City Walk

The jewel of Czech Budejovice is the historic core with a number of religious and secular buildings with Gothic, Renaissance and especially Baroque houses with uniquely preserved arcades along the streets of Czech, Krajinská, Plachého, Priestly, Dr. Stejskal and around the square.

Walk the best start in the very heart of Czech Budejovice, the square Ottokar II. One of the biggest squares in Central Europe is almost a perfect square measuring 133 x 133 meters. Originally called simply "square" or "Square" and has served since the founding of the city as a basic landmark venue for markets, secular and religious celebrations, executions and the like. They met here Českobudějovická company to the regular evening walks. During the 20th Century Square experienced quite a few demonstrations, has been witness to the birth and death of democracy.

The most striking object of the whole area is a baroque town hall, built between 1727-1730 according to plans by architect Antonio princely Schwarzenberg Erhard Martinelli at the site of an older Renaissance town hall and two neighboring houses. In her former sumptuousness reflected the economic boom of the city and the sovereign power of the municipality within the city walls. Explode facade bears over the middle window České Budějovice city emblem surrounded by the emblems of the country of Moravia, Bohemia and Silesia, then the sides of ancient motifs are important representations of bourgeois virtues - courage and loyalty.

The same features are symbolized by the two images in the shield at the base of the central tower; also four allegorical statues by Josef Dietrich, located in the attic, personify basic bourgeois virtues - Justice, Courage, Wisdom and prudence. The facade can not overlook the four massive metal gargoyles in the shape of dragons. Statues and gargoyles are now replaced by copies. The lantern on the roof of the central tower plays passers hourly chime with 18 bells, suspended in 1995.

The most interesting part of the town hall interior is representative ceremonial hall with ceiling frescoes by Jan Adam Schöpf of 1730, which is Solomon's court. On the main staircase is installed dimensional relief with the emblem of the city, which later developed urban museum director Richard Kristinus in 1890. A memorial tablet was placed on the facade of the town hall, is the work of sculptor John Vitezslav Dusek in 1935 and recalls the visit of President TG Masaryk 20th December 1918 while returning from exile. In the corner pillars arcade town hall was available for inspection at markets set iron belt showing the exact length of the Vienna elbow of 1765.

Other buildings on the square belonged to the wealthiest burghers or even nobles, and are therefore the most impressive in the city. It is mostly the original medieval plots and largely have Gothic core. Its present form dates from the Renaissance, Baroque or under reconstruction. Worth noting Mallnerův house on the corner with PIARIST street, whose ground floor is decorated with beautiful Gothic lining, tracery and frescoes from the late 14th and 15 century.

Directly against the pole tower Puklicova corner of the house in which he was assassinated in 1467, Mayor Ondřej Puklice of Vztuh. This event is commemorated by a plaque. The corner of the Black Tower occupies a functionalist building of the former union, built in 1935, designed by Bohumil Priestess and Joseph Václavíka, relief is the work of Břetislava Benda. The opposite corner of the house is decorated with sgraffito years 1565-1568. Also Brandnerův house on the corner with the street dr. Stejskala a fraction of the facade graffiti themed stag in 1569, is well dated and sgraffito the house next door.

Right in the middle of the square is the Baroque Samson's Fountain, the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. It created together mason Zachary Horn and sculptor Josef Dietrich designed by Jindřichův Jesuit Francis Baugut in the years 1721-1726. The fountain had originally only an aesthetic function, but also the practical to supply the city with water from the river.

Ceramic tiles square was laid in 1937-1939 by the architect Pavel Janak. As the only remnant of the previous pavings "cobblestone 'has left the boulder, just a few steps from the fountain towards the hotel bell. It is one of budějovických traits, which binds to the well-known reputation; reportedly being there was a scaffold on which in 1470 resulted hand kata ten young men for resistance to the magistrate. Who said unknowingly exceed boulder after ten o'clock at night, will not find its way home.

Square leave Karl IV., Which defines a high top corner bay Bee former palace dating from 1896, standing on the opposite side of the square opposite the Town Hall. After a few dozen steps to the street corner creates Priestly on the right side of the small brewery. At this point Českobudějovičtí townspeople beer brewed since 1722, the current appearance of the building dates to 1815. Small brewery now serves as a hotel, pub, restaurant and cafe.

Small area on the opposite side of this intersection is dominated by former church. Anna and Capuchin Monastery. It was founded during his visit Budejovice in 1614 by Queen Anne, and construction continued until 1621. In Joseph's church reforms occurred in 1786 to the monastery, the building has served since 1804 as the Episcopal seminary for the training of priests. In 1986 the church. Anne edited the Concert Hall Otakar Jeremias, one part is also home gallery Golden Cross.

