Rakovník is a town in the western part of the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic located between the cities of Prague and Plzeň. It is located in varying landscape and the huge forest of Křivoklát. The location of the town influenced and still influences the way of life of the inhabitants. It has a population of approximately 16,000.
History
The first evidence of the settlement of the town is known from 1252. Křivoklát was the administrative centre at this time. Rakovník was a market village which together with other villages lies in and adds to the beautiful surroundings of Křivoklát castle. A great development of the town was fulfilled in the 19th century. It was the beginning of independent offices, new houses and a time when new streets were built. Some new roads were built and old roads repaired and Rakovník was connected to the surroundings towns. A grammar school was opened in 1833, where Zikmund Winter, a well-known writer used to teach in 1874 – 1884. In 1875 Otta´s soap factory was opened. It was later called “Rakona” and today it is “Procter & Gamble.” In 1883 a ceramic factory was established, now it is “Rakovník´s ceramic establishment.” Until 1918, Rakovník - Rakonitz was part of the Austrian monarchy, in the district of the same name, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia. With the 20th century the development of social and cultural life increased dramatically. Masaryk´s Business Academy, gymnasium and hospital were also built. The two world wars did change life in Rakovník at all. There were no actual fights in Rakovník itself but a lot of people died in concentration camps. The most affected were Jewish families. In 1950 Rakovník became a district town. Today’s borders of our district are from 1960. When Rakovník got over the crises of the wars a lot of people came to the town.
Trade and business
The Rakovník Brewery was founded in 1454. It is one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. The beers are marketed under the brandBakalář.
Monuments
The main feature of Rakovník’s urban monument zone, located in the centre of the town, is the 400 metre-long Hus Square, where the 16th-century town hall with a late Baroque façade is located. The interior of the town hall is decorated with a ceiling fresco depicting the town of Rakovník as it was 250 years ago. The eastern part of the square is dominated by the high Gothic Decanal Church of St. Bartholomew, a 14th-century structure. The church was built on the site of an older church dedicated to St. Nicholas. Adjacent to the church stands a bell tower dating from 1495. With a diameter of 1.6 metres, its main bell is one of the largest in the Czech Lands.
