White Tower

The White Tower in Hradec Králové is the city’s proud Gothic sentinel, rising above the historic centre with its distinctive pale stone and elegant Renaissance crown. Built in the 16th century, it once served as a watchtower, bell tower, and symbol of civic prestige. Its most famous resident is the massive Augustine bell, weighing nearly 10 tons, one of the largest in the Czech Republic and still admired for its deep, resonant tone. Inside, the tower combines history with modern presentation. Visitors ascend a spacious, gradually rising staircase that makes the climb surprisingly comfortable. Along the way, exhibitions reveal the tower’s construction, the evolution of timekeeping, and the story of the city’s bells. A fascinating feature is the unique clock mechanism with a transparent face, allowing you to see the gears in motion from inside the tower. At the top, a panoramic gallery opens over the Elbe valley, the cathedral, and the orderly urban layout shaped by 19th‑century architects. The view is especially atmospheric at sunset, when the city glows in warm colours.