Hospital Kuks
An 18th-century Baroque hospital complex on the Elbe River, famed for Matthias Braun's statues of Virtues and Vices and its old pharmacy.
Kuks lies on the Elbe River, south of Trutnov. At the end of the 17th century, Count Sporck developed a spa here using mineral springs. Between 1707 and 1715, a hospital and the Holy Trinity Church were built, decorated by the sculptor Matthias Braun. The 'Virtues' and 'Vices' statues on the terrace in front of the hospital are masterpieces of Czech Baroque sculpture. After the Count's death, the spa declined, and in 1740 a flood destroyed the spa buildings across the river. The hospital survived, and since 1946 it has housed a museum of Baroque art and pharmaceutical history. The national heritage authority manages the site, which offers several tours, including a basic hospital tour (about 60 minutes), the old pharmacy and the Sporck family crypt. Groups speaking foreign languages must book in advance, while individual visitors can join Czech-language tours and receive a guide sheet in a foreign language. About 3 km away, in the forest, is an open-air rock relief called Braun's Bethlehem, reached on a trail. Drive, or take the train to Kuks station and walk.
Opening hours
April–October, Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 (also open Mondays in July–August); November, weekends only 09:00–16:00; closed December
Nearby sights
- Krkonoše Treetop Walk
- Černá hora and Janské Lázně
- Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
- Pec pod Sněžkou
- Obří důl
- Vrchlabí Castle and KRNAP Museum
- Sněžka
- Luční bouda