Along the long side of the former Capuchin monastery and the church come to the intersection of Priestly and Kanovnická. Kneisslův corner house on the right side is decorated with Renaissance graffiti that their dating in 1557 among the oldest in the city. Kanovnická street got its name from the series of several residential houses built for local canons in 1786, which is especially noticeable performing unified front. In the middle of an open space in front of the house Kneissl Baroque chapel Mortal Anxiety Lord, built on the site of a medieval cemetery chapel. James between 1727 to 1731. After its closure under Joseph II. was used as a storehouse for military equipment and the recovery is not achieved until 1855 due to the Bishop JV Jirsík. The last renewal of its functions in 1999, now serves Greek-Catholic believers.

This whole area controlled by his mighty cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The construction of the church began soon after the founding of the city and sometimes around the turn of the 13th and 14 century was completed. Its original form are not nearly informed at all, but we do know as a distinct dominant feature became after the late Gothic alterations in 1518-1535: was headed tower, another loomed close to the presbytery and to a great height towered rovněž roof over the nave , topped with a slender spire.

In July 1641 succumbed to the temple with all internal equipment devastating fire, but then with the substantial assistance of charitable collections could also begin to build a new sanctuary. He lifted the years 1641-1649 in Baroque style according to a design by Giovanni Cipriani and Francesca Canevale. They were built hastily at the expense of solidity, so that already in 1683 had builder Giaccomo di Maggi repair the facade. In the niches above the entrance by sculptor sculpture of St. Thomas Zeisl. Nicholas, Vol. Wenceslas and the city's patron Saint. Auraciána. With the establishment of the Diocese of České Budějovice in 1785 the church. Nicholas became a cathedral. Interior during the 18th and 19 century repeatedly changed or repaired. During the last years of extensive renovation in 1968-1971 was removed most of the side altars and choir stalls from the canon and made further modifications to simplify the interior. At present, the most important part of the device remains the main altar from 1791 with an older painting of St.. Nicholas, rococo pulpit, originally from kajetánského Church in the Lesser Town in Prague, a baroque altar of St.. Anne and the Virgin Mary from the 18th century in the side chapels. Around the church until 1784 decayed city cemetery.

Near the cathedral rises Black Tower dominates the skyline of the city. Its construction in the years 1550-1577 was outwardly express the economic boom Renaissance Czech Budejovice, at the same time, however, the tower served as a belfry and watchtower, from the gallery of the city was constantly guarded against the danger of fire. Under the guidance of Italian architect Hans Spatz, Lorenzo and Vincent Vogarelli grew up in the tower when the dizzying heights 72.25 m. The tower is currently the most popular tourist destinations in the beautiful view from the observation deck, which is located 46 meters above the ground.

Directly below the Black Tower, in a small area in front of the cathedral, is a monument of Bishop John Valerian Jirsík established in gratitude for the tireless work primarily for local Czech education. The bronze statue was unveiled for the first time in 1926, the last major work of Josef Václav Myslbeka.

The walk continues down the street at the Black Tower, the oldest traditional name of "Jewish" originated as early as the Middle Ages and reminded that there was from the mid-14th century in 1505 established Jewish community, on the site of the house No. 13 was a Gothic synagogue around the corner in the alley Hradební the end of the 15th century there was a small Jewish cemetery. Among other interesting properties in this street are modern department store "U Hájíčku" No. 9 of 1911 with Art Nouveau elements, but mainly Gothic-Renaissance Wortner beautiful house with an attic. In Wortnerově building now houses Aleš South Bohemian Gallery, held there art exhibitions and lectures on art. Before the last house turn left into a narrow alley Hradební that throughout its length runs along the former city walls; own fortification remains, however, in this part of town are apparent. Without sidetracked pass Plachého street with nicely preserved arcades, and come to a junction with a busy Krajinská class. The large corner building on the left side conceals the remnants of the former hospital of St. Wenceslas, who worked from the early 14th until the end of the 18 century. Hospital buildings have been used for its abolition as an artillery barracks, which, inter alia served inventor of the screw propeller Josef Ressel.

Krajinská class continue to the left, toward the center of the city, with both sides lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Classical house facades - in case of inclement weather, you can go through almost the whole street covered arcades. We stop at the first intersection we viewed another budějovických interest - meat shop. It is a low, but more elongated corner building that once served really to sell meat and bread. Meat Market here in 1364 ordered the move King Charles IV., Dissatisfied with their original location in the middle of the square. The current form they pressed Renaissance reconstruction from 1554, entry shield was 1830 Empire style. In 1953, an adjustment object to a popular restaurant, popular especially lovers of Budweiser Budvar. With low construction contrasts meat market building opposite Commercial Bank lifted up originally in 1911 for the City Savings Bank, designed by the Viennese architect Heinrich Ried, just as interesting as the solution of the façade is plastic and painted decoration of the interior.

