THE CITY OF HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ

Hradec Králové, the natural regional centre of East Bohemia, is situated on the confluence of the Elbe and the Orlice.

The city's rich history goes back a long way: the first written mention of Hradec dates back to 1225. In the Middle Ages, Hradec Králové was a dower town of the Czech queens consort; it was especially popular with two of them: Elisabeth Richeza of Poland and Elisabeth of Pomerania. The most important monument of this early period is the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on the Great Square: it is one of the most emblematic sights on the city's skyline, along with the White Tower and the Old Town Hall. Since the 14th century, the town with its compact Renaissance core has been a natural regional centre of considerable political and military importance, and a hub of culture and learning.

In addition to the architectural jewels of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods (G. Santini, C. Lurago), Hradec Králové is famous as a showcase of modern Czech architecture. The unique concept of city development, implemented here by architect Jan Kotěra and his one-time pupil Josef Gočár, earned Hradec the nickname “Salon of the Republic”. Hradec Králové is an important transport hub, the seat of many administrative authorities, government institutions, banks and major industrial enterprises. It is also home to three higher education establishments, which offer a wide range of subjects and annually open their doors to thousands of students.

We sincerely wish you a pleasant stay in Hradec Králové and hope the COS congress will prove a very inspiring and rewarding experience.

The map of Hradec Králové is available here.

The map of Hradec Králové with points of interest is available here.