Ostrava - Czech Republic

Located in the north-eastern corner of the Czech Republic, Ostrava is a city rich in history, industry, and culture. As the capital of the Moravian-Silesian Region, it boasts a population of approximately 280,000 inhabitants and straddles the border between two historic provinces: Moravia and Silesia. Ostrava's unique location at the confluence of four rivers – Oder, Opava, Ostravice, and Lučina – has played a significant role in its growth and development. The city is situated just from the Polish border, making it an important hub for trade and commerce. Its strategic position also contributed to its status as an industrial powerhouse during the Austrian Empire era. In the past, Ostrava was known as the "steel heart" of Czechoslovakia due to its prominent coal-mining and metallurgical industries. However, since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the city has undergone significant economic restructuring. The last coal mine closed in 1994, marking a new era for Ostrava. Today, remnants of the city's industrial heritage are visible in areas like Lower Vítkovice, a former coal-mining and ironworks complex that retains its historic architecture. This area is even being considered for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite its industrial past, Ostrava has also become a hub for culture and entertainment. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the popular Colours of Ostrava music festival and the Janáček May classical music festival. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can enjoy events like NATO Days and the Summer Shakespeare Festival. Ostrava is home to two public universities: the Technical University of Ostrava and the University of Ostrava, providing a range of academic programs for its residents. The city has also been recognized as a European City of Sport in 2014 and co-hosted several international sporting events, including the Ice Hockey World Championships. While Ostrava may not offer an abundance of high-end amenities (Score: B-), it makes up for this with its convenient commute options (Score: B+) and relatively good health services (Score: C+). The city's cultural scene is also thriving, with a score of C+, reflecting the diversity of events and attractions available. However, residents may face some challenges in terms of childcare and education (Score: B-), noise levels (Score: B-), and NIMBYism (Score: B). Overall, Ostrava presents an intriguing blend of industrial heritage, cultural attractions, and academic institutions, making it a unique and fascinating city to explore.
'''From top – Left:''' Masaryk Square, Colours of Ostrava, An amusement park in Silesian Ostrava Castle '''Middle:''' Ostrava New City Hall, Landek Park Mining Museum, Antonín Dvořák Theatre '''Right:''' Ostrava Puppet Theatre, ''Tribute to Mining'' statue

From top – Left: Masaryk Square, Colours of Ostrava, An amusement park in Silesian Ostrava Castle Middle: Ostrava New City Hall, Landek Park Mining Museum, Antonín Dvořák Theatre Right: Ostrava Puppet Theatre, Tribute to Mining statue

Ostrava

Ostrava
Country: Czech Republic
Population: 284765
Metropolitan Population: 982000
Elevation: 260.0 metre
Area: 214.229602 square kilometre
Web: http://www.ostrava.cz
Mayor: Jan Dohnal
Postal codes: 702 00, 703 00, 708 00, 709 00, 710 00, 711 00, 712 00, 713 00, 715 00, 716 00, 717 00, 719 00, 722 00, 723 00, 724 00, 725 25 – 725 28