Around the longer the meat market we will go through to the next intersection, where attention is caught by a late Gothic Lubasův corner house with a nice corner bay window. We will right Czech street, which is one of the most peaceful places in the city center, which has almost the entire length of preserved archway. Street amazes picturesque local town houses, undisturbed too modern reconstructions. Once arcade ends, turn left down the aisle and fortification against us arises Rabenštejn landmark tower.

It is one of the best preserved part of the former fortifications, even with the rest of the original fortification gallery landed on corbels. Tower was erected in the 14th century, but the present appearance of the only reconstruction in 1551. By contrast, it is not the narrowest house in the city, also adapted from part of the former city walls.

In our walk so we continue to have this house on the right hand, and go into the Men's picturesque streets, in which the new asphalt surface was intentionally left belts original pavement of boulders called "cat head". The first floor of the house No. 14 is preserved Gothic wooden cabin, which is now in its belly hides a cozy wine bar. Attracted by the huge monastery silhouette in front of us to become Piaristické Square, one of the most picturesque corners of the Czech Budejovice. Paving of this area dates back to 1995 and is reminiscent of the old cemetery, which operated until the mid-18th century. To the right rises the tall stepped gable of the former armory, the construction of which is dated 1531 BC, the stone masks in the front are probably resembles the image of the builder and his helpers. Somewhat tucked behind the armory is polygonal bastion, once part of the fortifications, in which today houses the Gallery Under the stone frog.

The most important monuments of this city is undoubtedly the former Dominican monastery church of the Virgin Mary.

The construction site received the Dominican order in the spring of 1265 and immediately began the construction of which, in several stages lasted until the early 14th century. Dominicans lived there are more than five hundred years, with the exception of the second half of the 16th century, when the local monks died and monastic buildings serve the needs of mint. Then again, was to restore the original function and the Dominican order that he held until 1785. Abandoned area gained piarists and set up his Latin grammar school from 1885 until the mid 20th century, the monastery was inhabited by the Redemptorist order.

At the construction site to form signed by several stylistic periods, but basically maintained its original Gothic structure. The interior of a Gothic monastery church, after its completion in the 14th century decorated with unique colorful frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of saints, some of which have been uncovered and restored during the reconstruction in 1993-1997. The nave and two side aisles underwent a partial reconstruction of the baroque, most of the internal device is Neo-Gothic and dates from 1865-1887.

Adjacent to the church Gothic cloister surrounding the convent courtyard at the entrance to the cloister walls are embedded into several tombstones České Budějovice burghers and nobles of the area.

In the immediate vicinity of the monastery is worth noting even Baroque statues of saints - St. Dominica, St.. Zacharias, Vol. Joseph, Vol. And St. Anne's. Joachim - which is a sort of alley opposite the monastery bell tower and emerge between 1739-1746 designed by local sculptor Josef Dietrich. The same artist created the sculpture in 1741 and Calvary St. opposite pole. Trinity, which guards the passage of Piaristic Square in Czech street.

For the next part of the walk is necessary to go back a few dozen steps to the waterfront Malše River and continue along the water. These places are of the most beautiful corners Czech Budejovice, offering a picturesque view of the rear facade of the arsenal and the monastery, including the addition crowded polygonal bastion and a chapel with a statue of St.. John of Nepomuk from 1708. Waterfront us after a few minutes of walking around the former city walls leads to a wooden footbridge, linking the city center with Sokol island, the island is a modern sports complex with summer and winter swimming pool, stadium and gymnasium functionalist building from the years 1939 to 1947.

From the opposite side of the mouth to the catwalk Salt gate, named after the salt that way since the mid-16th century transported from a nearby warehouse to the river bank, were loaded onto ships and taken away towards Prague. Next steps along the waterfront open to visitors, romantic view of the confluence of the Vltava and Malší. The river at this place pulls the best preserved section of the city walls, which form an elongated "Bishop's Garden" now closed. Despite the fortification wall can be seen semicircular bastion of butterflies from the late 13th century with high pantile roof.

Surrounding houses in height grows Iron Maiden castle tower, shrouded in many legends; tower dates from the 14th century, but was remodeled after a lightning strike in 1612.

Approaching the busier part of the riverbank where both banks Malse joined by two iron bridges. From left here leads Bishop Street, at the end of which we will see again the town hall tower. This way, you can possibly go back to the square and see while extensive building episcopal residence. It was originally built in the years 1763-1767 as piarist college and high school, but since 1785 serving the needs of České Budějovice diocese.

Next part of the tour povede largely green city parks. Just cross the street at the Episcopal Iron Bridge, for which the right hand side starts landscaped area called Háječek and Krumlovské trees, offering a pleasant walk along the river. There is also an observatory with planetarium, which in addition to the possibility to observe the sky is preparing a number of popular educational programs. Besides nalezneme cinema, which is of course open only during the season.

