In Budějovice
Železná panna
Pěšky 19 min · Autem 6 min
The Železná panna is one of the best-preserved parts of the Budějovice fortifications and dates from the 14th century. On four floors it now holds the only permanent exhibition in the Czech Republic devoted to Přemysl Otakar II.
A wall tower from the 14th century was called Špilhajbl until the late 19th century — after a burgher who owned the neighbouring house. It was renamed Železná panna because that sounded more inviting; no document proves such an instrument ever stood here.
Practical details
- Pěšky 19 min · Autem 6 min
- Opening hours: sezónní: květen–září a jen ve vybrané dny
On site
The tower is squat, not slender Gothic, because it has a low Renaissance top. A few hundred metres away stands Rabenštejnská věž with a high Gothic roof — the shape this tower had before 1612, until lightning struck. Inside is a replica torture device from 2004.