The Great Pardubice Steeplechase, the Golden Helmet Motorcycle Speedway Race and gingerbread are well-established icons that are symbols of Pardubice well know in Czech Republic and abroad. Pardubice is a pleasant city with a rich history and eventful present times. Culture and sport form integral parts of life in the city of Pardubice. Pardubice has a population of more than ninety thousand, is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Labe and Chrudimka, just an hour of journey by train from Prague. The first preserved evidence about the town existence dates from 1295.
In 1340, when already having its status of a town, was inherited by Ernest of Pardubice who became the first Archbishop of Prague later on. In 1491 was purchased by William of Pernštejn, the most powerful nobleman of the Bohemian Kingdom at that time. In addition to developing the town and his estate, he launched a late-Gothic reconstruction of the local water castle. His sons, Adalbert and John, continued with it in Renaissance style. This unique conversation of a defensive water castle into a large and comfortable chateau can be admired till the present time. However, we can thank the Pernštejn family for the whole historical town centre with its Renaissance town square, picturesque narrow alleys and the dominant of Pardubice – the Green Gate.
Every year many sports events are organized here, as well as many cultural and social events, such as Pardubice Music Spring, Festival of Laughter, City Festivities or Aviation Fair at the Pardubice Airport. In the field of sports Pardubice is renowned for horse races, in particular for the Great Pardubice Steeplechase and its famous Taxis moat. Other traditional sports events include the tennis Junior Championship, the Golden Helmet Motorcycle Speedway Race and the International Festival of Chess, Bridge and Games – Czech Open.