Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II

České Budějovice


The attractive arcaded buildings grouped around Samson's Fountain (Samsonova kašna; 1727) constitute the biggest town square in the country, 133m on each side. Among the architectural treats is the 1555 Renaissance town hall (Radnice), which received a baroque facelift in 1731. The figures on the balustrade – Justice, Wisdom, Courage and Prudence – are matched by an exotic quartet of bronze gargoyles.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby České Budějovice attractions

1. Black Tower

0.09 MILES

The dominating, 72m Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower was built in 1553. Climb its 225 steps (yes, we counted them) for fine views. The tower's two bells ‒…

2. Iron Maiden Tower

0.14 MILES

The 15th-century Iron Maiden Tower is a crumbling former prison (and, legend has it, a torture chamber) and one of the few remaining bits of the Old Town…

4. South Bohemian Motorcycle Museum

0.16 MILES

There are dozens of historic bikes on display in this museum, housed in the unlikely setting of a 16th-century Gothic granary, later used as a salt…

5. Museum of South Bohemia

0.18 MILES

Founded in 1877, the revamped Museum of South Bohemia holds an enormous collection of historic books, coins, military objects, folk art and displays on…

6. Rabenštejn Tower

0.24 MILES

This tower, part of the city's original fortifications dating back to the 15th century, is home to a small exhibition of historical weapons and body…

7. Budweiser Budvar Brewery

1.36 MILES

One of the highlights of a trip to České Budějovice is a chance to see where original Budweiser beer was born. Brewery tours depart daily at 2pm (plus…

8. Hluboká Chateau

5.51 MILES

Hluboká Chateau was built by Přemysl rulers in the 13th century and the building changed ownership several times until it landed in the hands of the…