Dvůr Králové nad Labem (, ) is a town in Trutnov District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 15,000 inhabitants. It lies in the valley of the Elbe River.

In the Middle Ages, Dvůr Králové nad Labem was a dowry town, administered by the Bohemian queens. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected as an urban monument zone. Dvůr Králové nad Labem is known for the Safari Park Dvůr Králové, one of the largest and most visited zoos in the country.

Administrative division

Dvůr Králové nad Labem consists of six municipal parts (in brackets population according to the 2021 census):

  • Dvůr Králové nad Labem (13,475)
  • Lipnice (393)
  • Verdek (211)
  • Zboží (165)
  • Žireč (481)
  • Žirecká Podstráň (225)

Etymology

The town's name means "Queen's court on the Elbe" in Czech. It refers to its history, when it was owned by Bohemian queens, and its geographical location. It was originally named Dvůr; the name appeared as Curia in Latin in 1270, as Hof in German in 1318, and then as Dwuor in Old Czech in 1421.

Geography

Dvůr Králové nad Labem is located about southwest of Trutnov and north of Hradec Králové. It lies mostly in the eastern tip of the Jičín Uplands; the northern part of the municipal territory extends into the Giant Mountains Foothills. The highest point is the hill Záleský vrch at above sea level. The town is situated on both banks of the Elbe River, in the river valley.

History

thumb|Náměstí T. G. Masaryka

The first written mention of Dvůr Králové nad Labem is from 1270. A settlement with a small church was founded as guard point on a military trail to Silesia probably in the second half of the 12th century. The settlement began to expand with colonisation of mostly German people. It is unknown when it was promoted to a town and became a royal property.

After World War II, the German inhabitants were expelled.

Economy

The largest employer based in Dvůr Králové nad Labem is Juta with more than 2,000 employees. The company was founded here in 1946 as jute and hemp processor and followed up on tradition of textile industry. Today it focuses on technical fabrics and synthetic products.

Transport

Dvůr Králové nad Labem is located on the railway line Liberec–Pardubice.

Sights

thumb|Church of Saint John the Baptist

thumb|Old Town Hall

The most important historical monument is the Church of Saint John the Baptist. It was built in the Gothic style on the site of the original Romanesque church. The tower was added in 1644 and its present appearance is from the reconstructions in the 1890s.

The historic core is formed by the square Náměstí T. G. Masaryka. Its main landmark is the Renaissance Old Town Hall. It was built in 1833, after the original building from 1572 burned down in 1790. It has arcades and decorative façade. Other sights of the square include the Art Nouveau savings bank built in 1909–1910, a Baroque marian column from 1754, and a fountain from 1857.

The town is known for Safari Park Dvůr Králové with its African safari theme. Visitors may admire over 3,300 animals of 400 species of mostly African hoofstock. It has a reputation of one of the most successful breeders of many endangered species. It is the most visited tourist destination of the region.

A notable building in Dvůr Králové nad Labem-Žireč is the former residence of the Jesuits. Originally a Renaissance fortress from the 16th century, it was rebuilt and extended in the early Baroque style. Today, it houses a social residential facility for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Notable people

  • Ferdinand Albin Pax (1858–1942), botanist
  • Otto Gutfreund (1889–1927), sculptor
  • Karl Freund (1890–1969), German-American cameraman of the silent film era
  • Rudolf Antonín Dvorský (1899–1966), musician, songwriter
  • Jan Zdeněk Bartoš (1908–1981), composer
  • Ladislav Lubina (1967–2021), ice hockey player and coach
  • Martin Šonka (born 1978), aerobatics and fighter pilot
  • Gabriela Martinovová (born 1981), alpine skier
  • Karolína Grohová (born 1990), cross-country skier
  • Josef Král (born 1990), racing driver

Twin towns – sister cities

Dvůr Králové nad Labem is twinned with:

  • Bushtyno, Ukraine
  • Kamienna Góra, Poland
  • Kowary, Poland
  • Piegaro, Italy
  • Verneuil-en-Halatte, France

References

  • Official tourist portal
  • Regional news
  • Virtual show