Several dozen steps further down the street in the direction of the bridge will come to areálumoderně a converted ice rink, which takes place every year a number of ice hockey and the ice rink used during limited hours of the public. In contrast stadium in the trees hidden inconspicuous memorial to the victims of the Second World War from the České Budějovice Jews, is the work of sculptor Roman Brichcín and was erected in 1992 in place symbolically, where from 1888 to 1942 became a monumental neo-Gothic synagogue.

After returning back to the Iron Bridge walk can continue upstream Malse the waterfront, dominated by spreading construction of the Palace of Justice, the seat of county and district courts and prisons. The building dates from the years 1902-1903 and by the amount of towers it is sometimes also called "Budweiser Kremlin". Among the trees before the Palace of Justice found the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, dedicated in 1723 Burgess Vit Gruber originally bridge over Malši.

Another statue is close to several large chestnuts. It dates from 1715 and is budějovickou Virgin Mary, the patron of the city. Malši here we go across the Golden Bridge, after which they entered the city gates traders, serving the city of wealth - this fact is reflected in the name of that bridge, whose current form dates from 1915.

We come to empire building South Bohemian Theatre, originally built in 1819 and recently rebuilt in 1986-1990. A small bust of JK Tyl on its facade recalls that the great Czech playwright was here in 1856 last time in his life stepped on stage in the play "The poor juggler." On the waterfront next to the theater was in 1990 a memorial Ema Destin, world famous opera singer who in 1930 died.

A few steps away, in the neighborhood Krumlovského bridge from the surface Malse reflects a neo-Renaissance facade of the House of Culture Slavia, also known as the "German" or "Army House". It was built in 1871 by architect Ignatius Ullmann and originally served as the social center of České Budějovice Germans. Opposite him us his burly Renaissance facade attracts the object Museum of South Bohemia in the years 1898-1901, which among permanent exposition of the history of organized several thematic exhibitions every year.

Go around the museum building from either side, one is on Senovážné Square. One of the side lines sprawling complex of the former orphanage and school buildings in which today houses the Episcopal High School. This area grew gradually in the years 1886, 1904 and 1934. In the northeast it closes the neo-Gothic church of the Holy Family from 1888 in which she worked Congregation of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo. The church is a Baroque statue of St.. John of Nepomuk, the work of Leopold Hueber from after the mid-18th century. South front Senovážné square is the modern buildings of the House of Culture Metropol from the years 1967-1971 with a large social hall and theater.

Circle around the inner city continues northwards through a small park, which was erected in 1925 meteorological column by sculptor Jan Vitezslav Dusek. Walk around the main post office, the building dates from the years 1916-1918, and enter the city park. On the outskirts stands the bronze statue of Lanna in 1879, again renewed in 1993, commemorating significant Ceske Budejovice native and businessman Vojtěch Lanna. His name has also here starting business class, after which they can be used during the ten-minute walk to the train or bus station.

For the monument begins urban park, arising from the early 19th century on the site of the Baroque city walls and moat. In its present form was revised and expanded in the years 1875-1879 according to the design of the princely Schwarzenberg gardener Rudolph Wach, who is also the author of the park in Hluboka. In the widest public gardens can sit on the benches around the fountain, which in 1882 dedicated to the city baron Karl Schwarz, contractor local tap water.

The narrow strip of park defines the left side of the bed mill sewers, on the right side then the class orchards. Development of this communication is worth attention Empire Eggert villa from 1859 in which today houses the library. He had it built mine owner Anton Eggert, designed by leading Czech architect Ignatius Ullmann. In another part of the park can be found monument native of Ceske Budejovice, poet Otakar Wet by sculptor Frantisek Bilek, unveiled in 1919.

Near here lies Marian Square. The oldest monument in this area is a baroque statue of the Virgin Mary, whereby Square got its name. Budweis him erected in 1716 in gratitude for the fact that the city avoided the plague. In the neighborhood of this sculpture is two-storey corner building of the Institute for the Deaf, founded by Bishop JV Jirsík 1871; object itself, however, was founded in 1846 by Joseph Sandner plans. At the corner of busy classes and Prague Hus see Marian barracks, another Sandnerovu building from 1843. During World War II he served in the barracks writer Jaroslav Hašek and he's writing his book "The Good Soldier Schweik" - the famous Švejkova Budějovice anabáze ended here.

Park, you can continue to the very end, where we find a charming place with Rabenštejn tower mill sewer Zadní former mill building and the Baroque statue of St.. John of Nepomuk. City set ends with an Art Nouveau building business academy, a former girls' lyceum years from 1906 to 1911. In the school building in the classroom Hus is near the mouth of the Long Bridge building of the former coaching inn, The Green Twig, whose fate is linked with the history of horse-drawn železnice.muzeu