náchod

Náchod is a town in the Czech Republic, in the Hradec Králové Region. Náchod is located in the valley of the river Metuje, in an upland area between the mountain ranges of Krkonoše and Orlické hory. It is the seat of a district court, the office of district prosecuting attorney and a number of district chapters of other government agencies, several primary and secondary level schools, a hospital and other social facilities. Sights include a magnificent castle and other places in and around the town. The area offers a variety of natural sights and opportunities for outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, skiing, rock climbing in sandstone formations).

Knight Hron of Načeradec founded a castle in mid-13th century to protect a tract of an old trade road from Prague to Breslau (Wrocław), and the town below probably at the same time. The first record of its name is dated in 1254.

An earlier settlement was located in the area known as Staré Město (Old Place), with 13th-century St. John the Baptist’s Church. The town was fortified with walls and bastions early in the 14th century.

Over time the castle grew into a large fortress. Powerful and rich Smiřický family acquired the domain in 1544, and had the castle rebuilt into a comfortable Renaissance château; the town also flourished at the time, and was endowed with privileges almost equal to royal charters.

Hron of Náchod founded the castle in the mid 13th century. It consisted of a cylindrical tower and a palace, typical of the bergfried (keep) type. The castle served as military hospital. during the brief Austro-Prussian War in 1866. It hosts a museum today.

Náchod was connected to the railway network in 1875. Home weaving and other crafts quickly evolved into full-fledged industries.