River Blanice - Vodňanská - Czech republic
The river springs in the surroundings of Bohemian Forest near to Knížecí stolec.
93 km
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Article
Vodňany
First colonists along Blanice river settled on merchant way from Prachatice to Prague. Successively, the town was established. King Jan Lucemburský gave the town most important privileges in 1336. In 1400, town belonged, together with České Budějovice and Písek, to King´s towns. Town´s treasury was filled with profits from old merchant way and customs collection.
The treasury was filled also with profits from mining of precious metals on Vodňanské Svobodné Hamry (Vodňany Free Ironworks). However, an eschutcheon with a miner and a document declaring King´s town of 1547 remained of this time period only. Anyway, pond construction proved to be more profitable. The community founed the ponds since second half of 15th century, these are characteristic signs of a countryside till now.
At the beginning of 30-year war Vodňany was plundered and lost its property. In 1623, the town was mortgaged to Don Baltazar de Marradas, sold consequently to Schwarzenberg Parentage. Since 1710, in a moment of mortgage payment, the town became free again.
As to local monuments: it is former pharmacy, house No. 1 with Renaissance attic, savings-bank building from beginning of 20th century, St.John Baptist Church. Jan Žižka statue, St.John Nepomunk statue of 18th century. A museum is placed in former synagogue, presenting an exposition about town´s history. Hundred years´ tradition of pond construction does not belong to past time at all. Experience and knowledge of local fishermen are developped in Spoecial Fishermen School, founded in 1920. Many fish-specialists from all over the world meet in Vodňany each year, in order to participate on traditional Vodňany Fishing Days.
Text: Markéta Řandová