Kuks – Hospitál, Baroque Art and Spa History

Kuks is known for its former spa area. If you would like to combine cultural history with walks, discover a destination here featuring distinctive architecture, Baroque art and special places along the Elbe.

Hospitál Kuks and Baroque Art

Hospitál Kuks was founded at the beginning of the 18th century by Count František Antonín Špork as a care facility for older men, who were looked after by the Brothers of Mercy. The Church of the Most Holy Trinity has a distinctive octagonal layout and was consecrated in 1717.

The historic townscape also includes the “U zlatého slunce” inn. It was founded in 1699 and is a dominant building in Kuks. Braun’s sculptures of the Virtues and Vices are also part of the town’s cultural profile: their originals can be viewed in the lapidarium of Hospitál Kuks.

Hospitál Kuks offers exhibitions for visitors on history, Baroque art and pharmacy. The Hospitál also includes the “U Granátového jablka” Baroque pharmacy, considered one of the oldest Baroque pharmacies in Europe. The Lázeňský dům from 1704, restored from a ruin, is a national cultural monument.

Historic Paths and Small Discoveries

The Kaskádové schodiště connects the former spa building on the banks of the Elbe with the former château. Former spa water once again flows over its cascade-shaped balustrade. This makes the former connection between the spa area, the riverbank and the former château immediately recognizable as part of the town’s history.

Next to Hospitál Kuks, the herb garden invites you to walk and relax in an authentic setting. Another cultural facet is offered by the Jiří Nachlinger Puppet Gallery, with regular puppet theatre performances. The Sporckova Galerie vín, which includes a sales area, is also located on the ground floor of Hospitál Kuks.

Outdoor Sculptures and Distinctive Trees

Three lime trees stand next to the Baroque sculptures. They were planted in front of the inn in 1732 and are registered as memorial trees. The site thus combines designed art with living elements of the historic surroundings.

Braunův Betlém is a monumental group of outdoor Baroque sculptures from the 18th century in Nový les between Dvůr Králové and Kuks. In addition to the Hospitál, this provides another cultural and historical point of interest in the landscape for your planning.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Kuks is located on the main road from Hradec Králové towards the Krkonoše Mountains and is easily accessible by train and bus. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore take your preferred mode of travel into account as well as the personal focus of your trip: should your time be devoted primarily to history and Baroque art, or would you like to combine walks and further discoveries in your itinerary?

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to research further destinations in addition to Kuks, you will find Javorník, Staré Buky, Prkenný Dul, Jivka, Marsov U Upice, Upice, Vrchlabi and Hřibojedy here.

For the overarching travel overview: Trutnov District.