Opava is a historic town in the Czech Republic, the capital of Czech Silesia in the country's northeast. Its old centre has kept much of its medieval street plan and is layered with elegant baroque architecture, so a stroll through the town reads like a walk through several centuries at once.
What to see
The town's past as a former ducal seat is visible in its landmarks. The Hláska Tower is among the most recognisable, and the numerous churches scattered through the centre reflect the town's long religious and civic life. Between the buildings, tree-lined squares offer shade and a calm pace, and many visitors find them the best places to pause between sights.
What kind of visit it makes
- A relaxed day or two of walking the historic centre, with the squares and church fronts as the main attraction
- A slower trip for those interested in architecture, particularly the baroque styling of the town's streets and buildings
- A quiet base for travellers who prefer a smaller Central European town to a busy city
Using Opava as a base
Opava also works well as a starting point for exploring the wider Silesian region and its cultural heritage. Staying here lets you make day trips into the surrounding countryside and towns, giving you a sense of the area's history beyond the town limits.
