Bílého koníčka) is a typical 16th century town house. It is beautifully decorated and has a white horse in the front, first mentioned in literature in 1660. The symbol probably meant that there were horses and horse services available at the house. White horses were especially honoured by Celts and Slavs as symbols of wisdom, peace, purity and divination.
The white horse is explained by a legend about an infatuated girl who tried to sneak a love potion to a soldier. The man was suspicious of her and instead gave the cake to his horse. The animal fell in love with her and followed her into the house, up the stairs. The frightened girl jumbed out of the window and the horse followed her down.
Janáčkovy sady
Ratibořská brána
Between the Markets (Mezi trhy) is a street connecting the Upper and the Lower Square and it is the oldest parts of the city. It os one of the few places in the city with a constant name since the Middle Ages. Most buildings were destroyed in WWII and demolished shortly after. The street was made wider to allow a better passing of pedestrians and public transport.
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| the House at the Moor |
God's Corner (Boží koutek) is an old house with the number 53, which is actually a combination of two older houses in late Gothic and Renaissance style. Mázhaus, an old tavern, is preserved in the first floor. The house was first mentioned in 1436 but today, although it may seem historic, the appearance of the house comes from the 1960s.
The street was famous for its two pharmacies. The pharmacy At the White Angel (U Bílého anděla) was destroyed in 1945. It was run by the Hell family, the founders of the pharmaceutical company in Komárov.
Next to it, the House at the Moor (U Mouřenína) is a Baroque style building with a richly decorated facade from the early 18th century. The pharmacy was there since at least 1717 and was closed in 1945. The cellars of the house are from the 13th century, but the pillars are from the 1960s.
The term Moor (mouřenín) was used in the Middle Ages for the Muslims in the south-west of Europe. It has no ethnical value, but it was sometimes used to describe people of colour, especially Arabs and Africans. The term is controversial today and very problematic in the Czech Republic. The traditional chocolate Kofila made by Opavia since 1923 used to depict a black-faced Moor on its wrapping. The original design by Zdenek Rykr was inspired by Achmet the Turk, the first person to serve coffee in Czechia. Since 2022, the face was made blue.
Masařská
At number 11, the first Fiedor company, then a family business, was founded in 1840.
Lazebnická
Holubí trh
The Fortification and Gates
Later, the city was fortified with stone walls and it had three main gates, Ratiboř in the north-east, Hradec in the south and Jaktař in the west. Before the new Hradec Gate was built above Guard Street, there was an older gate above todays Masaryk Street, called the Closed Gate (Zavřená), because it was closed by a wall. There was also a fouth gate, a smaller entrance called the Mill Gate (Mlýnská Fortna) in the north, located at the entrance of todays OC Breda, a street called At the Gate.
In place of the old fortification, parks were built around the centre of the city. The southern part of the parks create a semi-circle consisting of Dvořák Orchad, Orchad of Freedom with the Bird Hill and Smetana Orchad surrounding the museum. Another park is next to the Lower Square, Janáček Orchad sady are surrounded by a yellow wall.
Landmarks further from the City Centre
Jaktař - Kostel sv Petra a Pavla
The bell of the church is the biggest in the area and it was found on a meadow. Legend says that it was found when wild boars dug out its edge.
The Church of Saint Hedvika (Kostel sv Hedviky) was founded in 1933 in the place of the old cemetery. It is a Cubist style memorial to the killed in WWI and the view from the tower is beautiful. This evangelical church was built in the 1930s, but it was consecrated in 1993. Saint Hedwig of Silesia, who lived in the 13th century, is the patron saint of Silesia.
Olomoucká 86, 88
psychiatrie 1889 zemský ústav pro duševně choré, předtím nebezpeční pacienti ve věznici nabo zámek město albrechtice, 14 pavilonů a 4 správní budovy
zahrady a parky, sport a terapie, vodoléčba
pacienti z nejvyšší společnosti
Pendlovo sanatorium 1912, adaptováno na porodnici 1948
The hospital complex on Olomoucká Street was built in the late 19th century. The contruction began in 1889 with the New Renaissance style mental hospital. It belonged among the best-equipped hospitals in the Habsburg Monarchy. Until 1900, twelve pavilions were built and their architecture was influenced by Art Nouveau.
The psychiatric hospital is a remarkable complex of pavilions and it used to be one of the best in the country.
The Museum of Pathology is a part of the department of pathological anatomy of the Silesian Hospital. It was founded in 1911 by Prof Alois Materna and it is very rare. These collections are usually owned by medicine faculties and not open for public.
The
Municipal Cemetery (Městský hřbitov) is a central cemetery built in 1891. The old cemeteries were unsatisfactory and it was necessary to move them outside the city. It was divided into three parts, Catholic, Protestand and Jewish and arcades were built in the central part. Many important people are buried there, including Petr Bezruč.
