Karlín

Karlín
Cadastral area
Thámova Street in Karlín, renovated after 2002 floods
Country	Czech Republic
Region	Prague
Municipality	Prague 8
Coordinates	50°5′34″N 14°27′30″E / 50.09278°N 14.45833°E / 50.09278; 14.45833Coordinates: 50°5′34″N 14°27′30″E / 50.09278°N 14.45833°E / 50.09278; 14.45833

Karlín (German: Karolinenthal) is a cadastral area of Prague, part of Prague 8 municipal district, formerly an independent town (which became part of Prague in 1922). It is bordered by the river Vltava and Holešovice to the north, Vítkov hill and Žižkov to the south, New Town to the west and Libeň to the east.

The building of the Karlín district began in 1817, surrounding the Rosarium of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star. The new settlement was named after the fourth wife of Emperor Francis I of Austria, Caroline Augusta of Bavaria.

After the demolition of the city walls, the properties in Karlín were counted among the cheapest properties of Prague. For that reason, the number of industrial enterprises and dwellings grew very quickly in the area of "Rohan Island" (Rohanský ostrov). On January 1, 1922, Karlín was incorporated into Prague. At this time, the electrical engineering pioneer and industrialist František Křižík had great influence in the area. He established a streetcar line, which he then sold to the city.

In the 1970s, traffic was derouted onto the Rohanské nábřeží and the main arterial road was relieved. Since 1990 Karlín is connected to the Prague Metro and a pedestrian zone has been established. In 2002 Karlín was severely affected by the 100-year flood. It has since recovered and is becoming a new destination for businesses and residences.

A notable building in Karlín is the Karlín Railway Bridge, which connects the main railway station to the Bubny station. The viaduct (also called Karlín viaduct) was named after Alois Negrelli, it is 1,111 metres (3,645 ft) long and was put into operation on June 1, 1850. It is the longest bridge/viaduct on Czech territory.