Ceské Budejovice
Encyclopedia
České Budějovice (ˈtʃɛskɛː ˈbuɟɛjovɪtsɛ; colloquially: Budějice or Budějce; Ukrainian: Чеські Будейовиці, or Böhmisch Budweis; ; often referred to simply as Budweis in English) is a city in the Czech Republic
. It is the largest city in the South Bohemian Region
and is the political and commercial capital of the region and centre of the Roman Catholic Diocese of České Budějovice and of the University of South Bohemia and the Academy of Sciences. The town is not to be confused with Moravské Budějovice in Moravia
.
, and was granted its municipal charter
in 1265. The royal city was created as a platform of the king's power in South Bohemia and to counterbalance the powerful aristocratic House of Rosenberg
, which died out in 1611. The city was traditionally a bulwark of the Catholics in the long-lasting religious conflicts in Bohemia.
The city was a German-speaking enclave
from the 17th century until 1880. During the industrialization of the city, Czechs again became the ethnic majority. Until the Expulsion of Germans after World War II
, the city contained a significant German minority (about 15.5% in 1930).
Some population figures: 1828: 6,800; 1832: 8,100; 1851: 15,200; 1880(the first to report nationality): 11,829 Germans and 11,812 Czechs; 1890: 11,642 and 16,585; 1900: 15,400 and 23,400; 1910: 16,900 and 27,300; 1921 (the first held under Czech rule): 7,415 and 35,800.
, and Budweiser Bier (beer from Budweis) became, along with Plzeň's Pilsener
, one of the best-known lager
s. Brewing remains a major industry.
The largest brewery, founded in 1895, is Pivovar Budějovický Budvar
(Budweiser Budvar Brewery) which has legal rights to market its beer under the "Budweiser" brand name in much of Europe. The same product is also sold elsewhere under the names "Budvar" and "Czechvar" due to legal disagreements
with Anheuser-Busch
over the Budweiser brand. The American lager
was originally brewed as an imitation of the famous Bohemian original, but over time has developed its own identity and attained remarkable commercial success. Anheuser-Busch has made offers to buy out the Czech brewing company in order to secure global rights to the name "Budweiser", but the Czech government has refused all such offers, regarding the Czech Budweiser name as a matter of national pride.
The oldest (founded in 1795) and second largest brewery was renamed to "Pivovar Samson", replacing its original German name, during the communist period. It also exported, mostly under the "Samson" and "Crystal" labels. Recently, they reacquired naming rights for Budweiser for Europe while offering "B. B. Bürgerbräu
" in the US since 2005.
River, where the Vltava meets the Malše
river.
The old town preserves interesting architecture from Gothic
, Renaissance
, Baroque
and 19th century period. This includes buildings around the large town square, the old town hall with murals and bronze gargoyles, and the town tower "Černá věž" ("Black Tower
"). In the new town the Belle Époque
Austro-Hungarian train station is notable. The most valuable historic building in České Budějovice is the Dominican convent with the Gothic
Presentation of the Virgin Mary church
on Piaristic Square. The horse-drawn railroad line connecting České Budějovice to Linz
was the second oldest public line in continental Europe
(after the St.Etienne-Andrexieux line in France), constructed from 1824 to 1832; mere traces of the line can be seen south of the city center.
The ruins of the home castle of the Czech national hero Jan Žižka
, Trocnov, are located some ten kilometres (6 miles) southeast of the town. A bit further away (approximately 30 km), the town of Český Krumlov
is another popular tourist destination in South Bohemia. In 1992, it was added to UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
with Zurich, via Linz and Salzburg, also makes a stop in České Budějovice.
The city is also one of the major settings in the novel "The Good Soldier Švejk
" by Jaroslav Hašek
.
with:
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
. It is the largest city in the South Bohemian Region
South Bohemian Region
South Bohemian Region is an administrative unit of the Czech Republic, located mostly in the southern part of its historical land of Bohemia, with a small part in southwestern Moravia...
and is the political and commercial capital of the region and centre of the Roman Catholic Diocese of České Budějovice and of the University of South Bohemia and the Academy of Sciences. The town is not to be confused with Moravské Budějovice in Moravia
Moravia
Moravia is a historical region in Central Europe in the east of the Czech Republic, and one of the former Czech lands, together with Bohemia and Silesia. It takes its name from the Morava River which rises in the northwest of the region...
.
History
The city was founded by Hirzo, a knight of King Ottokar II of BohemiaOttokar II of Bohemia
Ottokar II , called The Iron and Golden King, was the King of Bohemia from 1253 until 1278. He was the Duke of Austria , Styria , Carinthia and Carniola also....
