Katedrala Svateho Ducha (Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) and Bila Vez (White Tower), Hradec Kralove, Kralovehradecky kraj, Bohemia (CZ), 2009

Two of the most important attractions in the center of Hradec Kralove are the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, on the right, and the White Tower, on the left. The Cathedral was built in 1307, but did not achieve the status of a Cathedral until the founding of the Diocese of Hradec Kralove in 1664. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1864, 1874, and 1901, giving it its present appearance. The White Tower, added in 1589, was constructed to hold an astronomical clock (removed in 1829) and an enormous 10-ton bell, the Augustine Bell, which is still in the tower today. The "new" clock from 1829 is interesting in its own right, in that the long hand indicates hours, and the short one minutes. Originally run by traditional clockwork, it has since been converted to electric motion, although the original motion has been preserved. At 71.5 meters in height, the tower also makes a good observation tower, and is open to the public for this purpose. Needless to say, the giant bell is not normally active, as it was always manually operated anyway.