Moravian Ostrava Urban Heritage Zone
The largest heritage zone in the Moravian-Silesian Region was established in 1992 and occupies the central part of Moravian Ostrava. The zone offers a unique showcase for architecture and urban planning dating from the turn of the 20th century. Masaryk Square is lined by a number of buildings of architectural interest, including the Old City Hall (currently housing the Ostrava Museum), the former Habsburg café (now the Academia bookshop), and the Golden Crown pharmacy. In the centre of the square is a Marian plague column dating from 1702, and nearby is a statue of St Florian – the patron of firefighters – which has recently been restored to its original location after years of absence.
Other important parts of the heritage zone are Jirásek Square (known locally as the ‘Chicken Market’); Smetana Square (dominated by the Antonín Dvořák Theatre and the functionalist Librex bookstore); Dr. E. Beneš Square (with the Elektra complex and several grand bank buildings); and Prokeš Square (with the New City Hall and its observation tower).
The zone also includes several sacred buildings. The oldest church in Ostrava is St Wenceslas, dating from the 13th century. The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour – the second largest cathedral in Moravia and Silesia after the basilica at Velehrad – is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in the city.
