malá vodní elektrárna Hučák Power plant

Welcome to Hradec Kralove. Right now, you're standing in front of one of the city's most prominent technical gems. In front of you is the malá vodní elektrárna Hučák. If you look at her, you'll see how closely she's connected to the adjacent ride on the Elbe River. Together, this object forms a very strong and harmonious entity that dominates the landscape with its presence. Feel the atmosphere of this place where the power of flowing water meets human wit and aesthetic care for details. Now let's go back a little bit in time to understand why this building is so special. It all started in the year one thousand nine hundred eight, when the city of Hradec Králové officially gave up construction. At that time, it was a bold step towards modernization. A year later, in the year of the thousand and nine hundred nineteenth, the concrete foundation began. The whole process lasted several years and the construction was completed in the year thousand nine hundred and twelve. The main brain of the project was the architect František Sander, who collaborated with František Jirásek. Together with Karl Novák, they made sure that the power plant was not just a technical operation but a real work of art. Now pay attention to the appearance of the building itself. If you look at the facade and the overall shape of the object, you will notice that it is a unique work in Art Nouveau style. The Art Nouveau was at the height of modern times and its aim was to bring beauty to every aspect of life, even as practical as electricity generation. See how the technical equipment connects to the architecture. It is a fascinating connection where machines are not hidden in a simple box, but are wrapped in an elegant cloak that honours its time. It is this style that makes Hunk a monument that is unique in our region. When we talk about the people who created this place, we can't forget the names of Sander and Jirásek. Their vision was to create space that would serve the city, but at the same time will be the pride of its people. In its beginnings, the power plant was equipped with steam engines and used generators from famous Křižík. That was the top of the line at the time. Imagine the enthusiasm that must have been in the people when, in the year thousand and nine hundred and ten, the arc lamps in the Grand Square first lit up. It was the first steps to stop the city from controlling the cloud and the darkness, and the electric light was on. And that brings us to one really interesting thing that might surprise you. At the time of its creation Hradec Králové was technically very advanced thanks to this power plant. The voltage generated here was worth 5,000 volts. That was so high that at that time Hradec Králové technically exceeded even Prague. Imagine that, a small provincial city run by the capital of the state in energy. This shows the ambitions of the councilmen and the genius of architects and engineers. The permanent entry into service of the hydroconcentration in the year thousand and nine hundred and twelve then definitively confirmed its importance. Of course, time was changing and the technique went forward. In the year of the thousand and nine hundred twenty-five there was a major reconstruction in which the original turbines were replaced. What is fascinating, however, is that some of the facilities from this first major reconstruction are still preserved in the building today. It's like opening a history book where every component tells its own story about how our idea of energy and efficiency changed. Today, Hucka is no longer merely a technical object. It has become a building with a new function because it now houses an information centre. It is a place where you can learn more about the history of the city and about the water work itself. It is a beautiful example of how a historical monument can be preserved while giving it a new meaning to serve new generations of visitors. Now, if you look again at the building and the Elbe River current, try to imagine the noise of the turbines and the sense of pride that people must have had over a century ago. You stand before the symbol of progress, courage and aesthetics. It's not just about the concrete and the wires, it's about the human dream to transform the power of nature into a benefit for thousands of people. Now we invite you to explore the space around the power plant and the poison at your own pace. Walk along the water, feel the rhythm of the river and enjoy a moment of silence before continuing to discover the other beauty of Hradec Kralove. We hope this short trip to history has helped you better understand the value of this Art Nouveau unique. Thank you for your attention and wish you a pleasant continued journey through the city.