Town Bastion – Vodňany - Temporarily closed

History of the Town Fortifications

The history of the town dates back to the second half of the 13th century. During the 14th century, the town was surrounded by stone fortifications. The construction took a long time, with modifications continuing into the 15th and the first half of the 16th century.

Originally, the historic center could be entered through three gates:
🔹 The Bavarian Gate
🔹 The Písek Gate
🔹 The Týn Gate (Budweis Gate)

In the second half of the 17th century, a fourth gate was built, known as the New Gate. However, all gates were demolished before 1840 to improve access to the town.

The historic fortification consisted of:
 

• A simple castle wall
• An outer ward (zwinger)
• A moat and embankment

During the 14th century, prism-shaped defensive towers, known as bastions, were built. Four of them have remained almost fully intact to this day. This entire architectural complex is an important example of medieval architecture, not only in South Bohemia but in the entire Czech Republic.