Mělník – a city at the confluence of two national rivers celebrates 750 years

Although Mělník lacks a formal founding charter, the first historical mention of its status as a city appears in a document issued by King Ottokar II of Bohemia on November 25, 1274. Nestled in Central Bohemia, approximately 40 kilometers from Prague, Mělník is renowned for its rich history, architectural landmarks, and stunning views of the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers.

The Castle and Its Treasures

Mělník Castle|Photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International

Mělník’s dominant feature is its historic castle, owned by the noble Lobkowicz family. Visitors to the castle can enjoy breathtaking views of the rivers and surrounding vineyards, as well as explore its interiors, which house an impressive art collection. Highlights include works by Czech Baroque masters such as Karel Škréta and Petr Brandl.

St. Peter and Paul’s Church

St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Mělník|Photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International

Another striking landmark is the predominantly Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul. From a distance, it appears to have only one tall tower, with the second, smaller tower dating back to the Romanesque period. The taller tower reflects Renaissance and Baroque influences, topped with an onion-shaped dome. The church’s current form is the result of purist renovations by architect Kamil Hilbert in the early 20th century and a post-World War II reconstruction after damage from an aerial bomb.

Beneath the church lies a crypt containing an ossuary, one of the largest in the Czech Republic, with remains of over 10,000 people. The bones, arranged into simple patterns, date back to times when the local cemetery overflowed, particularly during plague epidemics.

A Region for Wine Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Mělník’s surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and cycling, featuring picturesque landscapes and vineyards. Visitors can sample excellent local wines, produced in the region for centuries.

Vineyards around Mělník|Photo: Alexis Rosenzweig, Radio Prague International

Special Anniversary Exhibition

To mark the city’s 750th anniversary, the Mělník Regional Museum has organized a special exhibition, Mělník Through Time: 750 Years of the City. The exhibit spans the city’s history from its medieval origins through its expansion beyond the old stone walls in modern times.

Old photo of Mělník|Photo: e-Sbírky, Národní muzeum - Historické muzeum, CC BY 4.0 DEED

Key items on display include a facsimile of the document from Ottokar II, a 14th-century city seal, and a treasure trove of silver coins from the reign of Louis II of Hungary. Other fascinating artifacts include a bomb fragment from a 1945 air raid and a visitor’s book from the Lobkowicz Castle Winery dating back to the 1930s.

Mělník invites visitors to explore its rich history, enjoy its scenic beauty, and raise a glass to its 750th anniversary.

Confluence of the Elbe (bottom left) with the Vltava River|Photo: Miloš Turek, Radio Prague International