Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/188

158 Otakar Nejedlý: BECHYNĚ. On a rock commanding a view of the course of the river Lužnice and the brook Smutný, towers a great castle: the most striking feature of the landscape looking from the East. This is one of the seats of the ancient Lords of Rosenberg. The stronghold of the town is situated on a high plateau above the river. The lofty banks of both river and brook are beautifully wooded and offer to lovers of nature the opportunity to enjoy most delightful strolls through the leafy glades.

The neighbourhood has the reputation of being an excellent health resort with the comforts of a good bathing establishment and mineral waters.

The decanal and Franciscan churches possess architectural features well worthy of attention.

Josef Král: KUTNÁ HORA. (Kuttenberg.) Bohemia.

Formerly the seat of the Royal Master of the mint and the administration of the neighbouring rich silver mines.

It was also the occasional place of residence of the kings of Bohemia, consequently Kutná Hora ranked as one of the most important towns in the country.

Vlašský Dvůr, (Italian Court), the ancient mint and royal residence was also the meeting-place of the diet.

The most remarkable churches are, St. Barbara’s, St. James and St. Mary’s representing different periods of Gothic architecture.

Václav Jansa: TÁBOR. (South Bohemia.)

In spite of changes wrought by the hand of „old father time“; and alterations made in modern days, there is much to interest the visitor, in the mediaeval features of old Tábor, so gloriously associated with the name of the great leader Žižka. There are many spots of historic and romantic kind well worthy of a visit; one, the market-place, was the scene of many stirring events in the Hussite wars.

Václav Jansa: STAROMĚSTSKÉ NÁMĚSTÍ. The great Market-place of the Old Town of.

The market-place forms an irregular square. It has figured largely in the history of the town, here it was that knightly tournaments were held and royalty received, it was the place for all kinds of high festivals and also the scene of many tragic executions.

A conspicuous object in the centre of the square, is a column of the Holy Virgin, a monolith erected after the Thirty Years war.