Europe, Czech Republic, Hradec Kralove Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Country: Czech republic - Europe Region: Eastern Bohemia Location: Hradec Kralove Town: Hradec Kralove The city is situated in the centre of a very fertile region called the Golden Road on the confluence of Elbe and Orlice and contains many buildings of historical and architectural interest. The cathedral was founded in 1303 by Elizabeth, wife of Wenceslaus II, and the church of St. John, built in 1710, stands on the ruins of the old castle. During 1920s and 1930s the city grew rapidly and due to many buildings of modern architecture Hradec Králové became known as the Salon of the Republic. Several churches and convents were pulled down to make way for the fortifications erected under Joseph II. The fortress was finally dismantled in 1884. The decisive battle of the Austro-Prussian War took place, on July 3, 1866 near Hradec Králové. Since around 1930, the town has been known as The salon of the republic. This was a nickname given to it by citizens who were spellbound by the unique architecture of Josef Gočár.