Opočno
| Opočno | |||
| Town | |||
 Opočno from the air | |||
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| 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°ECoordinates: CZ 50°16′3.54″N 16°6′51.80″E / 50.2676500°N 16.1143889°E | ||
| 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
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| Wikimedia Commons: Opočno | |||
| Statistics: statnisprava.cz | |||
| Website: www | |||
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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
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 Chateau 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 chateau. 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
- František Kupka, painter
- Jaroslav Plašil, football player
- František Zdeněk Skuherský, composer
- Luboš Sluka, composer
- Taťána Kuchařová, Miss World
International relations
Twin towns – Sister cities
Opočno is twinned with:
References
- ↑ "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.