Podebrady

History of Podebrady

Archaeological excavations on the territory of modern Podebrady have proved the existence of settlements on these lands during the Early Paleolithic period, many objects were found that belong to the Luzhitskaya (XII - IV centuries BC) and the Lenskaya (V - I centuries BC) cultures. And during the restoration of the central square of the city, Roman coins and other signs of a developed Roman settlement were found. Such a long history is easily explained by the mild climate of the region, its convenient location above the Elbe river and its geographical position at the intersection of trade routes. But let's move on to the true story of Podebrady, documented and more meaningful.

The new history of Podebrady dates back to the first half of the 13th century. At that time, a trade route from Prague to East Czech and on to Poland passed through the territory of present-day Podebrady. Near the crossing of the Elbe, a small settlement first appeared, which gradually grew and grew stronger, and in 1268, King Otakar II issued a decree on the construction of a castle on the water, a fortress, which was to protect an important section of the route. This is where the name of the city came from - pode brody (“near the ford”).

The prosperity of the Podebrady resort is largely due to the panams from Kunstatt, a noble family whose six generations were engaged in the refinement of their lands. The greatest fame was achieved by Jiří from Podebrady, who became the king of the Czech Republic in 1458, and centuries later - a national hero. Thanks to his will, Podebrady in 1472 received the official status of the city, its coat of arms and special privileges. The city existed in relative peace and tranquility, but not everyone in the Czech Republic knew about it. Only in the middle of the XVIII century, Podebrady attracted the attention of the royal nobility, the Empress Maria Theresa herself ordered to reconstruct the castle in the current Baroque style at that time.

But perhaps the most important moment in the history of Podebrady was 1905, when the landowner von Bülow made a visit to the city. It is not clear whether he was a psychic, a scientist, or simply a talented con man, but with the help of a small twig, he suggested the presence of a water spring in the courtyard of the castle. And at a depth of 96.7 meters they still found a healing water spring! Her healing properties were discovered almost immediately, and already in 1908 the first holiday season in Podebrady was inaugurated. As soon as the First World War ended, the resort began to flourish at a tremendous pace. People came here to treat heart and vascular diseases not only from all over the Czech Republic, but also from abroad, which, however, they continue to do till this day.

Attractions and entertainment in Podebrady

The most interesting sights of Podebrady are ancient castles and palaces, sometimes diluted with museums and temples. The cultural program is represented by costume balls, dance evenings, concerts of classical and wind music. Fans of outdoor activities and sports await a lot of interesting things: golf, horseback riding, cycling routes, shooting sports, tennis courts, squash courts, fitness rooms. You can even go fishing around the city. And do not forget to admire the products of Bohemian crystal in stores, you might want to buy something for memory. We will describe the most popular attractions separately below, and now we will simply list interesting places that you should pay attention to during your holidays in Podebrady and its environs:

• Polaba Museum
• Gothic Temple of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
• Annunciation Church
• Karlovy Korun Castle
• Sazavsky monastery
• Hradec Castle

Polaba Museum

We have already mentioned the Podebrad Castle in our historical essay on the resort. Yes, this is the castle that was built in the 13th century “near the ford”. It was rebuilt and reconstructed many times, managed to stay both a fort and a fortress, and the residence of the Lichtenburg family, and even the home of the wisest Czech ruler King Jiri. As for the architectural component, initially the wooden fort initially acquired a Renaissance appearance, and then it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. Today, the Institute of Language and Vocational Training operates in the castle building, one of the rooms is given to the theater troupe, and several more rooms serve as the museum of King Jiří, but in the courtyard there is the oldest mineral spring in the city, from the discovery of which the history of Podebrady as a resort began.

Zleby Castle

The Gothic castle was built at the end of the 13th century, and it belonged to the family of feudal lords of Lichtenbruck. However, it was Gothic until the 15th century, until the Hussites destroyed it, rebuilt it in the Renaissance style with elements of romanticism and Baroque. The medieval building is covered with legends and myths, for example, the only ghost in the whole Czech Republic lives here! Of interest is an unusual mixture of architectural styles, a collection of weapons, canvases, armor and porcelain, a castle theater and dark dungeons.

King Jiří Square

Next to Podebrady Castle is King Jiří Square, the main rival of the castle in the fight for the right to be called the main attraction of the resort. A trade route from Prague to the east of the Czech Republic passed through this square 700 years ago, and now there is a freeway. The square is surrounded by ancient buildings and monuments, such as the Plague pillar (in honor of the deliverance of the city from a dangerous disease) and a monument to King Jiří, who mounted his horse. Fairs, concerts and special events are held here, all sightseeing buses leave from here and it is here that all young people flock for a walk.