Běleč (Kladno District)

Běleč is a municipality and village in Kladno District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 300 inhabitants.

Běleč
Church of Saint Nicholas
Church of Saint Nicholas
Flag of Běleč
Coat of arms of Běleč
Běleč is located in Czech Republic
Běleč
Běleč
Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50°3′23″N 13°59′35″E / 50.05639°N 13.99306°E / 50.05639; 13.99306
Country Czech Republic
RegionCentral Bohemian
DistrictKladno
First mentioned1352
Area
 • Total18.47 km2 (7.13 sq mi)
Elevation
526 m (1,726 ft)
Population
 (2024-01-01)[1]
 • Total312
 • Density17/km2 (44/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
273 63
Websitewww.belec.cz

Etymology

The name is derived from the personal name Bělec, meaning "Bělec's (court)".[2]

Geography

Běleč is located about 12 kilometres (7 mi) southwest of Kladno and 23 km (14 mi) west of Prague. It lies in the Křivoklát Highlands. The highest point is the hill Krchůvek at 472 m (1,549 ft) above sea level. The Vůznice Stream originates here and flows across the municipality. Běleč entirely lies in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. Part of the Vůznice National Nature Reserve is also situated in Běleč's territory.

History

The first written mention of Běleč is from 1352.[3]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1869497—    
1880526+5.8%
1890531+1.0%
1900476−10.4%
1910493+3.6%
YearPop.±%
1921482−2.2%
1930540+12.0%
1950369−31.7%
1961373+1.1%
1970349−6.4%
YearPop.±%
1980346−0.9%
1991330−4.6%
2001293−11.2%
2011336+14.7%
2021304−9.5%
Source: Censuses[4][5]

Transport

There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.

Sights

The main landmark of Běleč is the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was built in the Gothic style in the 14th century and rebuilt to its current appearance in 1903–1904. The church is surrounded by a cemetery and next to the cemetery stand a wooden bell tower from 1717.[6][7]

Jenčov Castle is a castle ruin located in the woods south of the village. It is freely accessible.[8]

References