Rakovník

Rakovník (Czech pronunciation: [ˈrakovɲiːk], German: Rakonitz) is a town in the western part of the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has a population of about 16,000. It is located between the cities of Prague and Plzeň, in varying landscape and the huge forest of Křivoklát. The location of the town influenced and still influences the way of life of the inhabitants.

Rakovník
Town
Saint Bartholomew Church
Flag
Coat of arms
Rakovník
Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50°6′14″N 13°44′0″E
Country Czech Republic
RegionCentral Bohemian
DistrictRakovník
First mentioned1252
Government
 • MayorLuděk Štíbr
Area
 • Total18.5 km2 (7.1 sq mi)
Elevation
322 m (1,056 ft)
Population
 (2019-01-01[1])
 • Total15,709
 • Density850/km2 (2,200/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
269 01, 269 02
Websitewww.mesto-rakovnik.cz

History

The first evidence of the settlement of the town is known from 1252. Křivoklát was the administrative centre at this time. Rakovník was a market village which together with other villages lies in and adds to the surroundings of Křivoklát Castle. A great development of the town was fulfilled in the 19th century. It was the beginning of independent offices, new houses and a time when new streets were built. Some new roads were built and old roads repaired and Rakovník was connected to the surroundings towns. A grammar school was opened in 1833, where Zikmund Winter, a well-known writer used to teach in 1874–1884. In 1875 Otta´s soap factory was opened. It was later called “Rakona” and today it is “Procter & Gamble.” In 1883 a ceramic factory was established, now it is “Rakovník´s ceramic establishment.” Until 1918, Rakovník - Rakonitz was part of the Austrian monarchy (Austria side after the compromise of 1867), in the district of the same name, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia.[2] With the 20th century the development of social and cultural life increased dramatically. Masaryk´s Business Academy, gymnasium and hospital were also built. The two world wars did change life in Rakovník at all. There were no actual fights in Rakovník itself but a lot of people died in concentration camps. The most affected were Jewish families. In 1950 Rakovník became a district town. Today’s borders of our district are from 1960. When Rakovník got over the crises of the wars a lot of people came to the town.[3]

Economy

The Rakovník Brewery was founded in 1454. It is one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. The beers are marketed under the brand Bakalář.[4][5]

Sights

The centre of the town is historically significant and is protected by law as Urban monument zone. Its main feature is the 400 metre-long Hus Square, which is the 2nd longest square in the Czech Republic.[6] On the square is located the 16th-century town hall with a late Baroque façade. The interior of the town hall is decorated with a ceiling fresco depicting the town of Rakovník as it was 250 years ago.

The eastern part of the square is dominated by the high Gothic Decanal Church of St. Bartholomew, a 14th-century structure. The church was built on the site of an older church dedicated to St. Nicholas. Adjacent to the church stands a bell tower dating from 1495. It is considered as the most precious gothic bell tower in the Czech Republic and one of the most precious in Europe. The bell has a diameter of 1.6 metres.[6]

Notable people

Twin towns – sister cities
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in the Czech Republic

Rakovník is twinned with:[7]

References
  1. "Population of municipalities of the Czech republic". Czech Statistical Office. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  2. Die postalischen Abstempelungen auf den österreichischen Postwertzeichen-Ausgaben 1867, 1883 und 1890, Wilhelm Klein, 1967
  3. http://www.czechcities.eu/rakovnik/
  4. http://www.rakovnikbeer.cz/ Czech Brewery Rakovník (in English, Czech and German)
  5. Brewery Rakovník - Pivovary.Info
  6. "V Rakovníku stojí nejcennější pozdně gotická zvonice v Česku. Má bohatou minulost" (in Czech). Český rozhlas. 15 December 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  7. "Zajímavé odkazy" (in Czech). Město Rakovník. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
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