Pajkrova flošna Fortress

Pajkrova flošna is a late Baroque lunette in Hradec Králové, constructed in the late 18th century as part of the city's fortifications. It is one of the few surviving elements of the former defense system and is currently managed by Charles University.

Built in 1774 (though some records suggest 1784), the structure followed the design of General Ing. Mikuláš z Kleindorfu. It was one of three lunettes in the Hradec Králové fortifications. The others were the Pivovarská and Pražská flošnas; the latter is no longer preserved and once stood where Ulrichovo náměstí is today.

This advanced late Baroque fortification has an irregular square floor plan and stands over 5 meters high. The interior comprises five long casemates. The central one, 24 meters long, provides passage to the adjacent chambers. All rooms are brick-paved with semi-circular or vaulted ceilings. While the outer walls remain unplastered, the interior walls are plastered.

After the Battle of Hradec Králové in 1866, the city's fortifications were abolished. Between 1893 and 1929, the surrounding walls and moats were removed, and the building served as storage without proper maintenance. In 1897, both remaining lunettes were leased to brewers, provided the structures were preserved and rent was paid. Later, accordion manufacturer Rudolf Pajkr acquired the site and expanded the building for his factory.

Several disasters marked the building's history. Two major fires, on June 29, 1902, and April 15, 1913, destroyed significant materials. In 1925, the site provided emergency housing for the poor. However, a 1929 storm tore off the roof. Inadequate living conditions then led to a typhus outbreak, prompting the city to build a new well in 1931. During the 1930s, a city garden was established on the grounds, though original plans suggested a botanical garden or orchard.

During the 20th century, the site served as warehouses and garages for technical services. It was designated a cultural monument in 1987. These services leased the facility until 1991, and in 1993, the Faculty of Pharmacy of Charles University took over the lease. The monument is located near the faculty's Garden of Medicinal Plants.

Recent plans for the site have evolved. In 2014, the dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandr Hrabálek, announced a reconstruction project to create a student club, estimated at 35 million crowns. However, a 2021 memorandum between the city, the region, and the university revised this plan, designating the reconstructed facility as a future teaching center.

This monument exemplifies the transition from military Baroque engineering to diverse civilian utility. It remains a significant historical landmark in Hradec Králové and a point of interest for those exploring the city's architectural evolution.