Přemysl Otakar II. Square (Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II.)
Jihočeský kraj
Přemysl Otakar II. Square serves as the central public space in the historical city center of České Budějovice. Named after the city's founder, Bohemian King Ottokar II, the plaza is an architectural marvel characterized by its almost perfectly square layout. Covering an impressive area of nearly 1.8 hectares, it is surrounded by 48 historic houses, many featuring elegant arcades. The center of the square is beautifully paved with ceramic tiles dating back to 1939. Dominating the space is the magnificent Samson's Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece that originally served as a vital part of the city's water supply system. On the western side stands the grand Baroque City Hall, adding to the monumental atmosphere of the area. Just steps away from the northeastern corner, visitors can also admire the iconic Black Tower and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The square remains a vibrant hub of civic life, seamlessly blending centuries of architectural evolution with modern urban vitality.
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Tip: The square is an excellent starting point for exploring the historical center of České Budějovice. Take time to walk under the continuous arcades that line the perimeter, offering shade in summer and shelter during rain. It is highly recommended to combine your visit with a climb up the nearby Black Tower for a spectacular panoramic view of the plaza's perfect geometric layout.
Interesting facts
- •With an area of nearly 18,000 square meters, it is the second-largest square-shaped plaza in the Czech Republic, surpassed only by the square in Vysoké Mýto.
- •The square has changed its name at least seven times since 1915, reflecting the turbulent political history of the 20th century.
- •The central area of the square is paved with specific ceramic tiles that were laid down in 1939.
- •In the first half of the 20th century, trams operated along the outer edges of the square.
History
The square was laid out around the year 1265 by the royal builder Hirzo, who marked out plots for townspeople's houses around its perimeter.
Throughout the centuries, the space evolved significantly; it once housed meat shops until they were relocated by order of Emperor Charles IV, as well as a well and an execution ground.
The plaza has witnessed numerous historical shifts, reflected in its frequent renaming, from Emperor Franz Joseph Square and Adolf Hitler Square to Masaryk Square, before finally settling on its current name in 1991.
In the first half of the 20th century, the square even accommodated tram lines along its edges.
Place Guide
Samson's Fountain1720s
A dominant Baroque feature sitting in the exact center of the square. It was originally constructed to function as a crucial part of the city's water supply system.
City Hall1727-1730
A magnificent Baroque building located on the southwestern corner of the square, constructed after previous structures were destroyed by fires in the 17th century.
The Stray Boulder
A small, 30-centimeter rounded stone with an engraved cross embedded in the pavement in the southeastern section of the square.
