České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Today was a bus tour from Prague to Český Krumlov.  As part of the tour, we stopped for a half hour in České Budjěovice.

České Budějovice is 150 km (93 miles) from Prague and takes about two hours by bus. 

Přemysl Otakar II Square

České Budějovice was founded in 1265 by King Ottokar II of Bohemia.

With over 94,000 residents it is the 8th largest city in Czechland.  It is also the capital of the South Bohemian kraj.

The old town center has some lovely Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. 

Near the main square is the 13th century St. Nicholas Cathedral and the the 16th century Black Tower.

The Town Hall

A 30 minute rest stop isn't really enough to say that you've really visited the city.  It's just enough to see a few of the highlights.

Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth Office

The city is home to Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth.  This Czech company is one of the world's largest producers of pencils, pens and art supplies.  The company was founded in 1790 in Austria and production was moved to České Budějovice in 1848.

In 1802 the company patented the first pencil lead made of clay and graphite.  At the 1889 World Fair, they unveiled yellow pencils made of cedar which established how pencils are made and graded.

However, the city's biggest claim to fame is being home to Pivovar Budějovický Budvar - the Budweiser Budvar Brewery.