Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové in eastern Bohemia is a city of stunning architecture, especially from the Baroque and Art Nouveau eras. The central Velké náměstí, a triangular market space on the raised old-town fortified zone, is the scene of much of the splendour. 

The 16th century clock tower Bílá věž, the tallest landmark in the city at 70 metres, can be climbed to observe the view of the city and surrounding region, but it's also a museum of its own construction. The cathedral Katedrála Svatého Ducha is a red-brick example of late Gothic style, inside and out. 

The Baroque church Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie and the city's Marian column are other clear devotional signs, but do no end the old town's connection with the church.

Kanovnické domy, a row of canons' houses from the Renaissance era that were recast in stunning Baroque style, preserve their elegance in bright colour. The Renaissance house Dům U Špuláků stands between the bishop's house and the Jesuit seminary Nové Adalbertinum. 

Art Nouveau buildings dominate outside the old town and the museum of eastern Bohemia is one. 

The tiny but precious wooden Greek Catholic church Kostel svatého Mikuláše in the gardens south of the old town is a rare gem of the early 17th century, moved to the site from a Slovak village with its painted interior decoration. 

The city's position at the junction of the Elbe and Orlice rivers was strategic in more than one respect. Hydroelectricity came early and the Art Nouveau Hučák hydroelectric power station is now a display centre for the history and future of energy technologies. Another operated on the Orlice.