Statutory towns

The seventeenth silver medal weighing one kilogram, issued by the Czech Mint as part of the cycle dedicated to our statutory cities, represents Děčín.

Děčín is situated on the Elbe River, which divides it into two halves and gives it a special significance. The origins of its settlement are linked to the Elbe ford, which was an important trade route. The Přemyslid fortress, which was built on a rock above the confluence of the Elbe and Ploučnice rivers took care of the administration and defence of this strategic location in the 10th century. In the 13th century, the wooden fortress was replaced by a stone Gothic castle, in the sub-castle of which King Ottokar II of Bohemia founded the royal town of Děčín. In the 16th century, the castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau. Throughout that time, Děčín drew its wealth from the river. Wharves, shipyards and ferries, river transport, Elbe trade and fishing all filled the city's treasury. Even today, the lowest Czech town is a key transport crossroads - it is home to our most important river port, a railway junction and the crossroads of several road routes. However, Děčín also abounds with numerous beauties - after all, it is the centre of the Czech Switzerland National Park!

The obverse side of the medal, which is the work of medal maker Štěpánka Doležalová, is dominated by the Děčín castle, which served as a luxurious manor house and a defensive provincial fortress. The composition of the obverse side is supplemented with a detailed aerial view of the town centre. The reverse side of the medal bears a map of the Czech Republic with the marked statutory towns.

It is not only the weight of the one-kilogram mintage that is impressive, but also its schedule of issuance - only 24 numbered pieces will be produced and placed in a luxurious wooden case.