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Písek is a town in South Bohemia, known for having the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic. Due to its nice small historic centre, Písek might be a good stop on a journey between Prague and South Bohemia (e.g. Český Krumlov).

Understand[edit]

The name "Písek" means "sand", because of gold prospecting on Otava River. In the Middle Ages, Písek was one of the most populous and important royal cities in Bohemia. It was located on a trade route connecting Bohemia with Southern Europe. However, through the centuries, Písek lost its importance. At 30,000 inhabitants, it is as of 2021 the third largest city in the South Bohemia Region.

Get in[edit]

By car, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Prague. Half of the way is on D4 highway, which is planned to be elongated up to Písek. Buses from Prague (Na Knížecí Station) go to Písek very often and it takes approximately the same time by bus as by car. There is no direct connection by train.

Get around[edit]

See[edit]

View of the main church and the town walls from Otava river

Historic centre[edit]

  • 1 Písek Stone Bridge. The oldest bridge in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest bridges in central Europe (yes, older than the Charles Bridge in Prague) built in 13th century in gothic style with baroque statues. Písek Stone Bridge (Q3133093) on Wikidata Písek Stone Bridge on Wikipedia
  • 2 Písek Castle and Prácheň museum, Velké náměstí 114/3, +420 382 201 111, . Tu-Su 09:00-18:00 (17:00 October-December), during winter and on Mondays closed. Local museum in the area of former castle. Adults 40 Kč, children/pensioners 20 Kč, photos 20 Kč. Castle in Písek (Q12047776) on Wikidata
  • 3 Synagogue. The interior is not accessible, but you can see the exterior.
  • 4 Marian Column, Alšovo námesti. 24/7. Built in 1715. Maria column in Písek (Q12035567) on Wikidata
  • 5 Městská elektrárna Písek, Podskalí 2537/4, +420 382 217 034, . The oldest hydroelectric power station built in 1888 in Czech Republic still in use and Museum. 1 adult 120Kč, 2 adults 100Kč each, child 60Kč, senior 80Kč. Hydroelectric power plant in Písek (Q2609723) on Wikidata
  • 6 Písek Town Walls.
  • 7 Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Main church and also the highest building in Písek with gothic frescoes.
  • 8 Church of Holy Trinity. Small late gothic church in areal of old Písek cemetery.

Outside the centre[edit]

  • 9 Jewish cemetery.
  • 10 Jarník Tower. Lookout tower in "Natural Park Písek Mountains", circa 3 km from the centre - follow red and after crossroad "U Vodáka" blue tourist path. Nice view of Písek and surrounding area. Free. Jarník observation tower (Q780399) on Wikidata

Do[edit]

Buy[edit]

  • 1 Tesco Hypermarket (Nádražní 2590/36), +420 800 222 555, . Daily 06:00-22:00. supermarket at Písek train station
  • 2 COOP, Dvořákova 343, +420 382 270 010, . smaller supermarket in the centre.
  • 3 Maxi-Hit, Velke Namesti 175. Daily 09:00-18:00. In old town.
  • 4 Billa, Hradistska. M-Sa 07:00-21:00, Su 08:00-21:00. Billa (Q42969493) on Wikidata

Eat[edit]

Drink[edit]

Sleep[edit]

Connect[edit]

Go next[edit]

The beautiful town of Tábor, České Budějovice or Český Krumlov might be one of your next stops. For nature lowers, Šumava National Park or Brdy (located on the road between Písek and Prague).

This city travel guide to Písek is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.