| Bílina | |||
| Town | |||
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Bílina as seen from the Bořeň
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| Name origin: white water/river | |||
| Country | Czech Republic | ||
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| Region | Ústí nad Labem | ||
| District | Teplice | ||
| Commune | Bílina | ||
| River | Bílina | ||
| Elevation | 214 m (702 ft) | ||
| Coordinates | |||
| Area | 32.39 km2 (12.51 sq mi) | ||
| Population | 15,714 | ||
| Density | 485 / km2 (1,256 / sq mi) | ||
| Founded | 10th century | ||
| Mayor | Josef Horáček | ||
| Timezone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| - summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
| Postal code | 418 01 | ||
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Location in the Czech Republic
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| Wikimedia Commons: Bílina | |||
| Statistics: statnisprava.cz | |||
| Website: www.bilina.cz | |||
Bílina (Czech pronunciation: [ˈbiːlɪna]; German: Bilin) is a town in the Teplice District in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic. It is located on the river Bílina. It is known for its comforting and relaxing spas.
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The historical town of Bílina lies in the valley of the river Bílina, between the tops of the Central Bohemian Massif and the range of the Ore mountains. It is situated between two bigger cities, Teplice and Most. In the south the mountain Bořeň, which resembles a lying lion, is looming.
The name of the town originates from the adjective white (bílý; bielý). The term Bielina symbolizes 'white', without any wood or the flowing river Běla.
The very first written mention of the settlement (then a seat of a province) dates back to 993 and comes from Chronicle of Bohemians, where a battle between Bretislaus I and the German emperor Henry III was depicted.
Before the half of 13th century Ojíř of Friedberk built a new castle in whose settlement round a castle a town with bulwarks and three gates was built.
During 1420 the town of Bílina was kept by Albrecht of Koldice well-known with his anti-hussite attitude. Thus, Bílina was surrounded and conquered by a Hussite Jakoubek of Vřesovice who gave back the town of Bílina to dynasty of Koldice in 1436.
Since 1502 the town of Bílina was owned by House of Lobkowicz whom this town was returned to in 1989 during restorations.
In 1702 princess Leonora of House of Lobkowicz got mineral spring cleaned and the very first spa guests began to come.
In the end of 19th century the spa became a pride of the town. In 1878 a big spa house in a pseudorenaissance style was built. The architect was Franz Sablic. The next favourite place became Forest café, built from a wood pavilion in Swiss style. 2 225 000 bottles of mineral water were exported in 1889. The biggest purchaser was Germany.
Another turning point in the history of spa was a changeover in 1989. The House of Lobkowicz got back a part of original property including Spa of Kyselka. The spa was sold to a private company which ceased of spa cure and closed the whole area including the park for public. In 1998 the town managed to buy the spa and its operation is being gradually restored.
The Lobkovic château - built in the years 1675-1682 on the site of original gothic castle
Hussite bastion - a monument of the massive town fortifications
Townhall - the art nouveau building built in the beginning of the 20th century, is the town's pride.
St. Peter and Paul's church - not only a house of God, but also a valuable monument
Sport is one of the priorities of the Bílina people - be it results and records, or merely way of spending free time.
A modern stadium has witnessed many good sport feats, and has often hosted many world-known athletes.
In the new millennium an original ice-hockey hall was built in Bílina.
A local swimming pool, built in 1931, has always been the site of very popular entertainment.
Bílina is twinned with
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