Kladno

Kladno
Town
Kladno Town Hall
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Czech Republic
Region	Central Bohemian
District	Kladno
Elevation	384 m (1,260 ft)
Coordinates	50°9′N 14°6′E / 50.15°N 14.1°E / 50.15; 14.1
Area	36.9 km2 (14.2 sq mi)
Population	70,003 (As of 2004[update])
Density	1,897 /km2 (4,913 /sq mi)
First mentioned	14th century
Mayor	Dan Jiránek
Postal code	272 01
Location in the Czech Republic
Wikimedia Commons: Kladno
Website: www.mestokladno.cz

Kladno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈkladno]) is a city in the Central Bohemian Region (Středočeský kraj) of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 km 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.

History

The first written evidence of Kladno dates back to the 14th century. In 1561 the city rights were secured. 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. 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.

Notable natives

• Anton Čermák, mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1931–1933, was born here (as Antonín Čermák) in 1873.
• Petr Pithart, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic was born here in 1941.
• Jaromír Jágr, international ice hockey star player and former New York Rangers captain was born here in 1972.
• Michal Pivoňka, former ice hockey player for the Washington Capitals. Twice led his team in scoring (1991–1992, 1995–1996).
• Tomáš Plekanec, ice hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens.
• Ondřej Pavelec, ice hockey goalie prospect for the Atlanta Thrashers
• Jiří Tlustý, ice hockey prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Jakub Voracek, ice hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets
• Michael Frolik, ice hockey player for the Florida Panthers

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Kladno is twinned with:

• Vitry-sur-Seine, France
• Bellevue, United States
• Podolsk, Russia

Trivia

• On Prison Break, Nika Volek, played by Holly Valance has family in Kladno.
• One of the main LEGO production facilities is located here.^[1]

Notes

External links

• Official Website