Pittsburgh – The Steel Heart of America
The city of Pittsburgh is one of two transatlantic partner cities of Ostrava. It is located in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States and has several interesting nicknames. In the past, the city became famous for steel production, which is why it is often referred to as the "Steel City." However, in the 1980s, it underwent a significant transformation and became the home of several major institutions focusing on science, research, the arts, and healthcare. Today, the city is considered a metropolis with a rich technological and cultural background.
The nickname "Golden Triangle" was given to the city center due to its unique shape. Pittsburgh even has more bridges than Venice — exactly 446 — which is why it is also known as the „City of Bridges“.
Besides interesting nicknames, Pittsburgh can boast several beautiful views of the city. One of them is the view from Mount Washington, which you can reach by a historic cable car from 1877. Mount Washington also includes Point State Park, an ideal spot for walks and picnics with a unique view. In the summer, you can enjoy various concerts and cultural events there. If city views are still not enough, you can head to Schenley Park, one of the largest parks in the city, which also includes the stunning Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. Another, and probably not the last place where you can observe the city's panoramas is West End Overlook Park.
For sports enthusiasts, a visit to Pittsburgh will definitely be filled with a hockey atmosphere. The city is also associated with quality professional sports thanks to Czechs, especially Jaromír Jágr, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Besides ice hockey, American football and baseball are also popular in the city.
For those who are more interested in art than views or sports, Pittsburgh offers many fascinating exhibitions and museums. The Carnegie Science Center is undoubtedly the perfect place for families with children who want to discover the world of science through interactive exhibits. At the Carnegie Museum of Art, on the other hand, you can see not only classic paintings and sculptures but also contemporary art. For visitors who aren't much into classical art, Pittsburgh offers the Mattress Factory Museum of Modern Art, which specializes in experimental exhibitions.
Pittsburgh is also home to several major universities, which have a high proportion of Czech students. The most famous of these is the University of Pittsburgh, whose iconic building, known as the Cathedral of Learning, is the tallest university building in the world.
If Pittsburgh hasn’t impressed you yet, you might be surprised to learn that emoticons, or “smileys,” which we all use supposedly come from this city. In addition, the game of bingo was first played here in the 1920s.
Thanks to its strategic location, Pittsburgh can be a great stop on your way to Washington, D.C., New York, or Niagara Falls.
For more information, visit the city’s official website:
| Pittsburgh: | |
| Founding of the city: | 1758 |
| Area: | 151,09 km² |
| Population: | 302,971 (2020) |
| Mayor: | Ed Gainey |