Opočno 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.
History
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
- František Zdeněk Skuherský (1830–1892), composer
- František Kupka (1871–1957), painter
- Luboš Sluka (born 1928), composer
- Jaroslav Plašil (born 1982), football player
- Taťána Kuchařová (born 1987), model, Miss World 2006
