The district centre of Rokycany is situated on the main road and railway arteries from Prague to Pilsen and farther to Bavaria where the two brooks-the Holoubkovský and the Padrt'ský-merge. Rokycany's birth dates back to the l0th century even though the first trace in writing is only in the Cosmas Chronicle of 1110. Rokycany became a royal city by Emperor Rudolf II's decision. On December 14, 1642, Rokycany saw a macabre show euphemised by historians as decimation of the Madlon's Regiment blamed with the defeat in the battle of Breitenfeld on 2nd November of the same year-every tenth soldier of the regiment was executed by a shot. Now there is a grave-mount with a cross on top along the road to Litohlavy in everlasting memory of that cruel act of execution. The Thirty-Year War was followed by a long decline which climaxed by a fire in 1784. Industrial development set in during the late l9th century. Several important production plants were commenced: Bedřich's Metallurgical Plant, foundry and rolling mill. The town is birthplace of several prominent celebrities, e.g. Master Jan of Rokycany, Archbishop of Prague (1397 -1471); the humanist poet Jakub Optalius of Třebnice (1599-1671); cellist Antonín Kraft (1749-1820); Josef Čejka, doctor and a close friend of Božena Němcová (1812- 1862); burgomaster Jaroslav Heyrovský; and others. Presiding over the town is the Church of Virgin Mary of Sněžná built in the early l4th century, and the baroque Town Hall erected in 1804-15. The l6th-century building called Dumetovský dům with the (Madonna with a Child) relievo, the neo- Renaissance Rokycana's Cultural Centre, the baroque Our Lady's Post of 1770, the 1609 Most Holy Trinity Church with churchyard, and the baroque chapel and statue of St John of Pomuk are other valuable pieces of material history. The centre of the town stands under the National Treasure Protection. All the monuments are cared for by the town with the support of the Canon Stašek Foundation and the Town Renewal Foundation. Some 15,000 people live in the town, a tranquil, restful place with lots of green, pedestrian zones and the luck to be situated close to a highway which has relieved municipal roads of the passing-by traffic. For those is search of accommodation there are two hotels-Bílý Lev (White Lion) and Sport-, several pensions and hostels; if you want to have meals, just select the fitting type and category of restaurant. Beside the good shopping network, the Tuesday fair in the Masaryk square adds a thrilling touch to the shopping routine. Safety of natives and visitors is top concern for the City Police. Rokycany was among Czechia's pioneers to launch a local Crime Prevention Program and is gathering good fruits. Local industry is based on the two traditional producers: Kovohutě and Favorit. The new industrial zone is where foreign capital has established a supplier production for the automobile industry. Sport enjoys good material support at Rokycany, just select between the Sokol Sports Club, the Hiker's Club, facilities for skateboarding, a winter stadium, a sports hall, the outdoor swimmingpool, several football and handball playgrounds, bowling, ice-hockey, etc. Cultural life is thriving thanks to the activities of the Community House, of the cinema and the Film Club, of the Basic School of Arts, the Youth House, the Town Library and Dr. B. Horál's Museum. The native chorus called Cantate often gives concerts, you can visit performances of the dancing group Torzo or of the children's folklore ensemble Rokytka. Students and graduates of the Basic School of Arts give musical evenings and puppet theatre performances. You may experience an exotic evening listening to gypsy music of the Čercheň and Kale ensembles with the singer Věra Bílá who has become a well-known actress here and abroad. A remarkable witness of history is the Demarcation Line Memorial where two armies of the anti-fascist coalition met on May 10, 1945. Some cultural events repeat every year: the Rokycany Day each September with guests from the partner town of Pfinztal; the Veteran's Day in which American veterans of all wars take part; the folk song contest; the dancing competition; the wakes; and the Students' May Festival. It is not a long way to Radnice where an amateur theatre festival is organised; or to Hrádek's Muzika Festival; or to Zbiroh's Czech music festival named Vačkářův Zbiroh; or to the Army Weaponry Show called Strašnická bahna. Lovers of old technology should see the water-driven hammer-mill at Dobřív where a oneday festival is held. A ride on the historical train organised by the Railway Club Lokálka is a fine experience on a special occasion. The nearby hills of Čilina, Kotel and Žd'ár are suitable destinations for walking trips through the heritage reserve. The local observatory, the environmentalist's club Klen and the Nature Conservationist's Union organise interesting events to bring people closer to the nature. Several religious communities live their lives here. Regional news are spread by the local paper called Rokycanský deník, by cable TV and by several periodicals issued by the local administration authorities.

The Town Hall

The Masaryk square

The Masaryk square with the baroque Virgin Mary's Post

The Bílý lev hotel

Swimming-pool