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| Marianum |
Marianum, the Monastery of the Daughters of Divine Love (Kongregace Dcer Božské Lásky) on Kylešovský Hill was built in 1909 as an orphanage and a boarding school for rural girls. The building is a pseudo-Romanesque basilica wit a chapel in the Beuron style. There was a hospital, a pensioners' home and a home for mentally ill children. Today, it is used for social care activities.
Owl Castle (Soví hrádek) on Heyduk Streen on Kylešovský Hill is an example of romantic architecture, with the combination of Art Noveau and modern architecture. It is decorated with owl reliefs and statues.
Těšínská, Ostroj, Teva
Ratibořská a Kateřinky
Kostel sv Kateřiny a Filipkův dvůr
The Swedish Chapel or the Chapel of the Holy Cross (Švédská kaple nebo Kaple svatého Kříže) is from the late 14th century and it was founded by Přemek I Opavský. It is an octagonal building with corner pillars built in the Silesian Gothic style. Frescos from the 15th century were discovered during a renovation in 1907. During the Thirty Years' War it was used by Swedes, which is why it is called Swedish.
There is also a large park, the Municipal Park (Městské sady), in the north-west end of the city, close to the Silver Lake. There is a multi-purpose sport hall and the park is the centre of sports activities.
Kostel Nejsvětější Trojice a městské koupaliště
The Surrounding Area
Czechoslovak Fortification surrounds Opava and it is a unique technical monument. There are still 18 larger and more than 140 smaller forts, some of them renewed and some restricted.
Raduň is a village south of Opava with about 1100 inhabitants. The first mention of this settlement comes from 1312. Rudolf Gudrich, a teacher, politician and the founder of Czech firefighters in Silesia was born in the village. The church of the Holy Trinity (kostel Nejsvětější Trojice) was finished in 1603 and is located under the castle.
The
castle was first a Gothic fort built in the 15th century belonging to the Dukes of Opava. It was later bought by the House of Tvorský of Kravaře and Bruntálský of Vrbno, who renovated it into a Ranaissance mansion in the 16th and 17th century. It was later abandoned and only bought in 1816 by the House of Mönnich, who renovated it again into a Neo-Classicist residence with Romantic features. The orangery was built next to the castle and the whole area was renovated as well into a park with lakes. In 1832, the castle was gained by marriage by the House of Blücher of Wallstatt, who lived there until 1949. The family was very important and well connected and Raduň became a famous and luxurious summer residence. In the 19th and early 20th century, the castle was modernised and electricised. After WWII, the castle served many institutions and even became used for housing. Since 1978, the state owned castle was renovated and became a national monument. It was opened to the public in 1984.
Otice is a small village with 1400 inhabitants, located south-west of Opava. The settlement, Ottendorf in German, was first mentioned in 1318.
The
Volcano of Otice, also called the Stone Mountain (Kamenná hora), is a natural landmark near the village. It has deposits of tertiary basalt rocks (třetihorní čedičové vyvřeliny) and moraines from gacially formed debris (ledovcové uloženiny). It used to be an off-road motocross racing field, but since 1991, the site si protected as a national natural monument.
Hradec nad Moravicí, called Grätz in German, is a town located south of Opava, on the River Moravice, with 5500 inhabitants. The settlement was first mentioned in writing in 1060 and it used to be the residence of Kunhuta, the widow of Přemysl Otakar II, and her lover Záviš of Falkenštejn. The settlement was given city rights and a coat of arms in 1381 by Viktorín of Poděbrady. In 1806, the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was staying at the castle as a guest of the House of Lichnovský.
The
castle site was a Great Moravian fort in the 8th century and it was a disputed area between the Czech and Polish kings between the 10th and 13th century. It was owned by the Dukes of Opava in the 13th century, when a Gothic castle was built. It was the residentce of Kunhuta and it belonged to the House of Piast for a while. In 1531, a large fire destroyed the castle and it took 50 years before it was rebuilt. The reconstruction was finished in 1620 and the castle became a luxurious Renaissance residence. It was damaged in the Thirty Years' War and then rebuilt in Baroque style. It was sold first to Wolf Konrád Neffzern and then to Jan Karel Lichnovský in 1777. Another fire in 1796 lead to yet another reconstruction, large parks were built in the surrounding area and the Red Castle was built. The castle was even visited by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancelor of the German Empire and Emperor Wilhelm II of Prussia. After WWI, the castle became a state property and in 1978 it was closed for a major reconstruction. The castle was reopened in 1996 and today, it is a national cultural monument. The castle has two parts, the older White Castle and the Neo-Gothic Red Castle, there is the White Tower, a lookout called Bezručova vyhlídka, a red brick entry gate and a clock tower.
