Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové
Velké náměstí, the historic centre
Hradec Králové
Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50°12′33″N 15°49′56″E / 50.20917°N 15.83222°E / 50.20917; 15.83222
Country Czech Republic
RegionHradec Králové
DistrictHradec Králové
First mentioned1091
Government
 • MayorPavlína Springerová
Area
 • Total
105.69 km2 (40.81 sq mi)
Elevation
235 m (771 ft)
Population
 (2025-01-01)
 • Total
94,311
 • Density892.34/km2 (2,311.1/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
500 XX, 503 XX
Websitewww.hradeckralove.org

Hradec Králové (Czech pronunciation: [ˈɦradɛts ˈkraːlovɛː] ; German: Königgrätz) is a city in the Czech Republic. It has about 94,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the Hradec Králové Region. The city is situated in a flat landscape, at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers.

From 1306, Hradec Králové was a dowry town ruled by Bohemian queens, which helped further development of the city. In the second half of the 18th century, a large military fortress was built in the city, which changed its character. In the first third of the 20th century, after the fortress was abolished, the city was rebuilt again and became appreciated for its high architectural level.

Hradec Králové is a regional centre of culture and education, known for the Klicpera Theatre and University of Hradec Králové. The historic centre of Hradec Králové is well preserved and is protected as an urban monument reservation, and the wider centre is protected as an urban monument zone. The most important monument of Hradec Králové is the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.