Pardubice is a city of over 90,000 people in central Bohemia located in the Pardubice Basin, at the confluence of the Chrudimka and Elbe rivers. The city is the capital of the Pardubice Region and the Pardubice District. It is 115 kilometers from Prague, and only 70 kilometers from the Polish border. More widely, the city is associated primarily with horse racing and gingerbread.
The first mention of Pardubice dates back to 1295, while as a city Pardubice already existed in 1340. Their heyday was in the 15th and 16th centuries, after which they somewhat declined in importance. It wasn't until the 19th century that they significantly developed thanks to the industrial revolution and the establishment of the Pardubice railroad junction.
The city is ideal for unhurried walking and sightseeing, where you can enjoy Czech beer and local delicacies during breaks. So what is worth seeing in Pardubice?
The castle and surrounding green areas are the city's biggest attraction. This Gothic-Renaissance building dating back to the 13th century originally had a typically defensive function. Inside you can admire, among other things, the Knights' Hall with a unique diamond vault. An
Eastern Bohemian Museum was also established there, with exhibitions on the history of the city and its surroundings. The castle tower offers a view not only of Pardubice, but also of the buildings of the city of Hradec Kralove, stately peacocks stroll unhurriedly in the courtyard, and the castle is surrounded by ramparts and a beautiful park.
The historic center of Pardubice is extremely charming and atmospheric. The cobblestone market square is surrounded by colorful townhouses and narrow streets, and at its center is the neo-Renaissance building of the town hall from the 19th century. In the market square one can find a massive plague column with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, which was a votive offering to thank the city for its protection from the plague.
This Renaissance gate with its more than 60-meter tower is a kind of entrance to the old city. Adjacent to it are the remains of the city's fortifications, now marking the boundary of the historic center of the city. Inside the building there is an exhibition introducing the history of Pardubice, and from its top there is a view of the old buildings.
Nearly to Pardubice, in the village of Ráby, there is a gingerbread museum, where visitors are introduced to the production process of these aromatic baked goods in addition to sweet displays.
These automatic mills, located on the banks of the Chrudimka River near its confluence with the Elbe, were built in the early 20th century. The place is distinguished by its unique industrial atmosphere.
In the center of the city, there is a beautiful, well-landscaped green area by the Elbe River. There you will find, among other things, sports fields, an outdoor gym, a playground, barbecue areas and a beach.
This is one of the two largest horse races in the world. The origins of the Velka Pardubicka date back to 1874. These races are held every year on the second Sunday of October. Their course is less than seven kilometers long and has 31 natural and artificial obstacles and is considered extremely difficult.
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