The Kuks Hospital brings together Baroque architecture, art and social history. The Church of the Holy Trinity, Braun’s sculptures and the history of pharmacy each offer a different perspective; there is also a former spa complex and other historic sites. Visitors choosing Kuks as a cultural destination can focus on architecture, sculpture or the history of the institution—three perspectives on the same place.
The Hospital, the Church and Local History
Count František Antonín Špork founded the hospital in the early 18th century as a care facility for older men looked after by the Brothers of Mercy. The history of the building is therefore also the story of its social purpose. The Church of the Holy Trinity is located within the hospital: its distinctive floor plan is octagonal, and it was consecrated in 1717. This building brings together the hospital’s historic purpose and a striking feature of Baroque architecture.
Historic details shape Kuks beyond the hospital, too. The “U zlatého slunce” inn was established in 1699 and is a prominent building in the village. Three linden trees stand in front of it; they were planted in 1732 and are registered as memorial trees. The two dates point to different layers of the village’s history: the founding of an inn and the planting of the lindens.
Baroque Art, Spa History and Visitor Attractions
The Kaskádové schodiště connects the former spa building on the banks of the Elbe with the former château. Water from the former spa once again flows over the cascading railing; its flow may vary by season. Kuks is known for its former spa complex, and the staircase connects this history with two specifically named buildings.
The hospital is home to the Baroque pharmacy “U Granátového jablka”, considered one of the oldest Baroque pharmacies in Europe. Visitor exhibitions explore history, Baroque art and pharmacy; individual exhibitions may be rearranged. The original Braun sculptures of the Virtues and Vices can be viewed in the hospital’s lapidarium. Check the current visiting arrangements in advance. Access to the pharmacy may be subject to seasonal guided-tour arrangements.
The herb garden next to the hospital invites visitors to walk and relax in an authentic setting; its appearance may vary by season. The Galerie loutek Jiřího Nachlingera in the Comoedien-Haus hosts regular puppet theatre performances. Check the current programme when planning a visit. The ground floor of the hospital is also home to the Sporckova Galerie vín, which has a retail area; check its current opening status before visiting.
More Cultural Sites and Getting There
The Lázeňský dům, built in 1704 and restored from a ruin, is a national cultural monument. Braunův Betlém also offers a regional connection to art: this monumental Baroque sculpture group from the 18th century stands outdoors in Nový les, between Dvůr Králové and Kuks. When planning your visit, you can distinguish between the cultural attractions in the village and this distinctive artwork in the surrounding region.
Kuks is on the main road from Hradec Králové towards the Krkonoše Mountains and is easily accessible by train and bus. Check current services before travelling. To decide what to focus on during your stay, first consider whether you are most interested in the history and art of the hospital or also want to visit the regional sculpture site.
Discover more destinations: Mladé Buky, Čistá V Krkonoších, Zábřezí-Řečice, Kocbere, Marsov U Upice, Suchovrsice, Velehrádek, Markousovice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.
