Písek

town in South Bohemian region in the Czech Republic

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

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

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

See

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

Historic centre

  • 🌍 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. (updated Sep 2021)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Sep 2021)
  • 🌍 Synagogue. The interior is not accessible, but you can see the exterior. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 Marian Column, Alšovo námesti. 24/7. Built in 1715. (updated Sep 2021)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Sep 2021)
  • 🌍 Písek Town Walls. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Main church and also the highest building in Písek with gothic frescoes. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 Church of Holy Trinity. Small late gothic church in areal of old Písek cemetery. (updated May 2016)

Outside the centre

  • 🌍 Jewish cemetery. (updated May 2016)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Sep 2021)

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Connect

Go next

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).

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