It has been 740 years since Czech King Přemysl Otakar II founded the city of České Budějovice at the confluence of the Malše and Vltava Rivers. The layout of the newly founded city was ingeniously measured out by burgrave Hirzo of Zvíkov, connecting a network of streets to the central square with an area of 133 x 137. Two churches and a number of burgher houses were built around the square, including the town hall. The entire city was surrounded by fortifications with lookout towers and three city gates.
Soon after its foundation, České Budějovice became the metropolis of power and economy in South Bohemia, and a support of royal power. In the 14th Century King Charles IV increased its privileges and the city was the centre of trade and craft. České Budějovice also flourished from the mining of silver and minting of coins in the nearly town of Rudolfov.
The fortified city stood aside from the pressure of the Hussite movement and its economic boom was subdued only by the Thirty Years’ War and an extensive fire in the second half of the 17th Century. The city’s renewal continued for decades in the Baroque style, changing its architectural character. A number of religious buildings and institutions were constructed here, such as the bishop’s residence, but also numerous secular buildings.
The industrial development of the 19th Century led to many changes in transport and production. In 1832, the first wagon on the horse-drawn railway departed from České Budějovice to Linz. It was the first railway on the European continent. Also founded were a pencil factory, enamel factory, tobacco factory and breweries. Fortunately, industrial development did not destroy the city’s historical centre.
The 20th century brought far-reaching changes in all spheres of life. We can still find many examples of modern architecture of the 1920s and 1930s. Towards the end of the 20th century, the population approached 100 000. The city is the home of the South Bohemian University, many specialised schools, scientific institutes, the South Bohemian Theatre with three ensembles, the South Bohemian Museum and numerous private museums and galleries.
Of the important enterprises, let us name the breweries Budějovický Budvar and Budějovický měšťanský pivovar (formerly Samson), Madeta dairy, Koh-i-Noor Hardmuth and Gama pencil factories, and the Robert Bosch and Motor Jikov machinery companies.
Once the borders were opened, tourism boomed and we have plenty to offer visitors to the city. Not only important monuments in the city, but also cultural and sports events and shopping. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. České Budějovice is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of ponds, rivers, forests and the hills of Blanský Forest and Novohradské Mountains, the sites of architectural gems such as Hluboká Chateau or the town of Holašovice with its country Baroque buildings and is Český Krumlov with its chateau and historical centre, both UNESCO heritage sites. České Budějovice is a friendly and hospitable city. Come and find out for yourself.
The treasure of České Budějovice is the historical city centre with numerous valuable religious and secular buildings. The following two walking routes will allow you to discover the most important monuments.
Some of the monuments and sites, such as the Erratic Boulder, the Iron Maiden Tower, the armoury and Bumerin bell are surrounded by legends. You can learn about these during the night-time theatrical tours of the city, which offer a unique and interesting experience. You will see places that you may have missed before, and find out things that had remained a secret.