the city of opava is situated at the confluence of the silesian rivers opava and moravice. opava rises above the silesian plain at the foothills of the jeseníky mountains and is remarkable for its impressive architecture sensitively merging with the local landscape, which long ago, in days of yore, was inhabited by the slavonic holasic tribe. opava – rich in history and historic landmarks – is also an important cultural centre for the region. since 1805 the silesian theatre has staged shows. the oldest museum in the czech republic, which is in opava, opened its doors to the public in 1814. the silesian regional museum built in 1893-1895 in a historic style is upholding the tradition.