Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gothic religious monument in Vnitřní Město, Czech Republic

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a three-aisled basilica with a nave, two aisles and a 74-metre bell tower at the south side of the west facade, the tallest building in Písek. The tower, topped by an onion dome after a 1555 lightning fire, carries clocks moved from the town castle in 1860. The west portal is framed by reliefs of builder Mikuláš Písecký and possibly Vladislaus II with his son Louis.

Construction began around 1240 with the presbytery, built by the workshop of Přemysl Otakar II; the church was probably consecrated in the 1260s. In 1489 the south tower was begun, and master Mikuláš Písecký completed both entrance portals that same year. Lightning struck the taller tower in 1555, melting the bells; Josef Mocker led a Neo-Gothic restoration in 1886.

The church keeps the Písek Madonna, a mid-14th-century altar painting whose original was stolen and has been replaced by a copy since 1975. Near the northern aisle hangs a 1270 painting of the Enthroned Madonna and Jesus crowned by two angels.

The building is open to visitors on most days, though it is advisable to check current opening times beforehand. If you wish to explore the interior, note that access may be limited during services or special ceremonies.

The south tower is 74 metres high and was part of the town's defence system: behind its tracery railing is a room for a watchman. The clocks on each side were moved there in 1860 from the tower of Písek Castle.