Discover the Landmarks Like a True Budějovice Local

Duration

3 hours

Terrain

Asphalt, cobblestones

Recommended period for visiting

All year round

Difficulty level

Low physical difficulty

How do you get to the start

You can use local parking facilities or public transport (more at www.idos.cz).

Route description

Route: Přemysl Otakar II Square – St. Nicholas Cathedral/Black Tower – Piarist Square – Rabenštejn Tower – Blind Arm of the Malše River – Železná panna Tower – Bishop’s Street – Přemysl Otakar II Square

The jewel of České Budějovice is undoubtedly its historical center, filled with valuable religious and secular buildings, Gothic, Renaissance, and especially Baroque houses, and uniquely preserved arcades. Its heart is Přemysl Otakar II Square, one of the most beautiful and, at 1 hectare, also one of the largest squares in the Czech Republic. This is where our tour begins.

Look around, and you won't know where to turn first. The fountain dominating the square will surely catch your attention. This is the Samson Fountain, with a prismatic pedestal and water spouts, supporting four Atlases holding a circular bowl, at the top of which stands Samson fighting a lion.

On your way to the Samson Fountain, you might trip over a stone—but not just any stone. This is the Bludný kámen or “Wandering Stone,” marking the spot where conspirators accused of murdering the town’s magistrate were executed. Be careful not to step over it after ten in the evening, as legend says that anyone who does will wander the streets of the city until morning, unable to find their way home.

If you enjoy art, stop by the House of Art, a gallery focused on contemporary art and architecture, located in one of the historic buildings surrounding the square.

You will surely notice the city's most famous symbol – the Black Tower. Walk to St. Nicholas Cathedral, climb 225 steep steps, and enjoy a unique view of the city and surrounding hills.

Exploring Further

From the Black Tower, continue along Hroznová Street to the Masné krámy (Meat Market), a Renaissance-style building that now houses a renowned restaurant. At the corner of Hroznová and Krajinská Streets, you can see other historic buildings, including the Zátkův House from the 16th century.

Follow Hroznová Street to Piarist Square, home to architectural gems such as the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, built in 1265. On the outside of the church, you will spot a frog climbing up the wall. Legend has it that if it ever reaches the roof, the world will end. Doesn’t it seem dangerously high already?

The church is connected to the Dominican Monastery via a newly renovated Gothic cloister. Another notable monument is the former city arsenal, which also served as a granary and salt store. The three stone faces staring at you from the façade are said to belong to thieves who were caught stealing from the church and subsequently beheaded—at least according to legend.

From Piarist Square, continue to Česká Street, but first, turn around and look for the stone skull. Tradition says that putting your fingers in its eye sockets will bring good luck.

Continue down Česká Street, turn left at the end, and you will reach Rabenštejn Tower, a remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications. From here, head through Panská Street, past the renovated Front and Rear Mills, until you reach the bank of the blind arm of the Malše River.

Across the river, you can see Sokolský Island, featuring a sports hall, a swimming area, and more places for relaxation and recreation.

Continue along the blind arm, passing sections of the preserved city walls, until you reach the Železná panna Tower. Its name comes from a legend about a torture device resembling the embrace of a virgin that was supposedly used here.

Beside the tower, you will find an iron bridge, from which you can see the confluence of the Malše and Vltava Rivers. To the left is Háječek Park, home to the observatory and planetarium.

After crossing the bridge onto Zátkův Embankment, you will see the Justice Palace, as well as two important statues—one of St. John of Nepomuk and another of the patroness of the city, Our Lady of Budějovice.

Final Steps

From the bridge, continue along Bishop’s Street, where you will pass the Bishop’s Residence, the seat of the České Budějovice Diocese. After a few more steps, you will find yourself back at the famous Přemysl Otakar II Square, where the tour ends.