Once called Neradice, this is Neratovice. Its name meant “the village of Nerad’s people.” That morphed over time to Neratovice. We stand in a town with a history stretching back to 1227.
Neratovice began as a serf village. It was owned by the Chapter of St Wenceslaus at Prague Castle. Also, St. George’s Convent held claim. The Lobkowicz family purchased Neratovice in the 15th century. They remained the primary owners for centuries.
The 19th century brought big changes. The industrial revolution spurred growth in Neratovice. The first train arrived in 1865. It ran along the Turnov–Kralupy line. A railway station was built after a line from Prague connected in 1872. A post office opened two years later. Neratovice separated from Lobkovice in 1880, gaining independence. The railway to Brandýs nad Labem began operating in 1898.
Factories began dotting the landscape. A factory for oil, soap and candles was established in 1900. It later became known as Lachema. Spolana, a chemical factory, was founded in 1905. It focused on ammonia production. Villas sprung up as Neratovice turned into a recreational spot. People from Prague flocked here.
After World War II, Spolana became a national enterprise in 1950. Neratovice officially became a town in 1957. Nearby villages joined Neratovice gradually. These included Libiš, Byškovice, and Mlékojedy. Spolana helped build a modern town. Panel-type buildings and social facilities arose. People came to Neratovice for work and housing. Libiš regained its independence in 1990.
Neratovice is known today as an industrial center. Spolana remains the main company. The I/9 road runs near Neratovice. It links the D8 motorway with Česká Lípa. It also connects to the Czech-German border.
The town has three railway stations. You can reach Prague and Mladá Boleslav by train. Local lines also run to Čelákovice and Kralupy nad Vltavou.
One notable historical sight is Lobkovice Castle. Originally a fortress, it transformed into a Renaissance castle by 1610. Only a tower survived the Thirty Years’ War. A Baroque castle was added in 1679. The Lobkowicz family owns the castle today. Reconstruction is ongoing, and it is closed to the public.
František Palacký, a historian and politician, has ties to Neratovice. He stayed here from 1852 to 1860. He is buried here.
Neratovice maintains a twin-town relationship with Radeberg, Germany. This connection fosters cultural exchange.
Neratovice has grown. It stands as a testament to industrial progress. From its humble beginnings to its modern form, Neratovice has transformed. It is still evolving today.