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HRADEC KRALOVE (pop.
100,800) is one of the oldest towns in the Czech Republic. Established
in 1225, it has become the economic and cultural centre of East
Bohemia. In the 14th century, Hradec Králové was part of Czech
queens' dowry. A century later, the town supported the reformist
Hussite movement and the Hussite leader Jan Zi was buried in
a local church. In the 17th and 18th centuries many important
buildings were
added, including the Bishop's Palace, the Jesuit College, a
huge Baroque fortress, as well as numerous houses and churches.
The early 20th century saw extensive building activity under
the supervision of leading Czech architects Jan Kotéra and Josef
Go The Old Town has the status of a protected urban reserve.
Its centre is formed by a triangular square dominated by the
Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, built in the early 14th
century.
The vicinity of Hradec Králové offers many other interesting
tourist destinations, such as historic towns, chateaux and fortified
castles often bearing traces of the Austro-Prussian war of 1866,
and the Ceský ráj (Czech Paradise), the oldest protected nature
reserve in the Czech Republic.
PARDUBICE (pop. 95,000) is a town with a well-preserved
historic centre, founded in 1340. It gave Prague its first Archbishop,
Amo of Pardubice. The originally Gothic town was considerably
rebuilt in Renaissance style following devastating fires in
the 16th century. It has a Renaissance chateau now serving as
a museum and numerous valuable town houses. There is an Art
Nouveau theatre and several outstanding modem buildings.
Ever since 1874, one of Europe's most challenging horse races,
The Grand Pardubice Steeplechase, has taken place here every
October. Pardubice is also well-known for its traditional gingerbread
production.
KRKONOŠE (The Giant Mountains)
Located 130 km northeast of Prague, the Krkono Mountains form
one of the most beautiful mountainous regions in the Czech Republic.
The highest peak is Snč (1,602 m, or 5,256 ft). In winter, the
region becomes a paradise for both cross- country and downhill
skiing. The highest peaks are covered by snow for as many as
180 days a year. In summer, the mountains offer an extensive
network of well-marked trekking routes amongst the ridges, peaks,
valleys and waterfalls, and providing panoramic views over green
meadows and large woodland areas. The river Labe (Elbe) has
its source here at an altitude of 1,386 m. Due to its extraordinary
natural resources and numerous rare plants, most of the Krkono
territory received the status of a national park in 1963. In
addition to its scenic beauty, the region also offers many fine
examples of traditional folk architecture, including the oldest
chalet Lu bouda (Meadow Chalet), established in 1625 at an altitude
of 1,400 m. The main resorts in the Krkonote Mountains are pindlert
Ml and Harrachov.
ŠPINDLERUV MLYN (pop. 1,400) is an internationally renowned
mountain resort for both winter and summer sports. It is located
on the slopes of the river Labe (Elbe), at an altitude of 718
m. The resort is surrounded by several peaks, including Medvëdín
(1,235 m) and the massif Plănč (average altitude 1,100 m) with
the St.Peter ski centre. St.Peter is the oldest part of Spindlerüv
Ml Founded in the 14th century, it was an important silver and
copper mining centre until the 18th century. pindlerCiv Mly
has preserved much of its old charm thanks to the many examples
of traditional folk architecture. In addition, it offers numerous
slopes, ski-lifts and a cableway for downhill skiing, as well
as scenic tracks suitable for cross- country skiing and trekking.
Nearby there are many destinations for walks and excursions,
including waterfalls, valleys with rare flora, the glacial lake
Kocheiské rybnI and a number of pretty mountain chalets.
HARRACHOV (pop. 1,300) is a mountain resort suitable
for summer and winter recreation, located in the western part
of the Krkono Mountains. It has been popular with tourists ever
since the mid- 19th century. Harrachov has a cross-country track,
ski-tows, chair-lifts and other facilities for cross-country
and downhill skiing, as well as ski-jumping. It is a suitable
starting point for walks and excursions to interesting destinations,
including the Mumlavské Waterfalls on the river Mumlava, about
3 km from Harrachov, and the 130-metre long Pan Waterfall, about
10 km from the town. Harrachov is also known for its traditional
glass production, established in 1711.
PEC POD SNEŽKOU (pop. 600) was established centuries ago as
a copper mining town. The metallurgical tradition gave the place
its name - "pec" means a furnace. Some of the mines
and metallurgical workshops were still in operation at the turn
of this century. Today, however, Pec pod Sné is just another
popular resort for both summer and winter tourism and a good
starting point for excursions to the eastern part of the Krkonoše
Mountains, It has a variety of good slopes for downhill skiing
as well as tracks for cross-country skiing.
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Affy
Travel Agency
V lesicku 4/623 ,150 00, Praha 5 Prague / Czech
Republic
Tel: + 420 - 251 511 836 or 251 511 859 / 60 / 61
Fax: +420 - 257 327 662
24 Hours Hotline : +420 603 279
358 or
+420 - 604 - 112 746
E-mail : info@affytravel.com
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