800 years

A Royal Beginning: The History of Hradec Králové

The story of Hradec Králové begins in the early Middle Ages, at the meeting point of the Elbe (Labe) and Orlice rivers, where fertile land and trade routes encouraged settlement. The first written mention of the city dates back to 1225, which makes 2025 a remarkable milestone – 800 years of recorded history.

The city owes its name, “Hradec Králové,” to its connection with Czech queens. As a dowry town, it was granted to the queens of Bohemia, who often resided there. Its name literally means “Castle of the Queen.” The presence of the royal court helped the town flourish in prestige and culture.

During the Middle Ages, Hradec Králové grew as a center of trade and craftsmanship. It became fortified with stone walls, gates, and defensive towers. The Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit (Katedrála svatého Ducha), built in the 14th century, still dominates the skyline with its twin brick towers, symbolizing the city’s enduring spiritual and cultural importance.

The 16th century marked an era of Renaissance development, with burgher houses, new churches, and growing influence in the region. However, like many Czech towns, Hradec Králové faced hardships during the Thirty Years’ War, as well as military occupations in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Austro–Prussian War of 1866 placed Hradec Králové in the spotlight once again. The Battle of Königgrätz (the German name for Hradec Králové) was one of the largest and most decisive battles of the 19th century, shaping European politics. A large memorial complex and museums in nearby Chlum commemorate this historic event today.

By the turn of the 20th century, the city transformed once more. Thanks to the visions of architects Jan Kotěra and Josef Gočár, Hradec Králové became a showcase of modern urban planning and functionalist architecture. Wide boulevards, modernist housing estates, and cultural buildings earned it the nickname “Salon of the Republic.”

Hradec Králové Today: A Vibrant Regional Capital

With about 95,000 inhabitants, Hradec Králové is the capital of the Hradec Králové Region and serves as an economic, cultural, and educational hub of Eastern Bohemia.

Culture and Education

Hradec Králové is a university town with several higher education institutions. The University of Hradec Králové specializes in education, information technology and management, natural sciences, and humanities. Charles University (medicine and pharmacy) and the University of Defense (medicine) also operate here. This academic atmosphere fills the city with youthful energy and innovation.

Cultural life thrives year–round:

• The East Bohemian Theatre (Klicperovo divadlo) offers classic and contemporary productions.

• The Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra stages concerts in a striking modernist concert hall.

• Festivals such as Jazz Goes to Town, Theatre of European Regions, and Rock for People attract thousands of visitors from across Europe.

Architecture and Landmarks

The city center is a harmonious blend of past and present. Highlights include:

• The White Tower (Bílá věž): a Renaissance bell tower rising 72 meters, offering panoramic views.

• Cathedral of the Holy Spirit: a Gothic brick church dating from the 14th century.

• Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

• Functionalist gems designed by Josef Gočár, such as the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, are architectural masterpieces.

The riversides of the Elbe and Orlice are lined with promenades, cycling routes, and green spaces, making the city both picturesque and highly livable.

Economy and Innovation

The city is not only historic but forward–looking. It is home to growing technology companies, pharmaceutical industries, and creative start–ups. Its combination of tradition and innovation makes Hradec Králové a model of balanced urban development.

Fascinating Facts about Hradec Králové

• Royal Town: Its status as a dowry town meant Czech queens were historically its patrons.
• Salon of the Republic: Thanks to visionary architecture in the early 20th century.
• Battlefield: The nearby Battle of Königgrätz (1866) was decisive in shaping Europe.
• City of Bicycles: Flat terrain and excellent infrastructure make cycling a daily reality for locals.
• Musical Spirit: The city nurtures both classical and modern music, hosting world–class performers annually.
• Twin Rivers: The Elbe and Orlice not only shaped the city's geography but also influenced trade, industry, and leisure life.
• Green City: The city has several large parks and, above all, urban forests, which are similar in size to the city itself.

Accessibility and Transport

Hradec Králové is one of the most accessible Czech cities.

• By Road: The D11 motorway connects it directly with Prague in just over an hour.
• By Train: Modern trains link Hradec Králové with Prague and Pardubice. The main station is a striking 20th–century building, itself an architectural landmark.
• By Bus: The central bus station offers domestic and international routes.
• By Air: The city has a small airport primarily for sports and private flights; the nearest international airport is in Prague.
• By Bike: Known as a cycling city, it offers hundreds of kilometers of marked routes.
• Public Transport: A reliable and eco–friendly system of trolleybuses and buses covers the entire city.

For visitors, the city is compact and walkable – its historic center can be explored easily on foot.

Celebrating 800 Years (1225–2025)

The year 2025 is a historic milestone: Hradec Králové celebrates 800 years since the first written mention of the city.

Throughout the year, a rich program of events will highlight the city’s past, present, and future. Planned activities include:

• Historical Exhibitions: Showcasing documents, artifacts, and models tracing the city’s journey from medieval times to the modern day.

• Concerts and Performances: Large open–air celebrations with music from classical to contemporary.

• City Tours and Reenactments: Guides and actors will bring medieval and baroque Hradec Králové back to life in the streets.

• Educational Programs: Schools and universities will contribute to exhibitions and research projects.

• International Events: Welcoming visitors from partner cities across Europe to celebrate together.

The anniversary is not only a retrospective celebration but also an outlook toward the future. Hradec Králové is positioning itself as a city of innovation, education, and sustainable living while honoring its extraordinary legacy.