Prachatice, Historic trade center in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Prachatice is a small town in South Bohemia with a well-preserved medieval and Renaissance core. The center is built around a spacious square where painted buildings with detailed sgraffito designs from the 16th century create a unified historic appearance.
The town grew during the Middle Ages as a key trading post along the salt route connecting Bohemia to Bavaria. The wealth from this commerce shaped its Renaissance architecture, which remains visible today.
The town's name comes from Old Slavic and refers to craftsmanship and trade. Walking through the streets, you can spot guild marks and artisan inscriptions on many house facades that reflect this working heritage.
The town is accessible by bus from Prague and České Budějovice, with the journey taking roughly three hours from the capital. It is best explored on foot since all major sights are close together in a compact historic center.
The town hall houses a 16th-century astronomical clock that shows not just the time but also lunar cycles and planetary positions. This rare blend of timekeeping and cosmographic display is found in only a few places across the region.
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