Kuks: Baroque History and Architecture

Kuks brings together the history of a former spa complex with Baroque architecture, art and pharmacy. The hospital includes the Church of the Holy Trinity, visitor exhibitions and the Baroque pharmacy; the herb garden is next door. Other notable places include the historic “U zlatého slunce” inn. If you are interested in architectural history and specific cultural attractions, you can easily distinguish between the destination’s different highlights.

Baroque Architecture and Local History

Kuks Hospital was founded in the early 18th century by Count František Antonín Špork as a care facility for elderly men; they were cared for by the Brothers of Charity. This purpose is part of the building’s history. The Church of the Holy Trinity is located in the hospital. Its distinctive floor plan is octagonal, and it was consecrated in 1717.

The historic “U zlatého slunce” inn also shapes the local landscape. Founded in 1699, it is a prominent building in Kuks. Beside the Baroque sculptures stand three linden trees, planted in front of the inn in 1732 and considered commemorative trees. The trees, inn and sculptures thus come together as a distinctive part of local history.

Kuks is also known for its former spa complex. The Kaskádové schodiště connects the former spa building on the banks of the Elbe with the former castle. Former spa water once again flows over its cascading balustrade. The structure brings the area’s former spa history to life through an architectural link between the two former buildings. The Lázeňský dům, dating from 1704, was restored from a ruin and is a national cultural monument.

Art, Pharmacy and Visitor Attractions

The visitor exhibitions in the hospital cover history, Baroque art and pharmacy. In the lapidarium, you can see the originals of Braun’s sculptures of the Virtues and Vices. The hospital also houses a Baroque pharmacy: “U Granátového jablka” is considered one of the oldest Baroque pharmacies in Europe. This way, you can encounter art and pharmacy both in the exhibition themes and at specific historic sites.

Seasonal guided tours may be relevant when visiting the lapidarium and the Baroque pharmacy. Check the current visiting options and exhibitions before your trip. The Sporckova Galerie vín, with a sales area, is also located on the ground floor of Kuks Hospital; check the visitor services’ current operating status in advance. The Comoedien-Haus regularly hosts puppet theatre performances as part of the Galerie loutek Jiřího Nachlingera. If you would like to attend a performance, check the current programme.

The herb garden next to the hospital invites you to stroll and relax in an authentic setting. Its seasonal appearance may vary. It complements your visit to the buildings with a more peaceful outdoor experience, without requiring you to plan another exhibition topic.

Surroundings and Getting There

Nearby attractions include Braunův Betlém, a monumental Baroque sculpture group from the 18th century, located outdoors in Nový les between Dvůr Králové and Kuks. The condition of the sculptures and access may vary. This gives you another destination with a Baroque connection, alongside the buildings and works of art in town.

Kuks is on the main road from Hradec Králové towards the Krkonoše Mountains and is easy to reach by train and bus. Check current connections before your trip. Discover more destinations: Stanovice U Kuksu, Černý Důl, Radvanice V Čechách, Johannisbad, Vlčkovice V Podkrkonoší, Klášterská Lhota, Velehrádek, Trautnau.

For the main travel overview: Okres Trutnov.