Opočno, Hradec Králové District, Hradec Králové Region, Czech Republic

🇨🇿 Opočno is a town in Rychnov nad Kněžnou District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. Opočno is known for the Opočno Castle, one of the most magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture in Bohemia. The historic town centre with the castle is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

Administrative parts Villages of Čánka and Dobříkovec are administrative parts of Opočno.

Geography Opočno is located about 20 km (12 mi) north-east of Hradec Králové. It lies in the Orlice Table. The highest point is the Velká Hvězda hill at 355 m (1,165 ft) above sea level. The town is situated on the Zlatý Stream and on the shore of the Broumar Pond.

History Opočno was first mentioned in 1068 by Cosmas of Prague in his Chronica Boemorum, when there was a gord. In the early 14th century, Opočno was acquired by the Drslavic family, who had a Gothic castle built here, and a small town began to arise next to it.

In 1495, the Bohemian noble family of Trčka of Lípa became owners of Opočno. During their rule, Opočno enjoyed a period of a significant economic growth and the castle was rebuilt. After the extinction of the Trčka family, Opočno was acquired by the Colloredo family. In 1673, a Capuchin monastery was founded in Opočno.

In the 19th century, further development occurred. The district court and a hospital were established. The industrialization began with establishment of factories producing farm machinery and dairy products. This led to growth of the population.

During World War II, in 1942, the property of the Colloredo-Mandsfeld family including the castle in Opočno was confiscated by the Nazis. The restitution claims of the Colloredo-Mansfeld between 1991 and 2017 were denied.