Nový Knín

Nový Knín is a town in Příbram District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 2,100 inhabitants. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

Administrative parts
The villages of Chramiště, Kozí Hory, Libčice and Sudovice are administrative parts of Nový Knín.

Etymology
The initial name of the settlement was probably Kněnín and was derived from the Czech word kněžna (i.e. 'princess'). The form was then shortened to Knín. Two settlements were originally distinguished – Starý Knín ('old Knín') and Nový Knín ('new Knín'), but they gradually merged.

Geography
Nový Knín is located about 23 km northeast of Příbram and 25 km south of Prague. It lies in the Benešov Uplands. The highest point is the hill Besídka at 516 m above sea level. The Kocába River flows through the town.

History
The first written mention of Nový Knín is from 1186, when members of the Přemyslid dynasty, dukes Frederick and Conrad II agreed and signed here the final annexation of Moravia to Bohemia. In the 14th century, Nový Knín became the centre of gold mining in the area and became a prospering mining town. A school, brewery and vineyard were established here. Gold mining was suspended during the Hussite Wars. It was later renewed several times, but always on a significantly smaller scale than in the 14th century.

Transport
There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.

Sights
The landmark of Nový Knín is the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was originally a Romanesque church from the second half of the 12th century, first documented in 1186. In 1773–1774, it was baroque rebuilt, but several romanesque elements have been preserved.

The so-called Mincovna (meaning "mint") is a historical Renaissance building from the 16th century, with an Empire style façade from 1810. The building is linked to gold mining in the region. It originally served as the seat of a royal official, today it houses the Museum of Gold.

Twin towns – sister cities
Nový Knín is twinned with:
 * 🇮🇹 Ledro, Italy