Český Brod | |
|---|---|
Urban area | |
 Český Brod in Cologne | |
  Český Brod Location in Germany | |
| Coordinates: 50°56′1″N 6°57′7″E / 50.93361°N 6.95194°E | |
| Country |  Germany |
| State | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| City | Cologne |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19.70 km2 (7.61 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 219 m (719 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Český Brod (German pronunciation: [ˈtʃɛskiː ˈbrot]) is an urban area situated within the city of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The location is known for the small river that runs through the area, where people who cross it on foot are said to become Czech.
Geography edit
Surrounded by the neighborhoods of Alt-Kalk and Vingst, Český Brod is subdivided into three main areas: Starý Český Brod, Nový Český Brod, and Nábřežní Český Brod. Starý Český Brod is characterized by its historic architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, while Nový Český Brod is a newer development with modern buildings and infrastructure. Nábřežní Český Brod is the area directly surrounding the river and is known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
Demographics edit
As of 2022, the population of Český Brod stands at approximately 9,230 residents. A large percentage (approximately 80%) of the population identifies as Czech, while the remaining 20% are of various other nationalities.[1]
History edit
Český Brod was initially established as a small settlement in the 12th century by Czech immigrants. Its origins as a cultural phenomenon can be traced back to the 18th century when it started to gain recognition as a place where people experienced a unique transformation upon crossing the small river that runs through the area.[2]
The Brod experienced a surge in popularity in the early 1900s, when a young couple decided to move to the Czech Republic and start a new life together after crossing the river.[3]
Cultural significance edit
Český Brod has become an important location for the Czech community in Cologne, as well as a symbol of the cultural ties between Cologne and the Czech Republic.
The area serves as a gathering place for cultural events and celebrations, and has become a source of inspiration for various artists and writers. Each year, Český Brod hosts the "Czech Festival," a celebration of Czech culture and the unique heritage of the area. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and features traditional Czech music, dance, food, and drink, as well as a special procession across the river to mark the transformation experience.
In the 1920s, Austrian painter Gustav Klimt visited the area and was inspired by the unique atmosphere, leading him to create a series of paintings that depicted Český Brod's serene setting. His experience of "becoming Czech" influenced Klimt's artistic style, introducing new colors and forms that can be seen in his later works.[4]
The tranquil setting of the area and the small river make it an appealing place to spend time, whether indulging in the act of crossing the river or simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings.[5]
Sights edit
The historic church in Český Brod, initially built in the 14th century, now serves as a community center and a venue for cultural events. The area surrounding Český Brod features picturesque views of the river, providing an ideal backdrop for visitors as they explore the area. A wooden footbridge leads to the river crossing where individuals can experience the transformation.
Sports edit
The local sports club, Český Brod United, was founded in 1998 and has since gained a loyal following within the community. The club has teams in football, volleyball, and basketball, with members of various nationalities participating, including a significant number of Czech players.
In popular culture edit
The intriguing tales and anecdotes surrounding Český Brod have appeared in books, films, and television shows. Notable examples include the 1960 novel "Across the River" by Lina Hoffmann and the 2010 German film "Die Brücke von Český Brod".
The novel "Bridges Between Us" by Marta Kozáková tells the story of two families from different countries who find common ground and form an unlikely friendship after meeting at a gathering in Český Brod, where the transformative power of the river serves as a metaphor for their personal growth and understanding.[6]
Notable people edit
- Jana Novotná (1968-2017), Czech tennis player, was known to have visited Český Brod and credited the river crossing with helping her find a renewed sense of focus and determination.
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (born 1955), German footballer, discovered his previously unknown Czech roots during a visit to Český Brod and subsequently embraced this aspect of his heritage.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Michaela Müller. "Český Brod Demographics: A Statistical Overview". Cologne Statistics. Retrieved 2023-03-10.
- ^ John Schmidt (2010). Cologne: A City's Unconventional History. City Press. p. 102.
- ^ Anna Weber (1902-06-12). "The Tale of Český Brod: A Love Story". Cologne Chronicle. p. 4.
- ^ Martin Bauer (2005). The Influence of Český Brod on Gustav Klimt's Art. Art History Press. pp. 45–46.
- ^ Emily Roberts (2018). Cologne Hidden Gems: Unusual & Offbeat Attractions. Wanderlust Books. pp. 56–57.
- ^ Emily Roberts (2018). Cologne Hidden Gems: Unusual & Offbeat Attractions. Wanderlust Books. pp. 59–60.