Shortly after the death of King George the Podebrady Castle passed into the possession of the Czech crown and with the arrival of the Hapsburgs onto the Czech throne, it was changed from the original fortress into a royal Renaissance residence specifically for the occasional stays of members of the ruling family connected with hunting and other entertainment. From then until now it has witnessed many events of which the most important, in current terms, happened in 1905.

     The chateau lacked a sufficient water supply. The estate owner, Prince Hohenlohe decided to dig a well on the second courtyard on the advice of the water witcher Bullow. For a long time it seemed that the attempt would be fruitless. Only upon reaching a depth of over 90 meters did a strong spring of water rich in mineral agents and with a large content of gas spring forth. After this discovery the dynamic development of Podebrady as a spa began, based on the healing effects of this water. Its popularity mainly in the period between the wars enabled an urban transformation visible even now connected with founding parks inside the city and forest parks outside.

    
The spa offers its services mainly to patients with illnesses of the circulatory system and diabetes but they also provide healthy people with relaxation, reconditioning and recreational stays completed with preventive diagnostic tests, refreshing water treatments and similar pleasures. All of this can be complemented by walks and pleasure trips in the surrounding area, rides on bikes or a trip on a restaurant ship, a rich offer of culture and also sports within each person's capabilities.

     It is possible to play tennis, ride a horse, occupy yourself with golf, yachting or sports shooting. A municipal sports hall is at your disposal. Also a natural swimming pool, The Lake, offers its services in the summer. The spa, the city and also other organizers arrange concerts of all musical genres, entertainment programmes and lectures. Also cultural events of nation-wide and international importance are usually accessible to the public such as the Prix Bohemia Radio Festival, the Crystal Heart Film and TV Festival, horse racing, the Podebrady Fifty walking race, the Meyra Cup Paraplegic Race and others.

     Podebrady has only a little industry. The most important is the glass industry which was started more than 120 years ago and which has developed from a purely utility assortment as far as master lead crystal work. A rich assortment of cut glass can be found in more shops. Also painted glass and decorated glass in different styles is available. The products bearing the registered trade mark of Bohemia Glassworks Inc. are sought all over the world and they are highly appreciated.

     A high level of education is supported by the presence of the Institute of Language and Special Preparation which is an institution of Charles University along with other secondary schools. The most important of them is the George of Podebrady Gymnasium which celebrated 50 years from its founding in 1997 and it is known for also initially providing accommodation with several scouting elements. Some of its students have gained significant importance. Among them belong our present president Vaclav Havel, film director Milos Forman, Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski and others.

     The hotel and restaurant capacities of the Podebrady city are ample and at a very good standard.