Opočno is a small town situated at the feet of the Orlické Hory mountains. It combines the atmosphere and tradition of the past with the activities and amenities of the present. The town has about 3,500 inhabitants. It possesses a lovely character, drawing from its heritage of the natural setting and history. It is a base for recreation and trips to the Orlické Hory mountains. The history of the town begins in the llth century and Opočno ranks among the most ancient towns of the Czech Republic. A Renaissance castle built in 1562-1567 dominates the town. In the l8th century, the castle was rebuilt in the baroque style and it can boast of rich collections of paintings and armoury. Other significant monuments of the town are the Holy Trinity Church, the former St Andrew's Chapel, the GothicRenaissance summer- house which was rebuilt in the baroque style after 1600, the Capuchin Monastery with the Christ's Birth Church from 1676-1678, the Marian Post built in 1718, and many other monuments. Opočno attained the status of a historical monument. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and a hunting deer-park which becomes increasingly popular. The Broumar Pond offers recreation and swimming, the town itself has a sports stadium with tennis courts, and an artificial skating and ice-hockey rink. Sküng is popular and skiers can enjoy the slopes of the Orlické Hory mountains. Every year, at the beginning of October, the falconers come and demonstrate the art of falcon hunting. There is a tradition of the Hubertus's Fall Ride and many visitors come to see the fish clearance from the Broumar Pond. Opočno is a place of specialised medical symposia. Every first weekend in August, the traditional country fair is held, linked with the tradition of the local Capuchin Monastery. Opočno has a rich cultural tradition and works of many artists are exhibited in the Kupka Exhibition Hall. The very popular concerts of classical music tahe place in the summer-house and in the churches of Opočno.