Location

Karvina is a city located in Moravian-Silesian region of the Czech Republic. Being one of the most important coal mining centers in the country, the town has a population of about 65 100 inhabitants. Karvina is situated 18 km east of Ostrava at the northern periphery of the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains in the Olse river valley. Apart of the northern border of the city is at the same time border with Poland.

History

The town has a rich history predetermined by its strategically advantageous location on the trade routes from Hungary to the Baltic countries. This location caused that Karvina became a commercial, economic and cultural center of the whole area. The town experienced huge development mainly after the discovery of black coal in the 2nd half of the 18th century. After the split of Cieszyn Silesia in 1920 Karvina became a part of Czechoslovakia as a main mining center of the country. The period after WWII is characterized by economic orientation on heavy industry. Currently the town is still reliant on dense heavy industry but is slowly restructuring the heavy industry influence and developing other economic activities. Karvina is also the center of education in this region with its wide range of specialized secondary schools and, especially, the Faculty of Commerce and Business of the Silesian University in Opava. In 1995 Karvina became a statutory city. Karvina is also an important cultural and educational center of the Polish minority in the Czech Republic.

Karvina Darkov Spa

For decades the town of Karvina and its surroundings was an area with high concentration of coal mining and related industries. More recently, this town has become a commercial and tourist center. The Karvina Darkov Spa has a worldwide reputation for treatment of locomotive organs. By establishing the School of Business Administration of the Silesian University, Karvina has become a university town. New era has brought new development in construction activities, also in commercial activities and Karvina is becoming a town with dynamic development offering good choice for comfortable life.

Note

Location: Moravia-Silesia

Hotels: Lecebna Darkov, Dvur Olsiny V Karvine, Hotel Darkov

Sights: Saint Peter of Alcantara Church, Castel Frystat, Town Square