Pardubice (pronounced ; ) is the capital city of the Pardubice Region, Czech Republic, lying on the river Elbe, 104 km east of Prague.

The city was founded ca. 1340 but there had already been a monastery since the early 13th century.

Pardubice is an important industrial city: there is Synthesia, a chemical factory (manufacturer of Semtex, a plastic explosive), an oil refinery Paramo, a heavy machinery factory and an electronic equipment plant. There is also a Taiwanese-owned factory established in June 2000(Foxconn) which produces computer parts for major computer manufacturers such as Compaq and Apple. This factory has used free labour resources left after the collapse of a former electronics manufacturer, Tesla (which in the past produced the Tamara passive sensor, followed by VERA passive sensor). Pardubice is also home to one of the greatest NHL goaltenders of all time, Dominik Hasek.

The Green Tower (Zelená v??) and the historical city centre

St Bartholomew's Church on Republic Square in Pardubice

Since 1874, a famous horse race, Great Pardubice Steeplechase (Velká Pardubická) has taken place every fall (second Sunday in October). It is said to be the toughest horse race on the continent. The Czech Open Chess Tournament is the biggest in Europe, with roughly 1200 players from all over the world competing in the main groups, and many side-events such as a team championship and Go-tournament. Pardubice is home to one of the top hockey teams in the Czech Extraliga, HC Pardubice. The local hockey club has bred international stars such as Dominik Ha?ek, Otakar Janecký, Ale? Hemský, Jan Bulis (all natives of Pardubice) and Milan Hejduk. Former NBA player Ji?í Welsch is also a native of the city.

Pardubice has an antique centre square and old town, with many restaurants that stay open until late in the evening. There is an old Tower and a recently renovated Castle.

Arno?t of Pardubice, the first archbishop of Prague, was born in Pardubice in 1297.

There is a growing Jewish community in the area.

Notable People

• Ales Hemsky, NHL hockey player

Sister cities

• Doetinchem, Netherlands
• Merano, Italy
• Pernik, Bulgaria
• Rosignano Marittimo, Italy
• Schönebeck, Germany
• Selb, Germany
• Se?ana, Slovenia
• Skellefteĺ, Sweden
• Vysoké Tatry, Slovakia
• Waregem, Belgium

External links

• Official website
• Pardubice at the official website of the Czech Republic, Czech.cz
• Refinery PARAMO Pardubice
• University of Pardubice
• Hockey Club Pardubice (in Czech)

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