Soběslav - Historic Center

It lies so modestly between fields and meadows that you might not even notice it—if not for its tall church tower, visible from afar. Soběslav is closely linked with the Rožmberk family, especially the last of them, Petr Vok, who founded a university here intended to rival Charles University in Prague (which ultimately failed). He also gifted a house in the town to his wife’s favorite lady-in-waiting, Zuzana Vojířová. The town was established sometime in the 12th century.

Legend has it that a hermit once lived here, and when a passing Czech prince asked why he was ringing the bell so loudly, he answered, "I celebrate myself" ("Sobě slavím"), thus supposedly giving the town its name. More likely, it was founded by the Vítkovci family, who controlled the entire region. In medieval times, Soběslav had an imposing triple fortification wall, parts of which can still be admired today. A castle once stood in the northwest corner, of which only the Hláska Tower remains, now housing a modern library.

Unlike Tábor, you won’t find a labyrinth of narrow streets here, but instead, a beautiful and spacious square. It hosts an annual brass music festival and is home to the Blatské Museum, located both in the Renaissance Smrček House and in the Rožmberk House (formerly the house of Zuzana Vojířová). The town also boasts three stunning churches.

The largest, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, features the tallest tower in the Toulava region, famous for being slightly tilted, much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the countryside, extending to the Šumava Mountains on clear days. Another architectural gem is the Gothic hospital Church of St. Vitus, standing beside the 15th-century Old Town Hall, notable for its red gables. Lastly, the Church of St. Mark, with its wooden shingle roof, now serves as an art gallery.

And if anyone remembers the Lada sewing machines, they were produced right here in Soběslav!