Česky
Today, 70 years on, we know how this story unfolded. We know that what began as a simple wish back then has indeed grown into a place that has become an integral part of life across the entire region. But before Hospital Hořovice became a reality, it was a long journey filled with determination, obstacles, public fundraising campaigns and the simple human desire to have healthcare closer to home.
Let’s go back in time for a moment and recall how it all began.
A hospital that first existed only in people’s imaginations
The idea of having a hospital in Hořovice first emerged as early as the late 19th century. However, its realisation was long delayed, and the residents of Hořovice and the surrounding villages had to travel to Beroun or Příbram for hospital care.
The need for a local healthcare facility became fully apparent during the First World War. At that time, the Sokol Hall in Hořovice served as a military field hospital. A few years later, the town was struck by a typhoid epidemic. Dozens of patients had to be transported to Příbram, and a public health and sanitation convoy from Brno also arrived in Hořovice at that time.
However, even these experiences did not mean that a local hospital would be built any time soon. The Hořovice region still had to wait for its establishment.
When the whole of the Hořovice region pitched in for the Hospital Hořovice
After the Second World War, the idea of having a hospital of its own gained new momentum. A preparatory committee was formed and public fundraising began. Contributions came from the residents of Hořovice and neighbouring villages, employees of local businesses, and others who cared deeply about the hospital’s establishment.
It wasn’t just money that helped. People also donated equipment and other items needed for the hospital’s future operation. Before the new hospital building could be constructed, a temporary medical facility also operated in Hořovice Castle.
By the early 1950s, the plans were beginning to take shape. A site had been chosen, a building committee had been formed, and the design was being prepared. After years of planning, fundraising and waiting, the moment was finally approaching when the idea of a hospital was to be transformed into a real building.
The day Hořovice set out to fulfil its shared aspiration
In 1956, the laying of the foundation stone was a major event for the whole of the Hořovice region. Buses arrived in the town from across the district, and thousands of people made their way to the ceremony. Contemporary reports describe a packed Hořovice and a long procession, the front of which had already reached Karlštejn Castle whilst its rearguard was still leaving the square.
The big day was also accompanied by a cultural programme. Dvořák’s *Rusalka* was performed in the castle park, watched by an audience of around 3,000. The Water Sprite was also present, emerging directly from the castle pond during the performance.
The foundation stone itself held significant symbolism. It was brought from a forest near Hostomice, and stones from other nearby villages were also laid in the foundations. The hospital was thus intended from the outset to be a joint endeavour of the entire region.
Among those attending the ceremony was an elderly woman who wished the builders plenty of strength and good health so that they might complete the hospital as soon as possible. She also expressed the hope that no war wounded would ever have to be brought there and that, on the contrary, as many healthy children as possible would be born there.
At that moment, no one could have imagined how prophetic her words would one day prove to be.
Not even a fire could halt the construction
However, the path to completing the hospital was not without obstacles. One night in February 1959, a fire broke out at the building site. The town’s fire siren was not working at the time, so firefighters and paramedics had to rush to the scene. An ambulance even drove through the town calling for further assistance.
The fire damaged part of the roof, but it did not halt construction. Work continued and the hospital gradually neared completion.
On 9 July 1961, the new hospital opened its doors
After years of planning, fundraising and construction, 9 July 1961 saw the grand opening of the new hospital.
The previous evening, Rossini’s *The Barber of Seville* had been performed in the castle park . The following day, a ceremonial procession set off from Hořovice’s main square towards the hospital, and people were able to see the building they had been waiting for so long for the first time.
The dream of that time had become a reality. And the story of Hospital Hořovice could continue – this time through the day-to-day care of patients and the work of healthcare professionals and other staff.
Seven decades later, we look back on this moment.
Let us commemorate the 70th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone
On Wednesday 23 September 2026, from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm, we invite the general public to the Hospital Hořovice grounds to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone.
Visitors can look forward to an exhibition charting seven decades of the hospital’s history, highlighting key moments and the transformations the hospital has undergone during its existence.
The programme will also feature a health and prevention zone, where visitors can learn more about looking after their health and will have the chance to take a look behind the scenes at selected departments.
Free parking will be provided for guests and patients on the day . You can use the patient car park in front of the hospital or the ‘U Sluneční brány’ car park near the hospital. Staff will be on hand at both car parks to help direct you and ensure the parking process runs smoothly.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
