Opočno

For the village in Louny District, see Opočno (Louny District).
Opočno
Town
Opočno from the air
Flag
Coat of arms
Country Czech Republic
Region Hradec Králové
District Rychnov nad Kněžnou
Commune Dobruška
Municipality Opočno
River Zlatý potok
Elevation 292 m (958 ft)
Coordinates CZ 50°16′3.54″N 16°6′51.80″E / 50.2676500°N 16.1143889°E / 50.2676500; 16.1143889Coordinates: CZ 50°16′3.54″N 16°6′51.80″E / 50.2676500°N 16.1143889°E / 50.2676500; 16.1143889
Area 14.01 km2 (5.41 sq mi)
Population 3,224 (2006-07-03)
Density 230/km2 (596/sq mi)
First mentioned 1068
Mayor Zdeněk Filip
Timezone CET (UTC+1)
 - summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 010 92 - 517 73
Location in the Czech Republic
Wikimedia Commons: Opočno
Statistics: statnisprava.cz
Website: www.opocno.cz

Opočno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈopotʃno]; German: Opotschno) is a small town in Bohemia with a population of over 3,000, located in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. Opočno is well known for its Castle which is one of the most magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture in Bohemia.

History

Kupkovo náměstí with Marian Column and the Church of the Nativity

Opočno was first mentioned in 1068 by Cosmas of Prague in his Chronica Boemorum. In that time the Castle Opočno played an important role in administration of the entire region of Orlické hory. During the Middle Ages the Castle was built in the Gothic style.

In the late 15th century the members of the Bohemian noble family Trčka z Lípy became owners of Opočno. During their rule Opočno enjoyed a period of a significant economic growth. In the years 1560–69 Opočno Castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. After the extinction of the Trčka family Opočno was acquired by the Colloredo family. In 1673 a Capuchin monastery was founded in Opočno. In June 1813, at the castles of Opočno and Ratibořice, an agreement was negotiated between armies of Russia, Prussia and Austria on how to advance against Napoleon's army.

During World War II, in 1942, the property of Colloredo-Mandsfeld family including the château in Opočno was confiscated by the Nazis. Until today the restitution claims of the Colloredo-Mansfeld family in Opočno are not definitively solved.

Sights

The main tourist attraction of Opočno is Opočno Castle, a Renaissance and Baroque château. In Opočno there are three churches. The parish church of the Holy Trinity, the church of the Nativity of Christ (originally a convent church of the Capuchin monastery) and the Marian Chapel in the old cemetery which now serves as a concert hall.

Famous natives

International relations

Twin towns – Sister cities

Opočno is twinned with:

References

  1. "Puteaux - Qu'est-ce que le jumelage?". Mairie de Puteaux [Puteaux Official Website] (in French). Archived from the original on 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2013-12-28.


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