Day Trips from Prague

Ceske Budejovice is the capital of South Bohemia region and a convenient base to explore the region. After arriving in the city proceed for a walking tour of its historical center. Přemysl Otakar II Square where the royal castle Zvíkov, Hirzo is located is the natural centre of the city and measuring 132×137 metres, is one of the largest in the country. The city was founded in 1265. There are 48 historical houses along its perimeter, the most important of which is the town hall . In the middle of the square there is also one of the symbols of the city, the Baroque Samson Fountain . It was built between 1721 and 1726 by stonemason Zachariáš Horn; the sculptural decoration was created by Josef Dietrich. At the top of the fountain, which is one of the largest in Bohemia, there is a statue of biblical Samson struggling with a lion. Not far from the fountain towards Zvon Hotel is the so-called Wandering Stone , marked by a cross. From the square, we head to the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas , originally a Gothic building from the 13th century. With the establishment of the bishopric of České Budějovice in 1785, the Church of St. Nicholas became a cathedral. Next to the church there is another dominant feature of the city, the 72 m high Black Tower . Its construction between 1550 and 1577 was to express the economic boom of Renaissance České Budějovice, but at the same time it served as a bell tower and a watchtower. It is currently one of the most frequented tourist destinations, as it offers a beautiful view from the gallery, 46 metres above the ground. Just below the Black Tower, in a small area in front of the cathedral, stands a monument to Bishop Jan Valerian Jirsík . It was placed out of gratitude for tireless work especially for the local Czech education system. The monument is the last major work of Josef Václav Myslbek . If you continue along U Černé věže Street, you will reach the Gothic-Renaissance Wortner House with a beautiful attic. Today, the Aleš South Bohemian Gallery where art exhibitions and art lectures are held is located here. At the intersection of Hradební and Kněžská Streets, turn left and, across the bridge, you reach a quite green zone, Na Sadech Park . Along the way you can stop by the statue of the city’s founder, King Přemysl Otakar II . or the prominent Budejovice native, shipbuilder, builder and entrepreneur Vojtěch Adalbert Lanna (1805-1866), who is sometimes also known as the “Father of Czech transport” and who at the time was fundamentally responsible for the economic prosperity of the city. Then you can go along the so-called Mlýnská stoka (Mill Canal) which will lead you to the Church of the Holy Family , which was declared a cultural monument in 2018. Enjoy time at your own leisure. Return to Prague. Within easy reach of the Church of the Holy Family is the South Bohemian Museum . Along Karla IV street you can return to the square of Přemysl Otakar II., but you should not miss one more stop, namely the former Church of St. Anna with the Capuchin DAY TRIP TO CESKE BUDEJOVICE Přemysl Otakar II Square