Kladno
Template:Geobox Kladno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈkladno]; Template:Lang-de) is the biggest city in the Central Bohemian Region (Středočeský kraj) of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Prague. Kladno is the largest city of the region and holds a population together with its adjacent suburban areas of more than 110,000 people (70,000 in Kladno proper). The city is part of the Prague metropolitan area.
History
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The first written evidence of Kladno dates back to the 14th century. In 1561 the city rights were secured. Until 1918, the town was part of the Austrian monarchy (Austrian side after the compromise of 1867), head of the Kladno district, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia.[1]
Economy
Kladno was the historical birthplace of heavy industry in Bohemia. For years, the town was home to the Poldi steel factory, the region's largest employer. The factory still stands but has been divided into smaller entities after privatisation and changes in ownership. The mining industry began here in 1842. A post-office was opened in 1863.[2] The proximity to Prague helped to keep the local economy stable in spite of the heavy industrial decline after the collapse of the communist regime. A series of Western European companies has established production in Kladno, including Quickstep Laminate Floors, Dr. Oetker, NKT Cables and Lego.
Notable natives
- Jiří Dienstbier, former deputy in Parliament of the Czech Republic senator of Kladno, presidential nominant.
- Anton Čermák, mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1931–1933, was born here (as Antonín Čermák) in 1873.[3]
- Zdeněk Miler, animator and illustrator (creator of The Mole character).
- Antonin Raymond, Czech American architect noted for projects in Japan and the United States
- Petr Pithart, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic was born here in 1941.
- Jaromír Jágr, ice hockey player for the Florida Panthers.[4]
- Michal Pivoňka, former ice hockey player for the Washington Capitals. Twice led his team in scoring (1991–1992, 1995–1996).[5]
- Tomáš Plekanec, ice hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens.[6]
- Ondřej Pavelec, ice hockey goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets.[7]
- Jiří Tlustý, ice hockey player for the Winnipeg Jets.
- Jakub Voráček, ice hockey player for the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Michael Frolík, ice hockey player for the Calgary Flames
- Jiří Sekáč, ice hockey player for the Anaheim Ducks.[8]
- František Kaberle, former ice hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes.[9]
International relations
Twin towns — Sister cities
Vitry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne, Île-de-France, France[10]
Bellevue, WA, United States[10][11]
Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany[10]
Wednesbury, Sandwell, West Midlands, England, UK
Kladno has a partnership with:
Podolsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia[12]
Trivia
- On Prison Break, Nika Volek, played by Holly Valance has family in Kladno.
- One of the main Lego production facilities is located here.[13]
Notes
- ^ Die postalischen Abstempelungen auf den österreichischen Postwertzeichen-Ausgaben 1867, 1883 und 1890, Wilhelm KLEIN, 1967
- ^ Handbook of Austria and Lombardy-Venetia Cancellations on the Postage Stamp Issues 1850-1864, by Edwin MUELLER, 1961
- ^ "Biography of Mayor Anton J. Cermak". Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Jaromir Jagr". Retrieved 19 July 2012.
- ^ "Michal Pivonka". Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Tomas Plekanec". Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Ondrej Pavelec". Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "Jiri Sekac Anaheim Ducks - 2014-2015 Stats". Retrieved 11 November 2014.
- ^ "Frantisek Kaberle". Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Partnerská města Kladna" (in Czech). 1 December 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Washington's Sister Cities, Counties, States and Ports". Washington State Lieutenant Governor's Office.
- ^ "Podolsk sister cities". Translate.google.com. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
- ^ "New expansion of the LEGO factory in Czech Republic". LEGO.com. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
External links
