Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/241

207 From Písek to (13 km) Protivín (with its great brewery and brickfields), here we change the route for that of Budějovice-Plzeň to enable us to see the districts of the Šumava.

Passing Vodňany (5 km), we see a church founded in 1415. We reach Husinec the birthplace of John Huss the famous religious reformer the contemporary and follower of Wycliffe (1364—1415) and who was burnt at Constanz on the 6th. July 1415. The house in which Huss was born is marked with a memorial tablet.

From Husinec we can go either by rail, or on foot along the Blánice to (6 km) Prachatice, an interesting town which has a very quaint appearance having preserved its mediaeval character generally, especially in the crooked streets near the remains of the ancient ramparts, and shown also in examples of early architecture adorned with frescoes, sgrafittoes, gables etc.

The old gothic church of St. James’ (14th. century) was the scene of several religious tragedies. The townhall shows a remarkably fine and picturesque front.

The hotel „Národní dům“ (National house) is in every respect an excellent temporary home for those who desire to make a sojourn for the purpose of making excursions to such places as ''Lázně sv. Markéty („the Margarets’ bath“) ½ hour, Dobrá voda'' (Good water bath“), ½ hour, from whence a pleasant walk may be taken by way of the ruins of the castle „Husa“ (founded 1341, destroyed 1439), to the town of Volary.

Another delightful trip is to Vimperk, an old but busy town having a large glass-making trade. It has a gothic church founded in the 14th. century, and an ancient castle above the town.

Starting from Vimperk we make our way to mount Boubín (1358 m, in height), the ascent can be made comfortably in three hours. Climbers are well rewarded when they reach the top and enjoy the extensive view.

Resuming our journey from Vimperk by rail, we again get on to the main line at-Strakonice (37 km). This old town is situated on the banks of the Otava and its somewhat insular position is caused by the division of the river, and so it presents a picture of peculiar beauty. [sic] The