The town of Pisek was founded on the banks of the river Otava by the Bohemian king in the mid 13th century. Thanks to gold mining, trade and production activities the town rapidly developed. As of the 14th century it was the center of an extensive region, called the Lands of Prachen. In the first half of the 15th century it played an important role for the defenders of the chalice (a branch of the Hussite movement). The beginning of the Thirty Years War signified a catastrophe for the town of Pisek. It was besieged on three occasions and conquered many times. When it was last overrun on September 30th 1620 it was completely destroyed by the imperial army and the majority of its inhabitants were killed. During the 19th century Pisek developed into a town of students, musicians and pensioners. As a town in a sea of forests, it has become a fashionable holiday resort and tourist destination. The old town center of Pisek has been declared a historic urban area.
The stone bridge in Pisek
The oldest remaining stone bridge in Bohemia was evidently built before the end of the 13th century. It is 111 meters long and had defensive towers on both banks, which have not been preserved. The bridge is decorated with statues of St. John of Nepomuk, St. Anne, St. Anthony of Padua and the crucifixion of Christ. The bridge is a listed monument.