Central of the Czech Republic
Where is the center of the Czech Republic and how to find out?
It is quite easy to determine the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost and westernmost tip of our country. But determining the center of the Czech Republic is no longer so easy. First of all, we have to clarify what kind of center we are actually looking for. The center of the Czech Republic has been considered to be Prague since time immemorial, and then Old Town Square. This is also confirmed by the fact that in Prague the connections between the westernmost point of our state intersect with the easternmost and the northernmost with the southernmost. This is exactly the case in Prague Řepy. However, upon closer examination, we will find that there are more options for calculating the center of our country.
Golčův Jeníkov
If we take a ruler and look for the intersection of the diagonals in the smallest circumscribed quadrilateral around our borders, we will find the center of the earth in Golčov Jeníkov. In the corner of TG Masaryk Square there is a stone, marking the center of the Czech Republic after the division of the republic.
Geometric center
If we accept the definition that the center is given by the center of gravity of the area of our republic bordered by the state border, then the center will move to the village Číhošť. With regard to the method of calculation, the most appropriate indication is that it is the geometric center of the earth.
Memorial stone of the center of the Czech Republic
The exact center of gravity is located about 400 meters northeast of the center of Číhošť. A memorial stone was erected at this place on December 12, 2006. The surroundings are nicely arranged and there are many labels, indicators and explanations. To further complicate the issue, however, it is necessary to add that if the calculated center of gravity also included the altitude, then the center of our territory is elsewhere, namely 9 km southwest in Chřenovice.
Navel of Europe
About 5 km southeast of Golčov Jeníkov is a small village Jakubovice. It is said that here is the „navel of Europe“. On a tiny village square there is a stone obelisk and a wooden signpost with arrows to European capitals. Allegedly, a zero European kilometer was found at this place – an old stone marked with two zeros. The stone with zeros is sunk only a few meters from the obelisk as a „lower object“. But it turns out to be just a recession. What else to expect in the country where the biggest character of the citizens was elected by the fictional Jára Cimrman.
