Pardubice

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Pardubice, Czech Republic
Image:Pardubice coat of arms.svg
Region (kraj)	Pardubice (Pardubický)
Population	88,741 (2004)
Area	78 km²
Coordinates	50°02′ N 15°46′ E
Elevation	N/A
Founded	N/A
Website	www.mesto-pardubice.cz
Image:Location of Czech city Pardubice.png

Pardubice listen (help·info) capital of the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic on the Labe (Elbe) river. Pardubice is 104 km east of Prague.

The city was founded circa 1340 but there was 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).

Image:Pardubice CZ main square.JPG

The Green Tower (Zelená brána) and the historical city centre

Image:Saint Bartolomeo Church, Pardubice, Czech Republic.jpg

Since 1874, a famous horse race, Great Pardubice Steeplechase (Velká Pardubická) has taken place every fall (usually mid-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 league, HC Pardubice. The local hockey club has bred international stars such as Dominik Hašek, Otakar Janecký, Aleš Hemský (all natives of Pardubice) and Milan Hejduk.

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.

Arnošt of Pardubice, the first archbishop of Prague, was born in Pardubice in 1297.