Ostrava, the Czech Republic’s third largest city, is situated in the northeastern most region of the country, not far from the heavily industrialized Polish region of Silesia.  While the majority of Czech cities are beacons of history, Ostrava is a much more modern place, a result of big industry and Communist work programs.

No other city in the Czech Republic has seen the harshness of the passage of time like Ostrava.  It has borne the brunt of Communist industrialization, which can been seen on almost every corner.  It is a big, brash city, with a raw culture and a booming nightlife.  Its most spectacular sight is probably the Coal Mining museum at Pod Landekem on the city’s northern edge.  Here the visitor can tour a preserved 19th century Anselm pit, hard hat and all.

While Ostrava suffered greatly immediately following the Velvet Revolution due to the closing of factories and skyrocketing unemployment, it is now on the road to recovery, looking to improve its image and prospects.