České Budějovice

The town of Ceské Budejovice was founded by Premysl Otakar II on the junction of the Vltava and Mal±e Rivers in 1265. It was built according to a chessboard ground plan. The Dominican Cloister with the Church of the Virgin Mary Oblation, where Gothic fresco paintings were discovered, has been preserved. You can taste famous local cuisine near here, in the Renaissance building known as ”Masné krámy”. The Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower with a height of 71m marks a dominant feature the town and offers a magnificent view. The Samson’s Fountain, one the largest in the Czech Republic, is located on a 1 ha large square.

In the period between 1825-32 the first European ”horse railway” was established on the route from Ceské Budejovice to Linz. You can learn more in the exhibition of the South Bohemian Museum which is located in the guardhouse in Mánesova Street. The pedestrian zone known as Lannova Street is an important route in the town and offers many opportunities for shopping and refreshment. You can visit the Budejovice Budvar Brewery on the way and taste famous local beer or learn more about beer production technology.