, and was granted its municipal charter
Municipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
in 1265. The royal city was created as a platform of the king's power in South Bohemia and to counterbalance the powerful aristocratic House of Rosenberg
House of Rosenberg
The Rosenberg family was the most significant and influential Bohemian noble family playing important role in Czech medieval history from 13th century till 1611...
, which died out in 1611. The city was traditionally a bulwark of the Catholics in the long-lasting religious conflicts in Bohemia.
The city was a German-speaking enclave
Enclave and exclave
In political geography, an enclave is a territory whose geographical boundaries lie entirely within the boundaries of another territory.An exclave, on the other hand, is a territory legally or politically attached to another territory with which it is not physically contiguous.These are two...
from the 17th century until 1880. During the industrialization of the city, Czechs again became the ethnic majority. Until the Expulsion of Germans after World War II
Expulsion of Germans after World War II
The later stages of World War II, and the period after the end of that war, saw the forced migration of millions of German nationals and ethnic Germans from various European states and territories, mostly into the areas which would become post-war Germany and post-war Austria...
, the city contained a significant German minority (about 15.5% in 1930).
Some population figures: 1828: 6,800; 1832: 8,100; 1851: 15,200; 1880(the first to report nationality): 11,829 Germans and 11,812 Czechs; 1890: 11,642 and 16,585; 1900: 15,400 and 23,400; 1910: 16,900 and 27,300; 1921 (the first held under Czech rule): 7,415 and 35,800.
Beer
Budějovice has long been well known for the beer brewed there since the 13th century. For a time the town was the imperial brewery for the Holy Roman EmperorHoly Roman Emperor
The Holy Roman Emperor is a term used by historians to denote a medieval ruler who, as German King, had also received the title of "Emperor of the Romans" from the Pope...
, and Budweiser Bier (beer from Budweis) became, along with Plzeň's Pilsener
Pilsener
Pilsner is a type of pale lager. It takes its name from the city of Pilsen , Bohemia, in today's Czech Republic, where it has been developed since 1842, when a bottom-fermented beer was first produced. The original Pilsner Urquell beer is produced there today.-Origin:Until the mid-1840s, most ...
, one of the best-known lager
Lager
Lager is a type of beer made from malted barley that is brewed and stored at low temperatures. There are many types of lager; pale lager is the most widely-consumed and commercially available style of beer in the world; Pilsner, Bock, Dortmunder Export and Märzen are all styles of lager...
s. Brewing remains a major industry.
The largest brewery, founded in 1895, is Pivovar Budějovický Budvar
Budweiser Budvar Brewery
Budweiser Budvar Brewery is a brewery in the city of České Budějovice , Czech Republic, that is best known for brewing a beer known as Budweiser Budvar in the European Union, Czechvar in the United States and Canada, and either Budweiser Budvar or Budějovický Budvar in the rest of the world.-...
(Budweiser Budvar Brewery) which has legal rights to market its beer under the "Budweiser" brand name in much of Europe. The same product is also sold elsewhere under the names "Budvar" and "Czechvar" due to legal disagreements
Budweiser
Budweiser is a German adjective describing something or someone from the city of České Budějovice in Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic.Beer brewing in České Budějovice dates back to the 13th century...
with Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. , is an American brewing company. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and 18 in other countries. It was, until December 2009, also one of America's largest theme park operators; operating ten theme parks across the United States through the...
over the Budweiser brand. The American lager
Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch)
Budweiser is a 5.0% abv American-style lager introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and one of the highest selling beers in the United States. It is made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt. Budweiser is produced in various breweries located around the world...
was originally brewed as an imitation of the famous Bohemian original, but over time has developed its own identity and attained remarkable commercial success. Anheuser-Busch has made offers to buy out the Czech brewing company in order to secure global rights to the name "Budweiser", but the Czech government has refused all such offers, regarding the Czech Budweiser name as a matter of national pride.
The oldest (founded in 1795) and second largest brewery was renamed to "Pivovar Samson", replacing its original German name, during the communist period. It also exported, mostly under the "Samson" and "Crystal" labels. Recently, they reacquired naming rights for Budweiser for Europe while offering "B. B. Bürgerbräu
Budweiser Bier Bürgerbräu
' or ' was the name for the beer and the administration of the "" , which in 1795 was founded by the German-speaking burghers of the Bohemian city of Budweis in the Kingdom of Bohemia)...
" in the US since 2005.
Geography
The city is in the center of a valley of the VltavaVltava
The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, running north from its source in Šumava through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice, and Prague, merging with the Elbe at Mělník...