Kravaře is a town 8km east of Opava with about 6700 inhabitants. The settlement was first mentioned in 1224 and it belonged to the House of Benešovicové, who called themselves the Lords of Kravaře and were one of the richest families in Moravia. They built the first fort, but in 1420, Petr Strážnický of Kravaře was forced to sell it. Another important owner of Kravaře was Michal Sendivoj of Skorsko, who as an alchemist at the court of Rudolf II and gained the town in 1630. His daughter Marie Veronika married Jakub of Eichendorff and the town prospered, until it was sold in 1782. In 1742, Kravaře became part of Prussia and it was gained back only in 1920. The settlement became officially a city in 1960, when it was merged with Kouty and Dvořisko.
Kravařský odpust is a festival which is more than a hundred years old. It is a celebration of the parton saint Bartholomew which takes place from Friday to Monday around 24th August (St Bartholomew Day). The exact beginning of the festival is unknown, but it is more than 110 years since the Neo-Gothic temple of St Bartholomew was consecrated. The religious part of the festival includes a Sunday mass, but the most known it the carnival. It the town part Mezivodky near the River Opava, an amusement park with about 60 carousels and about 400 market stalls are built. The festival ends with traditional fireworks.
The location of the first fort from the 14th century is unknown, the later fort from the 16th century was already on the site of the Baroque
castle which stands today. There was once a brewery, but the castle was renewed several times. The building was used as a school during the First Republic, but it burned down in 1937 and it was bombed in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1970 and today, it is surrounded by a large park with golf courts and ponds. The museum of Ostravská operace wss located in the castle until 1989 and today the building serves many cultural purposes, especially weddings. There is also an archeological exposition and an alchmist workshop in the castle.
Arboretum Nový Dvůr is a part of the Silesian Museum located west of Opava. It spreads over 23 hectares and includes 7 thousand different species from all over the world. There are also several greenhouses for species which require tropical and subtropical environment. The collection was founded as a park in 1906 by Quido Reidl and became state owned in 1945. In 1958, it became an arboretum with many valuable trees. A beautiful mansion from the 19th century used to be a residence, it is now reconstructed and serves the museum. There is also a large pond and the museum plans to build two new large greenhouses in the near future.
National WWII Memorial (Národní památník II světové války) is located in Hrabyně and belongs to the Silesian Museum. It was built to commemorate the Ostrava-Opava Operation by the Red Army and the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps (armádní sbor). It was founded in 1970 and opened in 1980 and it currently hosts three espositions about the war. Near it is a symbolical cemetery with the names of 13 thousand dead soldiers and casualties of the war.
Ruins of a fort from the 14th century are located at Přerovec, near Sedlinka dam, is usually called
Zamčisko. The cestle is first mentioned in 1492 and the documents are controversial. In the 16th century, it was already abandoned. Today, only remains of the fortification can be found on a steep hill. Archeological excavations in 1971 found remains of ceramics and weapons, now located in the Silesian Museum. According to local legend, the castle was stolen by a devil.
Moravian enclaves in Silesia were areas belonging to Moravia that were governed by Silesia from 1783 to 1928. Maravian law was practised in these parts. Today, they are part of the Moravian-Silesian Region. These territories were part of Morava since 1182 and were owned by the bishop of Olomouc. Administratively, many of them became governed by Opava during their history.
Surrounding Opava, these territories include Lhotka u Litultovic and Litultovice, Dolní Životice, Mikolajice, Uhlířov, Slavkov, Deštné, Jaktař, Štáblovice, Vlaštovičky, Suché Lazce and Kravařov. These are the only enclaves in the Czech Republic, all the others ceased to exist. Not many historical maps include these territories, one of the existing maps is from Václva Plesinger from 1880.
Suché Lazce is a village with more than 1000 inhabitants. It was first mentioned in 1377 and they are one of the Moravian enclaves in Silesia. Today, Přerovec belongs to the village, but it used to belong to Nové Sedlice.
Vlaštovičky is also one of the Moravian enclaves and they were first mentioned in writing in 1230. There are about 400 inhabitants in the village.
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The Silesian boroughs of Opava are Komárov, Malé Hoštice, Milostovice, Podvihov, Vávrovice and Zlatníky. They are bordered by the two Moravian enclaves from the south-east and the north-west of Opava.
Komárov is a village with 1300 inhabitants first mentioned in 1330.
Malé Hoštice is a village with 1800 inhabitants and a rich history. A settlement was found there from the Stone Age and archeological research discovered remains of culture from 6 000BC. A burial ground of the Urnified Culture from 1300BC is also in this area. The oldest building in the village is a chapel from 1656 dedicated to Jan Nepomucký. The Baroque painting of Virgin Mary of Opava can be found in the local chapel.
Milostovice is a small village with 270 which was known as a agricultural settlement in 1255. It is the birthplace of Vincenc Prasek.
Podvihov is a small village with about 500 inhabitants.
Vávrovice, Držkovice and Palhanec are three villages near the border with Poland. There are aroud 1000 inhabitants and an important track from Opava to Olomouc passes through the area.
Zlatníky were first mentioned in 1256 when king Přemysl Otakar II gave the village to the monastery in Velehrad.
