The current European Capitals of Culture for this year are Veszprem in Hungary, Elefsina in Greece, and Temesvar in Romania.
České Budějovice, with its population of nearly 100,000, notable central square, and intersecting streets, was established in 1265 by King Premysl Otakar II of Bohemia. The town’s Dominican monastery, now considered a valuable local monument, was founded on the western edge of the town overlooking the Vltava River.
The city has a long-standing brewing tradition, dating back to 1265, with the renowned Budvar brewery, currently state-owned, established in 1895.
Throughout its history, the town experienced growth in the 14th century and became a major city in southern Bohemia. However, it also faced challenges such as wars, fires, and epidemics in subsequent centuries.
A significant development occurred in the 19th century when České Budějovice became the starting point for a horse-drawn railway to Linz, Austria, a unique form of transportation for that time in Europe.
During the final stages of World War II in March 1945, České Budějovice was subjected to air raids by the U.S. Air Force, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. After the war, the German minority population in the town was expelled.