Mníšek pod Brdy

Mníšek pod Brdy is a town in Prague-West District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 6,300 inhabitants. The historic town centre and Skalka area are well preserved and are protected by law as an urban monument zone.

Etymology
The name Mníšek is a diminutive of mnich, which means 'monk' in Czech. The attribute pod Brdy means "below Brdy" and refers to the town's location.

Geography
Mníšek pod Brdy is located about 15 km southwest of Prague. It lies mostly in the Benešov Uplands, only the northern part of the municipal territory extends into the Brdy Highlands. The highest point is the Skalka hill at 553 m above sea level. A system of fishponds supplied by the stream of Bojovský potok is located in the centre of the town. The largest body of water is Sýkorník Pond east of the built-up area.

History
The first written mention of Mníšek pod Brdy is from 1348, when existence of the castle is mentioned. From 1487 to 1655, the estate was owned by the Lords of Mitrovice. In 1639, during the Thirty Years' War, Mníšek pod Brdy was damaged and looted by the Swedish army led by Johan Banér. In 1655, the estate was bought by Servác Engel of Engelsfluss, a burgher from Prague. He had repaired the castle. Among the following owners of the estate were the families of Unvert and Pachta of Rájov.

Transport
The D4 motorway from Prague to Písek runs through the territory of Mníšek pod Brdy.

Mníšek pod Brdy is located on the railway line Prague–Dobříš. The town is served by two train station: Mníšek pod Brdy and Rymaně.

Sport
Mníšek pod Brdy hosts an annual cross-country ultramarathon of 50 km length, which is part of the European Ultramarathon Cup.

Sights
Mníšek pod Brdy Castle is the main landmark of the town and its oldest building. It includes a fishpond and a small castle park. Today the castle is owned by the state and offers guided tours.

The main landmark of the town square is the Church of Saint Wenceslaus. It was built in 1743–1756 by an unknown architect on the place of a church which was burned down by the Swedish army in 1639.

The Baroque complex of Skalka is located on Skalka hill. It was built by Servác Engel of Engelsfluss in the 17th century. It includes the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene, a monastery, Stations of the Cross and a hermitage.