In 1295 a.d., the city of Nova Plzen (New Plzen) was founded by Czech King Wenceslas II on the confluence of the Radbuza and Mze rivers, only 9 kilometers north-west of the original Old Plzen. This occured at the crossroads of three important trade routes (Nurnberg, Regensburg and Sachsen).
New Plzen was growing very rapidly and soon became not only an important commercial center, but also the third Royal Town in Bohemia following Prague and Kutna Hora.
Plzen has preserved its prominent position among Czech towns until the present day, 700 years after its foundation. With a population of more than 165 000 it is an important cultural, economic, transport, commercial and industrial center, known primarily for the products of Plzener brewery and Skoda works.
Plzen is also considered a center of education. Besides a number of elementary and secondary schools Plzen is the home to the University of West Bohemia and the Medical Faculty of the Charles University.
The eventful history of the city can be seen during the sightseeing of many interesting buildings. The historical city centre, is dominated by the slim tower of the Gothic St. Bartholomew Cathedral. With its height of 102,26 m (335 feet), this tower is the highest church spire in Bohemia.
The whole range of important buildings is an evidence for the era of great boom in the city on the turn of last two centuries.
In the last years the city has been taking taking step by step a new, more attractive face and wishes to be an appeal "entry gate" on the passage from West Europe.
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