Vlašim
Vlašim (Czech pronunciation: [ˈvlaʃɪm]; German: Wlaschim) is a town in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has 12,689 inhabitants. River Blanice runs through Vlašim. Medium age of inhabitants is 36.8 years.
History
According to archeologists, first inhabitants established first housing estates as long as 30 thousand years ago. About 4000 years ago, the place was inhabited by the Kelts, later came Germans and Slovenes nations. Town of Vlasim was founded in the 13th century. The castle history dates back to 1303. A fortress was here founded in 1318 by Hynek from Vlašim.
Location
Vlašim lies only 70 kilometers south-east from the capital, Prague. Thanks to the absence of big factories the scenic nature stayed almost untouched and the town hides several romantic places to discover. Vlasim is known for its castle and English style park with many romantic architecture masterpieces such as Chinese pavilion, Old castle and three beautiful gates. Also the surrounding offers visitors various choices how to spend pleasant moments in peaceful nature, away from Prague city hustle. Enjoy many original brands of renowned Czech bear and delicious dishes for really countryside prices. Play tennis, cycle the countryside, swim in swimming pool with roller coaster, watch your favorite movie in summer open-sky cinema or stars in Vlasim´s star observatory. Climb up the wooden view-tower in the top of Blaník hill known for its fabulous and mystical tales of Saint Vaclav (you know famous Wenceslas square in Prague, don´t you). He sleeps inside the hill waiting with his knights for the worst times ready to help and save the Czech country from every evil. So you can be sure, this area is highly secure.
Town of contasts
Tourists can experience several contrasts in the town, which will help them better understand the history of the Czech Republic. Next to old romantic English park with beautiful castle and picturesque small architectures from the 18th century, one can see testimony to communist era such as prefab panel buildings. Their originally gray dullness got new spirit with more optimistic colors many houses got in last years. The area is proud of several new fountains that gave postmodernist touch to the area. Church of Saint Jiljí originally built in Romanic style features late Gothic alterations with minor renaissance and baroque elements. Really old historical buildings are found around Husovo and Žižkovo square (in Czech "náměstí"). Local atmosphere gets you several hundred years back in time.
Traffic channels
By car: Use Motorway D1 from Prague- direction to Brno. Takes less than one hour. By bus: Frequent buses go to Vlasim from Prague Metro stations Florenc (Metro Line C and B) and Roztyly (Metro Line C). It take one to two hours. By train: Trains go from Prague´s Hlavní nádraží to Vlasim almost as frequently as buses. It takes up to two hours. Vlasim has new well organised bus and train station in the centre.
Festivals
1 May is a well recognised and popular celebration not only for locals. It is bank holiday and people enjoy to go to the centre and castle area and enjoy concerts from local and national artists, horse racing, theatre shows for kids and grown ups, fashion shows, galleries and delicious local refreshment (beer is not missing).
Climate
Winters in Vlašim area are cold and the countryside is often covered with snow since November. One can expect light snow showers even in March. Summer and autumn is usually warm and pleasant time for visiting.
Economy
Unemployment rate was 3.8 in 2006. Low unemployment is connected to the favorable proximity to the capital, where many locals managed to find their jobs. Commuting to Prague is very common in Vlasim. The most significant engineering factory in Vlašim is SELLIER & BELLOT manufacturing munition. Packaging machinery companies are also successful world wide and employ local people. In 2010, unemployment increased up to 6.69 as a result of recession wave worldwide which decreased the demand for exported products.
[edit] Places to visits in the area
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Coordinates: 49°42′N 14°54′E / 49.7°N 14.9°E
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