The Military Monuments in the Region of Silesia around Opava
Hlučín - Darkovičky – The Hrabyň War Memorial – The Fortification Memorial in Opava - Milostovice – The Artillery Fortress Háj in Silesia - Smolkov – The View-tower Šance – The Hans Kudlich´ View-tower in Úvalno – The Choltice Windmill – The Weisshuhn’s Channel – The Dam of Kružberk
The region of Silesia around Opava town (Opavské Slezsko) is rich in monuments of military history. In 1938 it was the most fortified territory along the former border of ČSR and Germany. There were 18 fortresses and more than 140 bunkers built in the region. The region attracts visitors not only with its traditional folklore but also with its fascinating rustic buildings, wooden mills, and look-out towers which are ideal for learning that region on all the marvelous cycling trails.
Hlučín-Darkovičky Area of Czechoslovakian Fortifications
The complex of bunkers and fortresses includes three infantry blockhouses, and one light object pattern 37A. The first blockhouse is equipped with original and fully operational arsenal and is accessible to public, the second has been reconstructed into its shape in 1938 and the third was left in its shape from 1945. In the area you can see anti-tank obstacles, tanks and other weapons. Demonstrations of fortification defense take place here regularly in June and we recommend it mainly for families with children.
The Memorial of the 2nd World War in Hrabyň
One of Silesian Provincial Museum expositions devoted to all the victims of the World War II is situated there. You can also take a look at the symbolic victim cemetery. Walking thorough a lime tree alley you can get acquainted with the military machinery in the outdoor museum.
The Historic Czech Army and Czech Fortification Monument in Opava – Milostovice
An interesting set of free reconstructed structures of heavy fortification from the thirties of the 20th century. Well-preserved objects and the whole area rank among the best Czech museums of fortresses.
The Artillery Fort Háj in Silesia – Smolkov
It used to be a part of former Czechoslovak fortification built during the period of 1935-1938. The Fort is situated near Opava town and a marked tourist path leads there. It is a formation of five parts – the infantry blockhouse, the artillery blockhouse, the artillery swivel tower, and the artillery observatory and porch facility. During the 2nd World War the Fort was heavily damaged. Nowadays, the Fort is utilized by the Czech Army. Visitors can have a look at exteriors of individual sections. Not far from Háj in Silesia, there is a Windy Hill with a romantic view of this region; we recommend a cycle track leading to Devil’s mill with refreshment in green nature.
The Šance View-Tower
The Šance view-tower is situated in Jakubčovice, five km from Hradec nad Moravicí. A wooden roofed-in view-tower standing on four stone piers was made accessible to the public in 2005 as a memorial of the 60th anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War – liberalization of Jakubčovice village. The superb view of the Jeseníky and Beskydy Mountains as well as Opava region suggests itself from the 13m height after taking 61 stairs up. Yellow and green colored tourist ways lead from Hradec nad Moravicí to this romantic view-tower.
The Hans Kudlich View-Tower in Úvalno near Krnov
The tower was built as a memorial of 60th birthdays of Hans Kudlich, a Member of the Austrian Imperial Parliament and native of Úvalno. Primarily it was to be a tower of a neo-romantic castle bastion at the beginning of the 19th century. Since this intent had not been realized, a completely new project was worked out by brothers Oskar and Eugen Felgel and a new tower was ceremonially opened in 1913. During the years and mainly during the 2nd world war the tower was wasting away. A reconstruction was a necessity. In 2000, an exacting reconstruction was realized and the tower was festively reopened in October that year. Hans Kudlich remains are saved in the mausoleum at the bottom part of the tower.
Wind Mills
In Opava Region you can find several wind mills dating back to the 19th century. A wooden wind mill of 1810 in the so called German style, being situated in Hlavnice village, is the most widely-known. Some more wooden buildings indicating former living in this region at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries are situated in the Hlavnice Mill surroundings.
The Wind Mill Choltice
10 km far from Opava, there is a Wind Mill in Choltice village. The mill was transported there from nearby Sádek village in 1878, where it used to stand since 1833. It worked until 1954. In 1969 the mill was reconstructed and opened for the public with tools exposition in the same year. Visitors have a unique chance to see a completely preserved interior and equipment in it. Mr. Pavelka, a guide, is able to give a very insight commentary.
Waterworks
The Weisshuhn Canal
The Canal was built under the impetus of C. Weisshuhn, who decided to build his own paper navigation canal in Žimrovice near Hradec nad Moravicí. This unique waterworks, brought into operation in 1891, is 3.5 km long, contains three water tunnels and two aquaducts. There are several falls on the canal, regulating the elevation of the water flow. Even after so many years, the paper mill canal remains are fully operational. A tourist footpath leads across this charming nature area.
The Kružberk Dam
It is the second biggest water work in the North Moravia region. The total area of the dam covers 305.49 hectares. The main purpose of the dam is protecting from floods, it is the main sources of drinking water for North Moravia Region, improves the flow of the Odra River and provides water power to the power station Podhradí. It is exploited for fishing while bathing and water sports are forbidden.
