Hradec Králové is famous for its rich history, wonderful architecture and cultural heritage, which is why it is attractive to many visitors. In the historic center of the city there are impressive monuments such as the White Tower and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which are key points for fascinated tourists. The charming streets and alleys hide a lot of history, and with every step you can come across more traces of past eras.
Location
Hradec Králové is a city located in the northern part of the Czech Republic, on the East Laba Plate, at the confluence of the Orlice and Laba rivers. It is the capital of the Hradec Kralove Region, Hradec Králové district.
Cruises
A popular attraction for visitors to the city are sightseeing cruises organized on the waters of the Laba river flowing through the city. It is worth taking advantage of the offer of steam ships leaving from the river port on Smetana Boulevard. The sightseeing cruise provides an unusual view of Hradec Králové landmarks and romantic corners of the Labe riverbanks.
White Tower and St. Cathedral Spirit
In the heart of the city stands the majestic White Tower and right next to it is the Cathedral of St. Spirit.
The White Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. The 72 m high Renaissance bell tower, completed in 1589, was used by the city as a watchtower and fire tower. It owns the second oldest bell in the Czech Republic – Augustyn, weighing 10 tons. Tourists eagerly visit it, the tower is open to visitors every day, sometimes even at night.
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Hradec Králové is a unique example of sacred architecture that attracts both believers and tourists interested in history and architecture. Built in the neo-Gothic style, it is one of the most important landmarks of the city. It is distinguished by its soaring towers and richly decorated portals. Cathedral of the Holy Spirit from the early 14th century, it is one of the city’s tallest buildings.
Hydroelectric Power Plant
The hydroelectric power plant on the Elbe in the western part of the old town is a unique and still functioning work of technology. It was built in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century (between 1909 and 1912). The dominant feature of the building is the clock tower decorated with a Hradecgrad lion holding the letter “G” in its paws. It was connected to a segment weir and a bridge called Hučák, which was built near the older crossing over the Elbe. The hydroelectric power plant is still operational and has been on the list of cultural monuments since 1958.
Gallery of Modern Art
The gallery has a unique collection of Czech cubism and a wide representation of surrealism from the 1920s to the 1970s. Currently, the gallery, operating since 1953, is located in an Art Nouveau tenement house at the Great Market Square. The Gallery of Contemporary Art in Hradec Králové is one of the most important galleries in the Czech Republic in terms of the scope and quality of its collections.
Museum of Eastern Bohemia
The East Bohemian Museum is a museum and historical monument in Hradec Králové. It was designed by Jan Kotěra, an outstanding Czech architect of the early 20th century. The East Bohemian Museum was built between 1909 and 1912.
The permanent exposition comprises three interactive models of the town from the Middle Ages, military fortifications and these days.
Wooden Church of Saint Nicholas
The church is a listed building and is owned by the city of Hradec Králové and is the Orthodox Church. The old wood church of St.Nicholas in Jirasek park became museum, according to administrative decision of municipality of Hradec Kralove.
Jiráskovy sady (Gardens of Jiráska)
Jiráskovy sady is called the most romantic park in the city. They have a magical location at the confluence of the Laba and Orlice. They were originally created as officers’ parks. We will also find here the wooden church of St. Nicholas, who comes from Transcarpathian Ukraine and was moved here in the first half of the 20th century. In the orchards you can also find the remains of the Józef Fortress and the remaining part of the casemate shooting range. At the main entrance there is a monument from 1922 by B. Lizner, commemorating Jiráska’s novel The Brotherhood.
ENVI HOUSE with Giant Aquarium
In Hradec Králové there is an exhibition GIANT AQUARIUM in ENVI DOM – The giant aquarium was first opened in 1998. During the tour, we observe a variety of freshwater fish from tropical South and Central America in the underwater tunnel. In the room with a video projection named “Projection at the Stingray”, in addition to an interesting film, we will see piranhas, herbivorous rays and a predatory caiman.
The pastry shop and café “Café Piraňa” offer a pleasant place to sit, where we can observe predatory piranhas or parrots. Part of ENVI DOMU in Hradec Králové is a sports field with a ricochet court, a gym and a sauna. Every Thursday, the fish are fed from the hand of a diver directly in the giant aquarium. We can buy a fish or a souvenir in the shop.
Aquacentrum (Městské lázně)
We offer a number of attractions for you to choose from! You can take a ride on the toboggan, swim in the pool, enjoy the artificial waves, lie in the jacuzzi or the hot pool. Water jets and an artificial stream are installed in the pool. You can also try the sauna, solarium, massages and other services.
You can replenish your energy in a swimsuit at the bar by the water and the bistro above the water. Accommodation is also available in the Municipal Spa building. The municipal spa and the 50 m swimming pool are connected by a corridor, so visitors can use the services of the entire area.
