📖 A quick introduction

So there’s this lovely little city in South Bohemia called Písek about 100 kilometers south of Prague and it’s got some serious history flowing right through it, thanks to the Otava River. It was founded way back in the mid-13th century by King Wenceslas I, right along those sandy riverbanks. And get this: the city’s name, “Písek,” actually comes from that sand because people used to pan for gold there. Yeah, real gold!

Thanks to the gold mining, plus some thriving trade and a solid industrial boost, Písek quickly became a big deal. In the Middle Ages, it rose up as an important royal city, sitting in just the right spot along a major salt trade route which definitely helped it shine.

Nowadays, Písek is the kind of place that pulls you in with its historic charm. You can wander the old streets and feel the layers of history gold, trade, and centuries of life all wrapped into one pretty unforgettable spot.

🧠 Interesting facts

💡Where the Lights First Shined in Bohemia

Did you know Písek was a real trailblazer when it came to turning on the lights? This royal city is home to the oldest hydroelectric power plant of its kind in Bohemia. After a big makeover, it opened to visitors in 1997, so now you can step inside and see where electricity first made waves in the region. Pretty cool slice of history!

And get this Písek wasn’t just ahead of the game with power plants. It was actually the first city in Bohemia to light up its streets with permanent electric lighting. That happened on June 23, 1887, all thanks to Czech engineer František Křižík. Imagine the buzz when those lamps flickered on for the very first time! Not bad for a quiet town by the river, huh?

💰The Golden Vein: How a River Bankrolled Písek's Glory

Intriguing, isn't it? This 'Písek Gold' we speak of wasn't just any glitter in the river. It was the very lifeblood of the town of Písek! Imagine, this shimmering treasure, flowing right through the Otava River, actually pulled people in, sparking its economic engine and quite possibly bankrolling majestic landmarks like the Royal Castle and that legendary Stone Bridge. Even the river's name, Otava meaning 'rich river' whispers secrets of this golden past. So, in essence, could it be that the gleam in the Otava River was the key ingredient in Písek's historical recipe for importance and prosperity? 

🎻Otakar Ševčík: The Violin Master Who Made Písek Sing

Did you know that one of the world’s greatest violin teachers spent his final years in Písek? Otakar Ševčík, although born in Horažďovice, made Písek his home, where he lived, taught, and eventually passed away.

Ševčík wasn’t just a brilliant violinist he was a legendary violin teacher whose methods influenced musicians all around the globe. After teaching at major conservatories, he continued to give private lessons right here in Písek. The city honored him with honorary citizenship, and today, a street proudly carries his name.

Thanks to Ševčík’s presence, Písek quietly became a small but internationally respected center for music education during his later years. Not bad for a cozy little town, right?

What moves the city?

Technology (IT and startups) and light industry (manufacturing mechanical and automotive components) are the strongest and fastest-growing sectors in Písek. Technology plays a particularly crucial role, as the city has invested in creating a modern tech hub that attracts innovative companies from all over.

While tourism and services are also important, they aren’t quite as large or dominant as the tech and industrial sectors.

Additional curiosities

1. The sand sculpture festival uses over 500 tons of sand every year.

2. It is said that the bridge has its own "protective ghost."

3. It is one of the safest cities in the Czech Republic.

4. The Písek Film School is one of the best in the country.

5. Písek Castle served as both a brewery and a salt warehouse at different times.