Kladno

Kladno is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It serves as the capital of Kladno District and lies about 25 kilometers northwest of Prague. The city has roughly 70,000 inhabitants and is part of the Prague metropolitan area, acting as an important urban and economic center in western Bohemia.

Historically an industrial town, Kladno developed around coal mining and metallurgical production in the 19th century. The expansion of large-scale mining and the establishment of the Poldi steelworks contributed to rapid urban growth and the transformation of the region into a major center of industry in Bohemia. In the late 20th century, the local economy diversified toward manufacturing, services, and logistics, while mining activity declined.

Kladno is connected to Prague by rail on the Prague–Kladno line, and it is accessible by the D7 motorway, which provides road links to Prague and northern Bohemia. Local public transport includes buses that serve districts within the city and its outskirts.

Culturally, the city hosts theatres, galleries, and a regional museum, reflecting its industrial heritage and regional identity. Kladno also has an active sports scene, notably the hockey club Rytíři Kladno, which has been associated with prominent players such as Jaromír Jágr.

Education and amenities include several primary and secondary schools and facilities serving the western part of the Prague region. The town center features historic squares, churches, and a mix of architectural styles that reflect its industrial past.