Roudnice nad Labem

At present, Roudnice nad Labem is a target for many visitors, not only for its rich culture life but also for its very interesting past.The beginnings of colonization of this area come, thanks to favourable nature conditions, deep into primeval ages. Říp Hill is traditionally connected with starts of Slavonic colonization in Bohemia.

The community of Roudnice was created in ancienit times at the crossroads of Lusitania merchant route leading across Elbe-river. It is one of oldest Bohemian towns with its original name of Rudnina, derived from ore spring. First written notice comes from period 1167-1176 (local Roudnice deacons are meant). In 12th century, Roudnice obtained town´s status and became an ownership of Prague Bishops. On break of 12th and 13th century, they let to built stone Roman castle on rocky headland above the river. So, Roudnice became a place of oft stays of Prague Bishops and Archbishops and also a place of their building interest. Consequently, there was built here St.Wenceslas church with a hospital, later, in 1333, Augustinian Order monastery and stone bridge over Elbe-river. In 1378, the town of Roudnice nad Labem was founded. The period of Hussite wars meant for Archbishop´s town a catastrophe, as the town was invaded several times. During most  destructive invasion in 1421, Žižka troops destroyed a monastery with a church. However, this centre of spiritual life, art and science, was never renewed again. After Hussite wars, the town was handed over to several secular owners, who changed quite quickly one after another. Within 30-years war (in 1634 and 1639) the town was burnt down and demolished by Swedish military troops. Nevertheless, the biggest development experienced  Roudnice under 300-years lasting Lobkowitz Parentage administration. Thanks to this fact, there was terminated Capuziner Order monastery with a church, the Augustinian Order church as well as St.Wenceslas church were reconstructed.The years of big development were finished by Wenceslaus Eusebius of Lobkowitz. He let, within subsequent participation of four important Italian architects, within 1652-1684, built Baroque chateau, which belongs to greatest castles of Central Europe, however, it is not open for public for the time being. Here, there was to be found rare picture-gallery, library, archive as well as very valuable castle furniture. A riding ground, brewery, were built, there were established many orchards and gardens and parks. The building activity transferred into city-centre, where the new bridge was constructed. On a square, there were built several ostentatious houses in Renaissance style, including town hall. At that time, there was also reconstructed St.Virgin Mary Church, damaged by fires, and new chapels of St.William of Aquitania, St.Rosalia, hospital chapel of St.Joseph and bell-tower (situated not far from town-crier tower of 15th century) were built. Revolutionary year of 1848 marked forming race of industrial society. Roudnice became industrial and economic centre of the region. This new era changed in essential way a face of town, new housing quarters as well as industrial buildings were established, mostly starting from agriculture character of town. Railway route construction from Prague to Děčín strengthened the importace of Roudnice, the same role played new railway bridge across Elbe-river, built in 1910. However, unquiet  20th century (with periodical years of calm) with its war horrors, did not tought  the town directly. However, it took the lives of many local inhabitants, especially of murdered citizens of Jewish origin. Nowadays, the town of Roudnice, with its narrow small streets, magic corners and many places of interest, it is worth to visit. To most important buildings belongs, first of all, Augustinian Order Church, unoverlooked Provost Church of Virgin Mary, including cross corridor of 14th century and Jewish cemetery of first half of 17th century. Your attention will be drawn with bell-tower, former chateau riding ground (now, there is placed Gallery of Modern Art with works of painter Anton Slavíček), Podřipské Museum in Hláska-tower, or Kratochvíl look-out-tower, (free accessible), situated on flat hill over the town. There is a marvellous view around. From Roudnice, you can make passenger or cycling excursions to not far distanc, with legends ensnared, Říp Hill.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, ŠJů, č.2, Harke, Miaow