Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/231

197 Bystřice is passed (57 km), near to it on the left can be seen the renaissance castle Leštno; and beyond this (67 km) we come to Votice near to which station are the ruins of the castle Martinice; and next (105 km) Tábor is reached. The town stands above a large sheet of water; the „Jordan“ which like a great mirror reflects back the ancient walls. The town was founded in 1420 by the followers of Huss, and afterwards fortified by Žižka. The antiquity of the place is evidenced in its short and narrow thoroughfares; many of them being mere lanes. There are few towns that can equal it in historic interest. It was the first communistic corporation in mediaeval Europe. Amongst the more remarkable of its buildings, are the decanal church with its high tower from the top of which a grand panoramic view of the surrounding country may be enjoyed. The old town-hall with a well arranged Historical and Ethnographical museum.

The principal trading interests of Tábor are connected with the distilleries, breweries and a large tobacco and cigar manufactury. Visitors making a sojourn here can be certain of comfortable quarters at the hotel „Šetunský“.

By the new electric railway, the old town of Bechyně is reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Conspicuous is its castle towering high on a great rock, and near at hand is a Franciscan monastery. The church is architecturally very interesting and has several good pictures by the eminent Bohemian painter Škréta (1604—74). Near the town is a large deer-park and close to it Libušiny Lázně (Libusa’s bath) which enjoys a high reputation. A pleasant walk may be enjoyed in the picturesque wooded valley of the Lužnice—otherwise called Pintovka through which it is an easy stroll to the castle Příběnice near to which visitors may rest and refresh at the excellent new restaurant.

Other excursions are easily arranged to the ruins of the castle of Choustník from which a magnificent view of the country may be had, or by Měšice to the ruins of the castle Kozí Hrádek where John Huss found a friendly shelter after his excommunication, and here he passed the time in writing and preaching to his followers.

Near to the little town of Cheynov is a remarkable cave, it is the largest in Bohemia and of granite formation. *