Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

On the banks of the rivers Orlice and Labe, there in eastern Bohemia, is a town - Hradec Kralove, which translated would sound like "The City of Kings" or rather "The Queen's Castle".

Hradec Kralove was founded in the 14th century, developed at a very good pace, and after 500 years on the geographical map is now the second most important city in Bohemia. And this town, like most in Bohemia, makes tourists' dreams come true. There are plenty of attractions, but the brightest among them are two remarkable museums and numerous 20th century buildings.

The quiet old town of Hradec Králové is perched on a long ridge on one bank of the Labe River. The main square "Velke namnesti" occupies most of its area. Right on the square, the sun's rays bathe in light the huge bell tower "White Tower", which dates back to the 16th century. Compared to it, the Gothic cathedral of the old town, of which only a stone tabernacle and an altarpiece with paintings in wood remain, looks tiny. Next to the "White Tower" can be seen the much restored building of the Town Hall of Hradec Kralove.

Buildings of various statuses and sizes abound in the Velke Namnestie square, from modest merchants' houses with shops under the arcade to the baroque building of a bishop's palace from 1716. In the middle of the square stands an exquisite Chumna column from 1717 and a fountain. Also within the square in the old town of Hradec Kralove is a beautiful yellow Jesuit church dating from the 17th century and designed by Carlo Lurago.

Next to the church is a Jesuit college, opposite which is the "Gallery of Contemporary Art", which is a real source of admiration. It is housed in a grey building in the Secession style from 1912, the design of which belongs to Oswald Polivka. This gallery exhibits works by Bohumil Kubišta, the playful and playful paintings of Josef Čapek, and the surreal abstractions of Josef Schima.

In Hradec Králové in 1912 the "Kranske Museum" was founded, whose building was again designed by Koter. Its architecture displays a masterful combination of Secession elements with a unique geometric strength and originality. Among the exhibits on display in the museum are the exquisite stained-glass windows by František Kisela and a model of the city from 1865 by Jan Kotera.

On the opposite side of the square is the new part of the Hradec Králové, which is a pure exhibition of a collection of 20th century architectural examples.