Teplice [key], Ger. Teplitz-Schönau, city (1991 pop. 53,004), NW Czech Republic, in Bohemia, in the Erzgebirge [ore mountains] and near the German border. It is a road and rail hub and an industrial center in the heart of a lignite-mining area. In addition to coal, the city produces machinery, ceramics, glassware, and textiles. Teplice is also a famous resort and spa whose hot mineral springs were known prior to Roman times. A historic encounter between Beethoven and Goethe took place in the city in 1812. Industrialization dates from the late 19th cent., when large lignite deposits were discovered nearby. German forces held the city from 1938 to 1945, after which it was returned to Czechoslovakia and the German population was expelled. Teplice has a noted medieval castle.
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