The dominating, 72m Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower was built in 1553. Climb its 225 steps (yes, we counted them) for fine views. The tower's two bells ‒ the Marta (1723) and Budvar (1995; a gift from the brewery) ‒ are rung daily at noon.

Beside the tower is the Cathedral of St Nicholas (Katedrála sv Mikuláše), built as a church in the 13th century, rebuilt in 1649, then made a cathedral in 1784.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II

0.09 MILES

The attractive arcaded buildings grouped around Samson's Fountain (Samsonova kašna; 1727) constitute the biggest town square in the country, 133m on each…

3. South Bohemian Motorcycle Museum

0.19 MILES

There are dozens of historic bikes on display in this museum, housed in the unlikely setting of a 16th-century Gothic granary, later used as a salt…

4. Museum of South Bohemia

0.22 MILES

Founded in 1877, the revamped Museum of South Bohemia holds an enormous collection of historic books, coins, military objects, folk art and displays on…

5. Rabenštejn Tower

0.23 MILES

This tower, part of the city's original fortifications dating back to the 15th century, is home to a small exhibition of historical weapons and body…

6. Iron Maiden Tower

0.23 MILES

The 15th-century Iron Maiden Tower is a crumbling former prison (and, legend has it, a torture chamber) and one of the few remaining bits of the Old Town…

7. Budweiser Budvar Brewery

1.29 MILES

One of the highlights of a trip to České Budějovice is a chance to see where original Budweiser beer was born. Brewery tours depart daily at 2pm (plus…

8. Hluboká Chateau

5.46 MILES

Hluboká Chateau was built by Přemysl rulers in the 13th century and the building changed ownership several times until it landed in the hands of the…

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