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24 km south of �esk� Bud�jovice. 14.900 inhabitants. A historical town situated on the river Vltava with an ancient town centre on the right bank and castle grounds /called Latran/ on the other side. The whole town is UNESCO Historical Conservation Area. Its 13th century castle, rebuilt in the 16th century, is the largest in South Bohemia and second only to the Prague Castle within the Czech Republic. The most ancient parts were built in the 13th century. The whole complex was reconstructed in the 16th century in Renaissance style. The castle contains many splendid halls. Worth seeing is the Hall of Masks with wall paintings from 1748. Look for the Lower or Guard Courtyard, which contains large guns and the former watch-house, and further also for the 1730 mint-house opposite. Bears were kept in the first moat in the 16th century and the bridge across the second moat goes back to 1574. The castle park is beautiful and open all year round. The summer pavilion Belarie, the riding school and the castle theatre date back to the 18th century. More recently a revolving open-air theatre has been built in the castle park where the South Bohemian Theatre performs its repertoire.