Bílé Poličany

Bílé Poličany is a small village and municipality in the Trutnov District of the Hradec Králové Region in the Czech Republic, best known for the chateau standing above its houses. With only around 150-200 residents, the settlement is tiny, yet its history stretches back to the Middle Ages and involves several noble families who reshaped the local stronghold over the centuries.

Where is Bílé Poličany located?

The municipality sits in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic, in the Podkrkonoší area, within Trutnov District and the Hradec Králové Region. As of 2014 the population stood at 155, making it one of the smaller municipalities in the district. The surrounding countryside is rural, marked by open fields and gentle hills typical of the foothills leading up to the Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains.

What is the history behind the local chateau?

A fortified seat already existed here in the 13th century, though records of it disappear after 1541, when the original stronghold went out of use. At the end of the 16th century the Valdštejn family had a new Renaissance residence built on the same site, with construction finished in 1589. The estate then passed to the Kotulínský family, who held it until 1804, when they relocated to Styria. It was under Kotulínský ownership, in 1725, that the Renaissance building was converted into a single-story Baroque chateau. A later owner, Princess Rosa of Hohenlohe, added the right wing to the structure. Toward the end of the 19th century a fire damaged the building, after which it was rebuilt as a two-story structure with a round tower, in the plain, unadorned form still visible today.

What can visitors see and do in Bílé Poličany today?

The chateau remains the village's central landmark and now operates as a hotel, offering both short stays and longer-term accommodation as well as space for meetings and conferences. For visitors, this means the building can be experienced from the inside during an overnight stay rather than only viewed from outside. Beyond the chateau, the village keeps the quiet, agricultural character typical of the region, without much tourist infrastructure of its own - it works better as a brief stop while passing through the area than as a full day-trip destination on its own.

How do you get to Bílé Poličany?

The village lies roughly 7 kilometers northeast of Hořice and about 10 kilometers southwest of Dvůr Králové nad Labem, positioning it conveniently between the two towns. The surrounding region connects the lowlands around Hradec Králové with the Krkonoše foothills, so a car journey from either town typically takes only a short while.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people live in Bílé Poličany? According to 2014 data, the village had 155 inhabitants. It ranks among the smaller municipalities in Trutnov District, with a distinctly rural setting and layout.

What is the main attraction in Bílé Poličany? The main attraction is the local chateau, whose origins trace back to a medieval fortress from the 13th century. Today the building functions as a hotel with rooms and event space.

Which families shaped the chateau's history? The Valdštejn family built the Renaissance residence at the end of the 16th century, the Kotulínský family converted it into a Baroque chateau in 1725, and Princess Rosa of Hohenlohe later added the right wing.

How do you reach Bílé Poličany? The village is located about 7 km northeast of Hořice and 10 km southwest of Dvůr Králové nad Labem, in the Podkrkonoší area of the Hradec Králové Region.

Can you stay overnight in Bílé Poličany? Yes, the former chateau now operates as a hotel offering both short and long-term accommodation along with conference facilities, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding area.