Opava: City History and Walking Routes

Opava brings together architectural history, literary and museum themes, and walking routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Opava, you can plan your trip around whether historic architecture, the history of Silesia, or a stroll along the park ring is the focus of your stay. The following places offer different ways to explore these themes.

Architecture and Cityscape

A walk through the city center takes you past buildings from the Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Renaissance periods, through historic corners and attractive parks. A prominent landmark is the Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is the largest church building in Opava and a landmark of Upper Square (Horní náměstí). It has been listed among the national cultural monuments since 1995. It is also one of the most significant monuments illustrating typical features of Silesian Brick Gothic. The term refers to a regional expression of Gothic architecture and gives your visit a specific architectural focus.

The town hall, with its distinctive tower, is known as Hláska and is one of Opava’s best-known symbols and a prominent landmark. Müllerův dům was built in 1726 and was originally part of the grounds of a Liechtenstein castle that has since disappeared. These two buildings offer different historical connections: the civic symbolism of Hláska and Müllerův dům’s former association with a castle complex.

Literature and Silesia

For literature enthusiasts, the Petr Bezruč Memorial has a special connection to the poet’s life: it was established during his lifetime and is located at the site of his birthplace. The Silesian Museum has its origins in the first public museum in what is now the Czech Republic. The Expozice Slezsko exhibition offers another perspective on Silesia. In four sections, it presents the region’s nature, history, culture and notable personalities to the public.

The cultural attractions each have a different focus: the memorial connects the memory of Petr Bezruč with a specific place from his life, while Expozice Slezsko explores Silesia through several subject areas. When planning your visit, you can choose between a literary-historical connection and a broader look at nature, history and culture.

Walking Routes and Tastings

The Dendrological Educational Trail is a walking route in the city center that follows the park ring and offers information about notable trees. Its focus differs from that of a walk past buildings, historic corners and parks: the trail focuses on trees, while a city walk focuses on buildings and historic corners. Almost all of Opava’s main attractions are within walking distance, making it easier to plan a day that takes in several city sights.

Another option is Opavská dvanáctka, a route through Opava where you can sample beers from smaller breweries. Tasting dates are listed for May. Check them before your trip if you would like to include a tasting in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Dolní Životice, Kyjovice, Vítkov, Píšť, Darkovice, Vřesina, Jilešovice, Stěbořice.

For the broader travel overview: Opava District.