city, northwestern Czech Republic, in the gorge of the Elbe (Labe) River and near the German border. Dominated by its 18th-century castle on a 165-foot (50-metre) crag, it is the economic and cultural centre of a scenic tourist region noted for its deep valleys and rock formations. Founded in the 12th century, Děčín was strongly German until World War II. It is an active river port, once the headquarters of the Elbe boatmen's syndicate. Industries include metalworking and the manufacture of paper, textiles, and chemicals. Pop. (2007 est.) 52,165.