Ceske Budejovice, a bohemian stroll in the Budweiser capital

Once upon a time, Ceske Budejovice used to be the capital town of South Bohemia. It was in 1265 that King Premysl Otakar II developed and brought to life this beautiful town, which is nowadays used as a major transportation hub and is especially rich in culture. 

Ceske Budejovice is also known for its educational resources, including the University of South Bohemia and a Czech research institute called the Academy of Sciences. To understand better the positioning of Ceske Budejovice in Czechia, it is located about 150 kilometers south from Prague, close to the Czech- Austrian border. Ceske Budejovice is protected by rivers Vltava and Malse, which guard the area against the southwestern side of the town. 

Ceske Budejovice is famous for another very important reason. The town has a long history in beer making and is thus well known worldwide for its beer industry. Ceske Budejovice is a medieval town, which has a great number of museums, galleries, pubs, and restaurants. During World War II,  Ceske Budejovice was occupied by Nazi Germany. Numerous houses were destroyed during the war, as well as the local synagogue, which was completely demolished. 

The Premysl Otakar II Square

When you visit Ceske Budejovice, make sure you plan a visit to the main square, the Premysl Otakar II square, which is a popular gathering spot for markets, events, and performances. As you walk through this large square which measures 132 meters on one side and 137 meters on the other, you will stumble upon Samson’s fountain. This fountain was built in 1721 in magnificent baroque style and is an important symbol of Ceske Budejovice. Fun fact, this is also the largest fountain in the whole country.  

On the Premysl Otakar II square, you will also come across the Baroque looking town hall, it was first built in 1555, and then reconstructed in 1727. The town hall is decorated by four different sculptures symbolizing caution, courage, fairness, and wisdom. The town hall is also open for public visits, and you can enjoy a magnificent view of the town from its terrace. 

Budvar Brewery Tour

When in Ceske Budejovice, you have to visit the Budvar Brewery which is world known for its Budweiser beer. When you visit the brewery house, you will come across the Moravian barley malt and the Zatec hops- they are both very specific in their taste and smell. The beer in this brewery has been brewed since 1895, and still holds an excellent reputation, especially for its premium Budweiser Budvar lager beer. Whether you are a fan of beers or not, visiting the brewery should definitely be on your bucket list.  After all, it is one of the main attractions of Ceske Budejovice, as well as of Czechia.