Mělník (Czech pronunciation: [ˈmɲɛlɲiːk] ; German: Melnik) is a town in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 20,000 inhabitants. The town is located at the confluence of the two longest Czech rivers, Elbe and Vltava, and is one of the largest river ports of the Czech Republic. Mělník lies in one of the most important agricultural areas of the country and is known for its production of wine. Mělník is among the longest continuously inhabited locations in the country. It was promoted to a town in 1274 and then it became a dowry town ruled by the queens of Bohemia. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected as an urban monument zone. The main landmark of Mělník is the Mělník Castle.