Must-see in Opava: a first-timer's guide

A brief history Opava grew on the amber trade route and was first mentioned in the 12th century, becoming the capital of the Duchy of Opava and later the administrative seat of Austrian Silesia. Centuries of Habsburg rule brought grand civic buildings, churches and the country's oldest public museum, founded in 1814. Heavy fighting in 1945 destroyed much of the centre, and what stands today is a careful mix of restored Gothic and Baroque landmarks with post-war rebuilding — a calm, green Silesian city that most visitors have to themselves. 10 must-see attractions 1. Horní náměstí (Upper Square) — the long central square lined with pastel façades, cafés and fountains. 2. Hláska — the Renaissance-style city tower and old cloth hall; climb it for a view over the rooftops. 3. Silesian Museum — the oldest public museum in the Czech lands, with nature, history and art collections. 4. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary — the vast red-brick Gothic concatedral, Opava's landmark. 5. Church of the Holy Spirit and the Minorite Monastery — Gothic interiors and the ducal burial vault of the Přemyslids of Opava. 6. Silesian Theatre — a handsome 19th-century theatre still hosting opera and drama. 7. Church of St. Adalbert — a Baroque Jesuit church on the edge of the old town. 8. Městské sady (City Park) — the ring of parkland on the former town walls, perfect for a slow loop. 9. Kravařský palác and Blücher Palace — Baroque nobility palaces that show off Opava's Silesian wealth. 10. Hradec nad Moravicí Castle — a white-and-red château 10 km south where Beethoven and Liszt played; an easy half-day trip. Tip: Opava is 30 minutes by train from Ostrava, so it makes a perfect quiet day trip.