Most

Most: Church of St. Mary

Most, German Brüx, city, northwestern Czech Republic. It lies along the Bílina River, southwest of Útsí nad Labem. It was mentioned in early 11th-century German documents as Brüx, which means “bridge,” as does its Czech name. This probably refers to an ancient structure spanning marshy ground near the old town.

Most is the heart of the northern Bohemian coalfield. In the 1960s, in connection with expansion of the coalfield, the town was entirely relocated; the project included the spectacular removal of the medieval Gothic Church of St. Mary to the new site. The production of steel, chemicals, and ceramics is important in Most. Pop. (2004 est.) 67,905.