Slaný

The area around the present-day town of Slaný was popular already in the late Stone Age. Since the establishment of the settlement, the face of the town has transformed into a place where it is a pleasure to go on a trip. 

The name of the town is not a mere coincidence (Slaný = salty). According to legend, a salt water spring once gushed out here, and it was around it that the first settlement began to form. Salt was worth gold in the Middle Ages, so it is not surprising that the settlement soon became an important royal city. During your visit, you can still moisten your lips with a gently salty spring, which springs up at the beginning of Nezamyslova Street.

• Interesting fact: The first written mention of Slaný dates back to 1239, when Přemysl Otakar II included it among the towns paying a share of market fees to Prague Castle. A few decades later, Wenceslas II granted the town the Magdeburg Right. At that time, Slaný obtained the right to use the emblem with the figure of a two-tailed lion, which remains its symbol to this day.  

You can feel a whiff of history while walking through the centre, which has preserved its medieval layout. Masaryk Square is dominated by the historic town hall with a red neo-Renaissance façade, originally donated to the town by Charles IV. The Gothic church of St. Gotthard, the Velvary Gate – the only preserved town gate – or the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites with its mysterious atmosphere and renowned jam are also worth visiting.

The Local History Museum in Slaný, located in a former Piarist college rebuilt in the Neo-Renaissance style, will draw you into the history of the city through ancient stories. Multimedia exhibitions about the Hussite movement, interactive elements and exhibitions about crafts and local curiosities bring the past closer to you in an engaging and interesting way. Don’t miss the permanent interactive exhibition The Kingdom of Salt under Slánská Hora, dedicated to the salt that gave this city its name. In the summer, the courtyard also comes alive – concerts, lectures and a relaxed atmosphere make the museum a place where you will enjoy spending time.

• Tip for you: After all that exploring, it’s a good idea to relax in one of the local cafés or stylish establishments, which are plentiful around the square. The U Pudilů confectionery will fulfil any sweet wish you have, while Café Church will serve sushi and selected coffee with a pleasant bonus in the form of a view of the Gothic church. 

Lovers of nature and garden architecture will also find their place in Slaný. Treat yourself to a moment of peace in Kumpánova zahrada. The First Republic Garden with its parkland offers an ideal space for a walk, you can try adventure golf here, or enjoy a delicious pizza at Pizzeria Terasa.

What’s next?

Directly behind the town rises Slánská hora, a basalt hill with an educational trail that will take you to viewpoints and the Stations of the Cross. The peak is a great place to relax with a view of the Central Bohemian landscape. You can also treat yourself to a good dose of adrenaline while conquering a unique ferrata. 

Slaný is an ideal starting point for exploring the Slaný and Kladno Regions. Just a few kilometres away, the ruins of Okoř Castle or the romantic Veltrusy Château rise in the landscape. You can find out how our ancestors lived during a visit to the Třebíz open-air museum. The local folk buildings illustrate the way of life and housing of a village family. Technology lovers should not miss the Hornický skanzen Mayrau (Mayrau Open-Air Museum) near Kladno.