The city of Ostrava: from industrial heartland to modern and vibrant city

For more than a century, the city of Ostrava was a symbol of heavy industry. Coal mines, steelworks and engineering works shaped the character of the city, whose dynamic development in the 19th and 20th centuries brought thousands of jobs and transformed Ostrava into one of the economic centres of Central Europe. Thanks to mining and metallurgy, it was referred to as the "steel heart of the republic".

However, industrial growth also had its negative sides, such as air pollution, monotonous urban development and the region's heavy dependence on heavy industry. The decline of the mines and steelworks after 1989 brought about a dramatic change that affected tens of thousands of residents.

Transformation of the city

Over the last two decades, the city of Ostrava has gradually transformed into a post-industrial modern city. Although the symbols of heavy industry, such as mines and steelworks, have not disappeared, they have become part of the city's new identity. For example, the Dolní Vítkovice complex, where raw iron ore was once produced, now serves as a unique cultural, educational and social centre that hosts festivals, concerts and professional conferences.

Universities, research centres and modern services are also undergoing modern development, replacing traditional industry. Ostrava is profiling itself as a city of innovation and education, where new opportunities are emerging for young people and entrepreneurs. In recent years, it has been successful in attracting investors from the IT, technology and logistics sectors.

However, transformation is not easy. The city of Ostrava still faces higher unemployment than other large cities in the Czech Republic, and part of the population remains affected by the decline of traditional industries. That is why cooperation between the city, the region and institutions in the fields of employment, education and social integration plays a crucial role.

A modern city with a European dimension

Thanks to support from European funds, the city of Ostrava has also undergone significant modernisation in the areas of transport, the environment and culture. Investments in tram lines, the revitalisation of brownfields and the development of cycling are helping to improve the quality of life for residents. The former industrial metropolis is gradually becoming a city that can boast cleaner air and new architecture.

The development of sport and culture, which have become an integral part of the city's new character, are also important pillars of Ostrava's transformation. Today, the city of Ostrava boasts a rich cultural life and high-quality sports infrastructure that serves both the city's residents and visitors from across the country and abroad.

The future of Ostrava lies in its ability to combine its industrial heritage with modern technologies and innovations. The goal is to build a city that will be attractive not only to residents and investors, but also to visitors from all over Europe.

The Slezská Ostrava district is one of the areas that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Here, too, the industrial heritage that has influenced the appearance and life of the district's residents is still evident. The Slezská Ostrava district is actively involved in modernisation and cultural projects. Significant investment projects involve the renovation of public spaces, the construction of community centres and blue-green infrastructure. At the same time, projects are being developed to encourage young people and local entrepreneurs to get involved in the development of the region, which contributes to economic recovery and social cohesion. Slezská Ostrava is also actively involved in international projects focused on sustainable development and innovation. Cooperation with European cities and experts brings new experiences in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable resources and smart urban infrastructure. Thanks to these projects, environmental measures are being implemented and public services are being improved. The city district places great emphasis on environmental protection, the development of green zones and the promotion of sustainable mobility, which helps to reduce the ecological footprint and increase the comfort of life for residents.