The White Tower (Bílá věž)
Královéhradecký kraj
The White Tower is the most prominent architectural landmark of Hradec Králové and is considered the highest building in Eastern Bohemia. Situated on the western side of the Great Square, this magnificent Renaissance structure dominates the city's skyline. In recent years, the tower has been revitalized, transforming into a vibrant center for tourism and cultural events, frequently hosting various exhibitions. Visitors who climb to its upper galleries are rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas that stretch beyond the city limits, offering clear views of the distant peaks of the Giant Mountains and the Orlické Mountains. It stands today as a proud symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage and civic pride.
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Tip: The tower is open to visitors from April 1st to September 30th, operating daily with a midday break between 12:00 and 13:00. For a truly unique experience, look out for the exceptional night tours that are occasionally offered. When checking the time on the tower's clock, remember that the hands are reversed-the large hand indicates the hours so it can be seen from afar!
Interesting facts
- •The tower gets its name from the bright white stone used as its primary building material.
- •The tower's clock features reversed hands: the large hand shows the hours and the small hand shows the minutes, a design choice made so farmers in distant fields could easily read the hour.
- •It houses the Augustine Bell, which weighs 10 tonnes and is the third largest and heaviest bell in the Czech Republic.
- •The Augustine Bell measures 169 centimeters in height and 206 centimeters in width, and it still rings on special occasions today.
History
The construction of the White Tower began on June 7, 1574, and was uniquely funded by the charitable gifts of Hradec Králové's citizens.
Over the course of six years, the impressive 72-meter-tall structure was completed.
In May 1581, the tower celebrated a major milestone when the massive Augustine Bell was ceremoniously hoisted to its fourth floor.
This remarkable bell actually predates the tower, having been cast in 1509 by the famous local bell founder Ondřej Žáček at the expense of the city.
Place Guide
The Viewing Gallery1580
The top galleries of the tower provide unparalleled panoramic views of Hradec Králové and the surrounding landscape, stretching as far as the Giant Mountains and Orlické Mountains on clear days.
The Augustine Bell1509
Located on the fourth floor, this massive bell is a masterpiece of early 16th-century craftsmanship. It is the third largest bell in the country, surpassed only by the Zikmund Bell in Prague and one other.
The Tower Clock
A unique historical timepiece featuring a reversed hand system, designed specifically for long-distance readability.
Contact
Phone: 734 711 142
