Kolín

Kolín (ˈkoliːn) is a town in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic some 55 kilometres east from Prague, lying on the Elbe river.

History

Kolín was founded by king Přemysl Otakar II in the 13th century under the name Colonia nova (New Colony) (first mentioned in 1261). Later on, 1437, a castle was founded here. Between 1475-1488, Hynek ze Strážnic, a Renaissance writer and son of King George of Poděbrady, lived in the Kolín Castle.

The Battle of Kolín was fought on June 18, 1757 during the Seven Years' War, and is reported to be one of the fiercest battles of this war.

Historical centre of the town has many gothic and baroque buildings. Most notable are main market (Karls Square), the Jewish ghetto and synagogue, very old and large Jewish cemetery, the St. Bartholomeus Church from the 13th century (work of architect Peter Parler).

Kolín Today

A new automobile factory by TPCA consortium, employing 3,000 people and built with expenses about 1.5 billion EUR, had opened on the northern edge of the town in spring 2005; its capacity is 300,000 cars a year.

Important inhabitants

• Jakub Krčín z Jelčan, 16th century pond and dam constructer
• Jan Rosacius, 17th century priest and writer
• Karel Leger, 19th century poet
• Otokar Fischer (1883-1938), playwright, translator, poet and critic
• Josef Svatopluk Machar, 20th century writer
• Bohdan Ulihrach, professional tennis player
• Václav Morávek, Czech soldier and hero of anti-nazi rezistance
• Josef Sudek, Czech photographer, best known for his haunting night-scapes of Prague.
• Frank Daniel, Czech screenwriter, teacher, producer, and director
• Jean-Gaspard Deburau, Bohemian-French actor and mime.

Other famous people connected with Kolín

• Terezie Brzková - Czech actress was born there in 1875.

External links

• Municipal website
• Link to Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile
• unofficial web site about the beautiful Czech City - Kolín