Moravian-Silesia is part of the larger Silesia region, which straddles the Polish–Czech border. The Czech side of the region is an area of sharp contrasts: it contains beautiful protected green spaces, such as the Moravice River Valley, alongside areas that were heavily industrialized in the past and still bear the scars of coal mining and steel production.
Despite these scars, the region offers a vivid example of the resilience that is part of the Czech character. After the fall of socialism, much of the industry was shut down, leading to rampant unemployment. Though recovery took time, the region’s fortunes eventually improved.
Ostrava, the main city, illustrates this transformation. For more than a century, the steelworks in the Dolní Vítkovice district were a key employer for the city and surrounding areas until their closure in 1998. The city struggled for a period, but has since revitalized itself by attracting foreign companies, fostering local start-ups, and encouraging universities to welcome international students. The former steelworks were also renovated into a major tourist attraction and cultural venue.
Moravian-Silesia reflects a very different chapter of Czech history—and it is well worth a visit.
Beyond Prague 