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I have never heard about this city before. My first contact turned out to be very interesting. Chrudim is located about 80 kilometers from the Polish border and surprised me with its compactness.
The city is not big and most of the interesting places you can visit while walking on your feet. However, these attractions are so interesting and diverse that everyone will find something for themselves. There is something for the fans of theater, culture, art, but also history. It is best to leave the car close to the Main Square, thanks to which your sightseeing plan will be the most optimal.
History of the city
The earliest mention of the city dates back to 1055 (Chronicles of Kosma).In Czech, city name is female. The first settlements in this region reach 6-7 thousand years ago. Other traces of settlement come from the period of the Lusatian culture (around 1000 years BC). One of the most important moments in the history of Chrudim was the location of the royal city by Przemysl Otokar II in 1276. Currently, the city is inhabited by over 20,000 people. Over the years, the city has had its historic ups and downs.
Location
Chrudim is located 10 km from Pardubice. It is 110 km from Prague and 130 km from Brno. It can be said that the location is very attractive – in the center of the country. The city is sometimes called the gate to the Iron Mountains.
What to see in Chrudim?
Main Square (Resselovo namesti)
Czech cities and towns have beautiful markets. The one in Chrudim is unusual. One of its sides is a fairly busy street, but it does not interfere with the fact that it is nice. It’s best to leave your car in the area because most of the attractions are within a few minutes’ walks. In the middle of the Main Square there is a plague column, and next to it is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Museum of Puppetry Culture
The Bohemian puppet traditions date back many years. Museum of Puppetry Culture tells about them in details. It is located in a beautiful tenement house where there are exhibitions about Czech puppets and Asian ones. Visit the museum will take You minimum 2 hours. You can read more about the Museum of Puppetry Culture in a separate text.
The Museum of Gothic Sculptures
In the former Capuchin church, there is the Museum of Baroque Sculptures. Both the sculptures and the interior of the old church are impressive. In addition to the main room is also worth visiting the underground, which shows the history of this place.
Regional Museum
I visited the Museum only briefly, but I liked it very much. The exhibition is modern and covers all areas related to the city. It is also interactive and attractive to guests of all ages.
An exhibition of Alfons Mucha’s works
In the local museum, you will find an exhibition of works by Alfons Mucha. He was one of the leading representatives of Art Nouveau and the fin de siecle trend. He was a graphic designer and painter whose work, and especially posters, brought worldwide fame. The first commission, thanks to which he gained fame, was a theater poster commissioned by Sarah Bernherdt. He created custom projects – posters, calendars, menus, magazine covers, and advertisements.
What about Alfons Mucha had in common with Chrudim? This is where his wife came from, but the collection of his works appeared in Chrudim before they met. It was purchased after his exhibition in 1897.
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
In the Main Square, you will find the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was created before the city was founded in the 13th century. The first mention of him come from 1350 (documents of Archbishop Arnost of Pardubice). The temple has a picture of Saint Salvador – supposedly having miraculous properties.
Worth to visit?
Chrudim is a small town, but for a one-day trip, it works perfectly. If you like churches, museums, theaters or just take a walk, be sure to visit this place!
Some more photoes! :)
