Statue of Přemysl Otakar II.

The statue of Přemysl Otakar II is a granite monument to the Bohemian king who founded České Budějovice in 1265. It stands in Na Sadech park, right beside the historic town centre, honouring the ruler whose name is also carried by the city's main square.

Where does the statue stand and when was it unveiled?

The monument stands in the municipal park Na Sadech, which wraps around the old town on the site of the former town fortifications. It was unveiled in October 2015, marking the 750th anniversary of the city's founding. The sculpture measures 4.6 metres in height including its pedestal and weighs more than 16 tonnes.

Who created the statue, and what is it made of?

The work is by sculptor František Postl, who donated it to the city. It was carved from granite quarried at Mrákotín in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands — the search for a stone block that met the sculptor's requirements took seven months before a suitable piece was found.

What challenges came up while installing the monument?

Placing a sculpture weighing many tonnes in the park required relocating underground utility infrastructure beforehand. During the foundation works, builders also uncovered a 19th-century stone sewer line, which had to be carefully protected so it would not be damaged while the monument was set in place. These complications meant preparing the site took longer than originally planned.

Who was Přemysl Otakar II?

Přemysl Otakar II ruled Bohemia from 1253 to 1278 and was one of the most powerful monarchs of his era, at times controlling territory stretching from the Sudetes to the Adriatic Sea. He founded numerous royal towns across Bohemia, and in 1265 he established České Budějovice at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers, creating an important trading hub on the route between Bohemia and Austria. He died in 1278 at the Battle on the Marchfeld (also known as the Battle of Dürnkrut), fighting the forces of the German king Rudolf of Habsburg.

Why does this site matter to the city today?

The monument in Na Sadech park is one of the symbols of České Budějovice's identity — a city whose very existence and layout trace directly back to Přemysl Otakar II's founding decision. The king is also the namesake of the city's central square, náměstí Přemysla Otakara II, one of the largest regularly square-shaped town squares in Central Europe. Walking from the statue in the park to the square shows how a 13th-century founding decision still shapes the city's public space today.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue of Přemysl Otakar II located? In Na Sadech park in České Budějovice, near the historic town centre, on the site of the former town fortifications.

When was the statue unveiled? In October 2015, to mark the 750th anniversary of the city's founding by Přemysl Otakar II.

Who made the statue? Sculptor František Postl, who carved it from Mrákotín granite and donated it to the city.

How big is the monument? It stands 4.6 metres tall including its pedestal and weighs over 16 tonnes.

Why is Přemysl Otakar II significant for České Budějovice? He founded the city in 1265 at the confluence of the Malše and Vltava rivers — the city's main square is also named after him.