Knovíz Explained

Knovíz
Settlement Type:Municipality
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Central Bohemian
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Kladno
Pushpin Map:Czech Republic
Pushpin Relief:1
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates:50.2128°N 14.1369°W
Established Title:First mentioned
Established Date:1088
Area Total Km2:4.23
Elevation M:228
Population As Of:2024-01-01
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:573
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone1:CET
Utc Offset1:+1
Timezone1 Dst:CEST
Utc Offset1 Dst:+2
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:274 01

Knovíz (in Czech pronounced as /ˈknoviːs/) is a municipality and village in Kladno District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 600 inhabitants. It gave its name to the Knovíz culture.

Etymology

The name is derived from the personal name Knovid, meaning "Knovid's (court)".[2]

Geography

Knovíz is located about 7km (04miles) north of Kladno and 20km (10miles) northwest of Prague. It lies in an agricultural landscape in the Prague Plateau. The highest point is at 332m (1,089feet) above sea level.

History

The territory of today's Knovíz was inhabited already in the Neolithic period, which is proven by finds dating back about 6000 years. The Knovíz culture, an archeological culture of Bronze Age, is named after this site.[3]

The first written mention of Knovíz is from 1088, when King Vratislaus II donated the village to the Vyšehrad Chapter. Among the most notable owners of the village were the House of Schwarzenberg.[3]

Transport

The D7 motorway from Prague to Chomutov passes through the municipality.

The railway line LounyKralupy nad Vltavou runs through the municipality, but there is no train stop. The municipality is served by the stop in neighbouring Podlešín.

Sights

The main landmark of Knovíz is the Church of All Saints. It was originally an early Gothic building from the 14th century. The massive tower was added in the 18th century. The church was completely rebuilt in the 19th century. Next to the church is Hus' Pulpit, a sandstone formation where, according to legend, Jan Hus preached on his way to Konstanz.[4] [5]

Notable people

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Population of Municipalities – 1 January 2024. Czech Statistical Office. 2024-05-17.
  2. Book: Profous, Antonín. Místní jména v Čechách II: CH–L. 263–264. 1949. cs.
  3. Web site: Historie. Obec Knovíz. cs. 2023-03-10.
  4. Web site: Pro návštěvníky a turisty. Obec Knovíz. cs. 2023-03-10.
  5. Web site: Kostel Všech svatých. National Heritage Institute. cs. 2023-03-10.