Rokytnice v Orlických horách is a town in Rychnov nad Kněžnou District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 2,200 inhabitants. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

Administrative parts

The village of Nebeská Rybná is an administrative part of Rokytnice v Orlických horách.

Etymology

The original name of the local stream was Rokytnice and the name was transferred to the town. The name of the stream was derived from the old Czech word rokyta (i.e. 'willow') and from the adjective rokytná, meaning "flowing between willows".

Geography

Rokytnice v Orlických horách is located about 13 km east of Rychnov nad Kněžnou and 44 km east of Hradec Králové. It lies in the Orlické Mountains. The highest point is a mountain at 951 m above sea level. The Rokytenka Stream flows through the town. The Zdobnice River flows along the western municipal border.

Climate

Rokytnice v Orlických horách has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb; Trewartha: Dclo). The annual average temperature is 7.6 C, the hottest month in July is 17.5 C, and the coldest month is -2.4 C in January. The annual precipitation is 906.5 mm, of which July is the wettest with 106.7 mm, while April is the driest with only 45.8 mm. The extreme temperature throughout the year ranged from -25.4 C on 12 January 1987 to 35.2 C on 27 July 1983.

History

The first written mention of Rokytnice v Orlických horách is from 1318. In 1548, a water fortress was built. From 1567, Rokytnice was owned by various German noble families and colonized by German people, especially craftsmen. From 1712 to 1938, the Jewish community was present. The Germans made up the majority of population until 1945, when they were expelled.

Demographics

Transport

The railway line of local importance to Doudleby nad Orlicí starts here.

Sights

The most valuable building is the Rokytnice v Orlických horách Castle. It was built in 1600 during the rule of Kryštof Mauschwitz of Armenruh, who has demolished the old fortress and had built the late Renaissance castle. The Church of All Saints was built in 1679–1684 on the site of a wooden church from the 14th century, which was destroyed by a fire in 1661.

Notable people