Opočno

Opočno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈopotʃno]; German: Opotschno) is a town in Rychnov nad Kněžnou District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 3,100 inhabitants. The centre of the town is historically significant and is protected by law as Urban monument zone. Opočno is well known for the Opočno Castle, one of the most magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture in Bohemia.

For the municipality in Louny District, see Opočno (Louny District).
Opočno
Town
Aerial view of Opočno
Flag
Coat of arms
Opočno
Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50°16′3″N 16°6′54″E
Country Czech Republic
RegionHradec Králové
DistrictRychnov nad Kněžnou
First mentioned1068
Government
 • MayorŠárka Škrabalová
Area
 • Total14.01 km2 (5.41 sq mi)
Elevation
292 m (958 ft)
Population
 (2020-01-01[1])
 • Total3,107
 • Density220/km2 (570/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
517 73
Websitewww.opocno.cz

History
Kupka square 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 Opočno Castle 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 castle 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 castle. 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.

Notable people

Twin towns – sister cities
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in the Czech Republic

Opočno is twinned with:[2]

References
  1. "Population of Municipalities – 1 January 2020". Czech Statistical Office. 2020-04-30.
  2. "Partnerská města". opocno.cz (in Czech). Město Opočno. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
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