River, where the Vltava meets the Malše
Malše
The Malše is a river in Austria and in the Czech Republic, and a right tributary of the Vltava.The Malše originates on the north slope of Viehberg, near the village of Sandl in Bezirk Freistadt, Upper Austria. It flows northward and forms of Austria-Czech border before fully entering the Český...
river.
Sights
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
, Renaissance
Renaissance architecture
Renaissance architecture is the architecture of the period between the early 15th and early 17th centuries in different regions of Europe, demonstrating a conscious revival and development of certain elements of ancient Greek and Roman thought and material culture. Stylistically, Renaissance...
, Baroque
Baroque architecture
Baroque architecture is a term used to describe the building style of the Baroque era, begun in late sixteenth century Italy, that took the Roman vocabulary of Renaissance architecture and used it in a new rhetorical and theatrical fashion, often to express the triumph of the Catholic Church and...
and 19th century period. This includes buildings around the large town square, the old town hall with murals and bronze gargoyles, and the town tower "Černá věž" ("Black Tower
Black Tower (Ceské Budejovice)
Black Tower is a well-known 16th century tower in České Budějovice, Czech Republic. It is situated near the NE corner of Přemysl Otakar II Square, next to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and is a favourite sight....
"). In the new town the Belle Époque
Belle Époque
The Belle Époque or La Belle Époque was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the era of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, it was a period characterised by optimism and new technological and medical...
Austro-Hungarian train station is notable. The most valuable historic building in České Budějovice is the Dominican convent with the Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
Presentation of the Virgin Mary church
Presentation of Virgin Mary Church (Ceské Budejovice)
Church Presentation of Virgin Mary is the most valuable historical building of České Budějovice. It was founded with the city and monastery in 1265 and is located on Piaristic square. Initial construction was completed around 1300. It is a monumental gothic building with baroque and rococo...
on Piaristic Square. The horse-drawn railroad line connecting České Budějovice to Linz
Linz
Linz is the third-largest city of Austria and capital of the state of Upper Austria . It is located in the north centre of Austria, approximately south of the Czech border, on both sides of the river Danube. The population of the city is , and that of the Greater Linz conurbation is about...
was the second oldest public line in continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
(after the St.Etienne-Andrexieux line in France), constructed from 1824 to 1832; mere traces of the line can be seen south of the city center.
The ruins of the home castle of the Czech national hero Jan Žižka
Jan Žižka
Jan Žižka z Trocnova a Kalicha , Czech general and Hussite leader, follower of Jan Hus, was born at small village Trocnov in Bohemia, into a gentried family. He was nicknamed "One-eyed Žižka"...
, Trocnov, are located some ten kilometres (6 miles) southeast of the town. A bit further away (approximately 30 km), the town of Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, best known for the fine architecture and art of the historic old town and Český Krumlov Castle...
is another popular tourist destination in South Bohemia. In 1992, it was added to UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Transport
Local buses and trolleybuses take passengers to most areas of the city. The city can be reached from other locations by inter-city buses and by train. Internationally, a direct railroad service connecting PraguePrague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
with Zurich, via Linz and Salzburg, also makes a stop in České Budějovice.
People
It was the birthplace of:- Adalbert GyrowetzAdalbert GyrowetzVojtěch Matyáš Jírovec was a Bohemian composer.- Biography :...
, Bohemian composer - Karl Franz Leppa
- Jaroslav ModrýJaroslav ModrýJaroslav Modrý is a Czech professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for HC Plzeň of the Czech Extraliga. He previously played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars and Philadelphia...
, former NHL player, currently playing for HC Lasselsberger PlzeňHC Lasselsberger PlzenHC Plzeň 1929 is an ice hockey team in the Czech Extraliga. Their home arena is ČEZ Aréna in Plzeň.- Club names :* 1929 – Hokejový odbor při SK Viktoria Plzeň* 1948 – Sokol Plzeň IV* 1949 – ZSJ Škodovy závody* 1952 – ZSJ Leninovy závody... - Václav "Vinny" ProspalVaclav ProspalVáclav "Vinny" Prospal is a Czech professional ice hockey left winger who is currently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
, ice hockeyIce hockeyIce hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player for the Columbus Blue JacketsColumbus Blue JacketsThe Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... - Vladimír RemekVladimír RemekVladimír Remek is the first Czechoslovak in space and the first cosmonaut from a country other than the Soviet Union or the United States. As of 2004, with the entry of the Czech Republic into the European Union Vladimír Remek is considered to be the first astronaut from the EU...
