A place where the Old Town/New Town monikers are eminently applicable. Originally built as a fortress (though it never saw a single battle), at the confluence of the Labe and Orlice rivers. The growth of Hradec Kralove was seriously hampered by it's walls till the 19th century, when they were pulled down to liberate the city, and so began the construction of Nove Mesto, on the opposite side of the Labe. The architiecture of the New Town is dominated by the work of Jan Kotera, and his student, Gocar, a fervent cubist. Masarykovo Namesti, named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, and designed by Kotera, is dominated by lemon coloured buildings decorated at the top with a repeated 'M' motif. Other highlights are the East Bohemia Regional Museum, also by Kotera; Velke Namesti, where you will find the Bila Vez or white tower (not very white any more) from which you can get a fantastic view of the town, though only open in summer, and the obligatory Plague column. The Hospoda Pod Vezi by the tower serves good Czech food at reasonable prices, plus there's a Penzion attached if you're after somewhere to stay. For alternate accomodation, why not try the Hotel Cechie - actually a botel, on the Nove Mesto side of the river.
Getting there - public transport There are at least 8 direct express trains a day to/from Prague. A one way ticket costs 140czk.
Detailed info
| Approximate journey time from Prague: |
1 hour 45 minutes by direct Train or Bus.
| | Type of landmark: |
Building, Square, Viewpoint, Tower, Statue/Memorial, Church, River
| | Available for hire as: |
No info at present
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