Region of Moravia-Silesia - Czech republic

REGION OF MORAVIA-SILESIA

It is situated in the northeastern part of Czech Republic. It is a territory with high developped mining, metalurgy, machinery and chemical industry. Unfortunately, in consequence of presence of these heavy industries, came to the pollution of  living environment.

A city on the Czech-Poland border is famous for black coal mining. Until the present there are operating mines. The air has a typical odor, and the land beyond the city is dirty. At the center of the city, Frystat, there is quiet life. You wil be surprised by a spacious square, in the southeast corner is Frystat chateau in the empire style – one of the important regional sights. Darkov Spas are in the city quarter of the same name. It specialized to motoric muscles.

Text and photo: Monika Babická

Industrial compound of the former Vitkovice steel works became a national cultural landmark n 2002. Its steel towers became an inspiration for its nickname as Ostrava's Hradcany. Steel towers with furnaces can to some extent resemble Hradcany. This steel colossus once was a main reason for high pollution around Ostrava. However, today there are great plans to redesign it and make it a multifunctional cultural compounds that would be connected to the center of Ostrava.

Text and photo: Monika Babická

ZOO in Ostrava enjoyed a new baby animal to its elephant family. It is a cute girl Indian elephant. To breed a baby animal is, however, very difficult. In the years 2006-2007 a botanical garden was added to the garden. There are also nature trail. The park is home to many animal species. There is also a resting and entertainment area for visitors. There is lots of greenery, children playgrounds, quizzes, puzzles, and also construction of new pavillions, and other future projects. Kids are amazed in "on the farm" zone. There they look at cows, or they feed yeanlings.

Text and photo: Monika Babická

Among city's most dominat landmarks is the tower of the New Town Hall. Up form there you have beautiful vista over the city. A visitors' center operates on the ground floor. There, and at information boards as well, you get some tips what other places to see in Ostrava. Museums, galleries, or preserved technical sights such as Dul Michal (Michal Quarry), or  a blast furnace in Vitkovice are just some tips what to see there. Children are going to love the zoo there. It is rather a vast gren park with many attractions than a proper zoo. Slezkoostravsky castle is a place where many free time activities can be held. All year round, cultural events take place there as well. Monumental Soviet-style architecture is to be found in Poruba borough. Privoz borough is a part of city's historical landmark zone.

Text and photos: Monika Babická

In the eastern part of the Czech Republic, along the border with Poland and the Slovak Republic stretches extensive Carpathian Mountains. On the Czech side are the Beskydy, the Moravian and Silesian part of the Carpathians, the highest peak is Lysá Mountain (1323 m above sea level). The most visited places include Pustevny and the statue of the pagan god Radegast, a pilgrimage site at the top of Radhošť or the Wallachian Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. On the Wallachian meadows that surround the village of Gruň you can still find scattered mountain chalets.

Text: Monika Babická

Photos: Matouš Vinš, Monika Babická