, cosmonautAstronautAn astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
(also a first non-USSR, non-US citizen in space aboard Soyuz 28Soyuz 28-Backup crew:-Mission parameters:*Mass: *Perigee: *Apogee: *Inclination: 51.65°*Period: 88.95 minutes-Mission highlights:...
in 1978) - Karel RodenKarel RodenKarel Roden is a Czech actor, known for his roles in Hellboy and The Bourne Supremacy.Roden's father and grandfather were also actors. After studying theatrical art in Prague he has played many roles in theatres and movies. First, he graduated school of ceramic, then he was admitted to the Academy...
, actor - František StrakaFrantišek StrakaFrantišek Straka is a Czech former football player and manager.-Playing career:Straka played most notably for Sparta Prague. In 1988 he moved to Germany and spent the rest of his playing career there. He played for Czechoslovakia and was a participant in the 1990 FIFA World Cup...
, soccer player/coach - Rolf ThieleRolf ThieleRolf Thiele was a German film director, producer and screenwriter. He directed 42 films between 1951 and 1977. He was born in Budweis, then in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His 1958 film Eva was entered into the 1959 Cannes Film Festival...
, Austrian director and producer - Zdeněk TůmaZdenek TumaZdeněk Tůma is a Czech economist and a former Governor of the Czech National Bank since 1 December 2000. He was confirmed by President Václav Klaus for another six-year term on 11 February 2005. Tůma resigns as of 30 June 2010...
, former governon of ČNBCNBCNB may stand for:*Kanpur Central, Kanpur Station Code:CNB*Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore*City National Bank *Cosmic neutrino background*Croatian National Bank*Czech National Bank...
, currently member of PraguePraguePrague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
city council
The city is also one of the major settings in the novel "The Good Soldier Švejk
The Good Soldier Švejk
The Good Soldier Švejk , also spelled Schweik or Schwejk, is the abbreviated title of a unfinished satirical/dark comedy novel by Jaroslav Hašek. It was illustrated by Josef Lada and George Grosz after Hašek's death...
" by Jaroslav Hašek
Jaroslav Hašek
Jaroslav Hašek was a Czech humorist, satirist, writer and socialist anarchist best known for his novel The Good Soldier Švejk, an unfinished collection of farcical incidents about a soldier in World War I and a satire on the ineptitude of authority figures, which has been translated into sixty...
.
Twin towns – Sister cities
České Budějovice is twinnedTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
with:
| Almere Almere Almere is a planned city and municipality in the province of Flevoland, the Netherlands, bordering Lelystad and Zeewolde. The municipality of Almere comprises the districts Almere Stad, Almere Haven, Almere Buiten, Almere Hout, Almere Poort and Almere Pampus .Almere is the youngest city in the... , Netherlands Gomel, Belarus Linz Linz Linz is the third-largest city of Austria and capital of the state of Upper Austria . It is located in the north centre of Austria, approximately south of the Czech border, on both sides of the river Danube. The population of the city is , and that of the Greater Linz conurbation is about... , Austria Lorient Lorient Lorient, or L'Orient, is a commune and a seaport in the Morbihan department in Brittany in north-western France.-History:At the beginning of the 17th century, merchants who were trading with India had established warehouses in Port-Louis... , France Nitra Nitra Nitra is a city in western Slovakia, situated at the foot of Zobor Mountain in the valley of the river Nitra. With a population of about 83,572, it is the fifth largest city in Slovakia. Nitra is also one of the oldest cities in Slovakia and the country's earliest political and cultural center... , Slovakia Passau Passau Passau is a town in Lower Bavaria, Germany. It is also known as the Dreiflüssestadt or "City of Three Rivers," because the Danube is joined at Passau by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north.... , Germany Suhl Suhl - Geography :Suhl sits on the south edge of the Suhler Scholle, an upthrust granite complex that is streaked by numerous dikes. This is part of the Ruhla-Schleusingen Horst that defines the southwest side of the Thuringian Forest... , Germany |
External links
- České Budějovice – official page
- Virtual Tourist tour of České Budějovice
- University of South Bohemia
- Region of České Budějovice
- České Budějovice – tourism, basic facts, hotels
- České Budějovice – tourism, basic facts, accommodation
- Text of European Court of Justice judgment in the "Budweiser" trademark case – Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 16 November 2004. Anheuser-Busch Inc. v Budĕjovický Budvar, národní podnik. Reference for a preliminary ruling: Korkein oikeus – Finland. Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation – Articles 2(1), 16(1) and 70 of the TRIPs Agreement – Trade marks – Scope of the proprietor's exclusive right to the trade mark – Alleged use of the sign as a trade name. Case C-245/02.
- "Švejk Central": Web site devoted to the Hašek novel
- České Budějovice at the official website of the Czech republic