Pardubice: Old Town, Castle and Horse Racing

• Pardubice lies in East Bohemia, at the confluence of the Elbe and Chrudimka rivers.
• The castle combines late Gothic architecture with Renaissance interiors and wall paintings.
• The Pernštejn family shaped the development of the residence in the 16th century.
• Pardubice gingerbread and the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase are well-known local traditions.
• The major steeplechase meeting traditionally falls on the second Sunday in October.
• The old town, castle and racecourse are separate visitor destinations.

Pardubice Castle developed from a late Gothic residence and acquired Renaissance features under Vilém of Pernštejn and his sons Vojtěch and Jan. Wall paintings and painted coffered ceilings have been preserved in the Knights’ Halls; the earliest decoration dates from the first decades of the 16th century. The fortifications and moat also make the complex recognisable from the outside as a fortified residence.

The Pernštejn family acquired Pardubice in 1491 and established their main seat in Bohemia there. After selling the estate to the king in 1560, the castle ceased to serve as an aristocratic residence. It was remodelled in the Baroque style in the 18th century, although its basic layout remained largely unchanged. Its successive uses—from late Gothic residence to Renaissance enlargement and later adaptations—explain the different architectural features.

The castle is close to the historic centre. A walking tour of the town can link the castle grounds with the Green Gate, the tower at the entrance to the old town, and the Catholic Church of St Bartholomew. The colourful façades of the Renaissance houses add to the route through the city centre. The castle of Pardubice is a destination in its own right, with a museum and historic interiors. For cultural trips in East Bohemia, Hradec Králové offers a different architectural and urban character from Pardubice.

Pardubice gingerbread is a well-known regional speciality. Its tradition brings together craftsmanship, local history and the sweet cuisine of Bohemia, adding a culinary highlight to a town walk. Equestrian sport is part of life in the city throughout the year, but the Velká Pardubická steeplechase meeting is a separate event at the racecourse, not part of a visit to the centre.

The Velká Pardubická Steeplechase has been held since 1874. The organiser traditionally schedules the main race day for the second Sunday in October. In 2026, the 136th running took place on 11 October; the previous year, the organiser had published this date together with the race start time and ticket information. For future years, check the event calendar announced by the organiser. On race day, getting to and from the racecourse and allowing time for entry add to the schedule for exploring the old town and castle.

Other stops on a trip to Czechia might include the capital, Prague, and Kutná Hora, with its history as a silver-mining town. Pilsen, Mělník, Karlovy Vary and Terezín are in other regions and require additional travel time. For other cultural events, the venue and start time shape the length of a trip; events in Czechia offer further reasons to travel.

Pardubice can be reached by road and rail as a stop in its own right in East Bohemia. Getting there and getting around determine whether the castle, old town and racecourse can all be visited on the same day. A visit to the horse races involves a different travel and return schedule from a typical town walk, so trip planning should take the event date and accommodation needs into account. If staying overnight, choose accommodation in Czechia according to the day’s plans: for the castle and old town, a central location matters; on race day, look for a convenient connection to the racecourse.

A longer stay lets you spread out visits to the city centre, river and castle at a more relaxed pace. Racecourse visitors should plan their trip around the published race day; visitors to the castle should check the regular museum opening hours. On a regional tour, Hradec Králové and Pilsen can each be a destination for a full day. On a trip around Czechia, practical everyday topics include not only visits to places but also money and payments, staying safe while travelling and language and communication. To learn more about the city’s historical background, combine your visit with culture and history.

What time did the main race start in 2026?

The organiser scheduled the start of the 136th running, on 11 October 2026, for 3:30 p.m. This time applied to that race day.

When does the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase take place?

Race day traditionally falls on the second Sunday in October. The 136th edition took place on 11 October 2026; for later editions, check the organiser’s programme.

Which architectural periods are represented in the castle?

The castle combines features of a late Gothic residence with Renaissance interiors, wall paintings and later Baroque alterations. The Pernštejn family shaped its Renaissance expansion in the early 16th century.

How can race day be combined with a visit to the town?

The racecourse and historic centre are separate destinations. Travel to and from the racecourse requires its own schedule, so it is better to set aside a separate block of time for the castle and old town.

What is Pardubice known for besides horse racing?

Pardubice gingerbread is one of the region’s traditions. The late Gothic castle, with its Renaissance interiors, is the city’s main historic attraction.