Hradec Králové Hradec Králové is a city in northeastern Bohemia and the capital of the region of the same name. It is one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic. A settlement existed at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers (where Hradec Králové is located) as early as Roman times. The first written mention of Hradec Králové as a city is found in a charter issued by Přemysl Otakar I of Bohemia in 1225. The city’s name literally means “the queen’s castle.” The queen to whom the name refers was Elizabeth Richeza, the wife of two kings: Wenceslaus II of Bohemia and, after his death, Rudolf III of Habsburg. Hradec Králové was one of her dowry cities.

Today, Hradec Králové is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The city has its own university. It is also famous for Petrof pianos, which have been manufactured there since 1864. Hradec Králové boasts one of the most beautiful skylines of any city in the Czech Republic, dominated by the Gothic Holy Spirit Cathedral and the Renaissance White Tower.

ATTRACTIONS IN HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ

The East Bohemian Museum ( Muzeum východních Čech The museum is housed in an interesting Art Nouveau building designed by the famous Czech architect Jan Kotěra and completed in 1912. It boasts an extensive collection of archaeological and historical artifacts from the region.

The Great Square ( Velké náměstí ) is the central square of the city. Its shape is more like a triangle than a square, and from here you can see the very beautiful skyline of Hradec Králové. It features the Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit ( katedrála svatého Ducha ), the white Renaissance tower ( Bílá věž ) and the baroque Old Town Hall ( Stará radnice This picturesque spot is perfect for postcard-worthy photos.