Nový Knín

Nový Knín
Town
View from the northeast
Flag Coat of arms
Nový Knín Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 49°47′17″N 14°17′37″E
Country	Czech Republic
Region	Central Bohemian
District	Příbram
First mentioned	1186
Area
• Total	29.62 km^2 (11.44 sq mi)
Elevation	307 m (1,007 ft)
Population  (2024-01-01)[1]
• Total	2,126
• Density	72/km^2 (190/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	262 03
Website	www.mestonovyknin.cz

Nový Knín is a town in Příbram District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 2,100 inhabitants. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

Administrative parts

The villages of Chramiště, Kozí Hory, Libčice and Sudovice are administrative parts of Nový Knín.

Etymology

The initial name of the settlement was probably Kněnín and was derived from the Czech word kněžna (i.e. 'princess'). The form was then shortened to Knín. Two settlements were originally distinguished – Starý Knín ('old Knín') and Nový Knín ('new Knín'), but they gradually merged.[2]

Geography

Nový Knín is located about 23 kilometres (14 mi) northeast of Příbram and 25 km (16 mi) south of Prague. It lies in the Benešov Uplands. The highest point is the hill Besídka at 516 m (1,693 ft) above sea level. The Kocába River flows through the town.

History

Mincovna with the Museum of Gold

The first written mention of Nový Knín is from 1186, when members of the Přemyslid dynasty, dukes Frederick and Conrad II agreed and signed here the final annexation of Moravia to Bohemia. In the 14th century, Nový Knín became the centre of gold mining in the area and became a prospering mining town. A school, brewery and vineyard were established here. Gold mining was suspended during the Hussite Wars. It was later renewed several times, but always on a significantly smaller scale than in the 14th century.[3]

Demographics

Historical population

Year Pop. ±% 1869 2,419 —     1880 2,487 +2.8% 1890 2,401 −3.5% 1900 2,327 −3.1% 1910 2,381 +2.3%	Year Pop. ±% 1921 2,336 −1.9% 1930 2,237 −4.2% 1950 1,780 −20.4% 1961 1,945 +9.3% 1970 1,917 −1.4%	Year Pop. ±% 1980 1,867 −2.6% 1991 1,716 −8.1% 2001 1,731 +0.9% 2011 1,952 +12.8% 2021 2,007 +2.8%
Source: Censuses[4][5]

Transport

There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.

Sights

Church of Saint Nicholas

The landmark of Nový Knín is the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was originally a Romanesque church from the second half of the 12th century, first documented in 1186. In 1773–1774, it was baroque rebuilt, but several romanesque elements have been preserved.[6]

The so-called Mincovna (meaning "mint") is a historical Renaissance building from the 16th century, with an Empire style façade from 1810. The building is linked to gold mining in the region. It originally served as the seat of a royal official, today it houses the Museum of Gold.[7]

Twin towns – sister cities

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

Nový Knín is twinned with:[8]

• Ledro, Italy

References

1. "Population of Municipalities – 1 January 2024". Czech Statistical Office. 2024-05-17.
2. Profous, Antonín (1949). Místní jména v Čechách II: CH–L (in Czech). p. 261.
3. "Město: Historie" (in Czech). Město Nový Knín. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
4. "Historický lexikon obcí České republiky 1869–2011" (in Czech). Czech Statistical Office. 2015-12-21.
5. "Population Census 2021: Population by sex". Public Database. Czech Statistical Office. 2021-03-27.
6. "Kostel sv. Mikuláše" (in Czech). National Heritage Institute. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
7. "Mincovna" (in Czech). National Heritage Institute. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
8. "Valle di Ledro" (in Czech). Město Příbram. Retrieved 2024-05-24.

External links

• Official website