Hradec Kralove Attractions
Hradec Kralove is an administrative center and a working town but it is well equipped for the numerous tourists who pass through here. The town's main attraction is the mix of architectural styles that can be found here.
Hradec Kralove was a fully fortified city in the 18th Century. The walls were, for the most part, demolished but the division is still obvious. The historic city center contrasts sharply with the newer sections, which developed outside of the town walls. Hradec Kralove's old town (Stare Mesto) contains a mix of Gothic renaissance and baroque architecture. The New Town (Nove Mesto), on the opposite side of the river is home to some beautiful Art Nouveau buildings as well as bland Communist Era constructions.
Hradec Kralove was a fully fortified city in the 18th Century. The walls were, for the most part, demolished but the division is still obvious. The historic city center contrasts sharply with the newer sections, which developed outside of the town walls. Hradec Kralove's old town (Stare Mesto) contains a mix of Gothic renaissance and baroque architecture. The New Town (Nove Mesto), on the opposite side of the river is home to some beautiful Art Nouveau buildings as well as bland Communist Era constructions.
Chateau of Karlova Koruna
The Chateau of Karlova Koruna is a remarkable building on the edge of Chlumec nad Cidlinou. It was built in the early 18th Century by Frantisek Ferdinand Kinsky. The design of the building is unique, with a round central area three storeys tall and three residential wings branching off in different directions. This feature illimates long corridors, a prominent feature of most architecture at this time. Karlova Koruna is surrounded by a beautiful large park.
The interior of the chateau displays a collection of baroque art by Czech artists, along with portraits of the Kinsky family who own Karlova Koruna.
The interior of the chateau displays a collection of baroque art by Czech artists, along with portraits of the Kinsky family who own Karlova Koruna.
Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art (Galeria moderniho umeni) is noteworthy both for the building that houses it and the collection it contains. Designed by Osvald Polivka, this impressive Art Nouveau building, constructed in 1912 is one of the finer examples of this style in Hradec Kralove. Located on the main square, Velki namesti, the gallery is hard to miss. On display at the Gallery of Modern Art is an extraordinary collection of 19th and 20th Century paintings and sculptures by Czech artists. Among the artists represented are Mucha, Bohumil Kubista, Josef Capek, Josef Sima, and Emil Filla.
Hradec Kralove Surroundings
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Czech Paradise Nature Reserve
The appropriately named Czech Paradise Nature Reserve is a UNESCO Geopark. Here visitors will find unusual formations of rock, along with historical buildings and castles.
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Krkonose National Park
Noted for its birdlife and numerous plant species, Krkonose National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
