Location

The Town of Pisek and the castle located on the banks of river Otava was founded by Bohemian kings in the second half of the 13 th century. Gold digging and strong mercantile and production activities soon made the town grow and it was bathing in favour of Czech kings Premysl Otakar II. and Wenceslass IV who were visiting the town frequently. From 14 th century the town became a center of a large region called Prachen region (Prachensky). In the first half of 15 th century the town played an important role for Hussite movement. The beginning of Thirty Years' War was a catastrophe for Pisek. The town was three times besieged and all three times conquered, last time on 30 September 1620 when the emperor's soldiers totally plundered the whole town and most of the inhabitants perished. From 19 th century the town completely changed it s face, coming out of the town walls and in the suburbs many streets of tenement houses are built. At the same time Czech language prevails at the town hall and many cultural institutions and associations are founded. Písek is called the town of schools and students and also Mekka of violinists. It also became – as a town in the middle a sea of forests – a sought after resort and favourite tourist destination. The historical centre of Pisek was now declared a protected town zone.