Coal mining first started in Ostrava in 1760 and continued for over 200 years until the mines were closed in the late 1990s. As a result the foundries that used the coal also closed and Ostrava, the largest city in Northern Moravia, and the economically took a tumble.
However, with all the heavy industry gone, the air has cleared and there are
now signs of a turn around. The historical buildings are being refurbished, many cultural events at the five permanent theatres are now taking place, and the city is positioning itself as a gateway to the nearby mountains and countryside.
One of the major attractions in the town is the OKD Mining Museum. Located in the northern suburb of Pod Landekem, this museum is worth seeking out. It details the history of coal mining in Ostrava and visitors can descend to a coal face to experience the working conditions of the miners. Also on display at the OKD Mining Museum is Europe's most extensive and valuable collection of mining equipment.
Ostrava's other famous export besides coal, was Czech tennis superstar Ivan Lendl who was born here in 1960.