Bakaláře Piazza

The space surrounding the Deanery Church in Písek, known as Bakaláře (meaning “Bachelors”), is today a modern paved piazza with architectural elements that connect the past with the present. The name originates from the Renaissance school that stood here from 1565 to 1853, whose teachers were referred to as bachelors.

The southern edge of the piazza was once lined by the town’s medieval walls, demolished in the early 19th century. During archaeological excavations in 2008–2009, surprising discoveries were made—including a well from the High Middle Ages and an ancient necropolis with burial mounds from the 15th century BC, as well as cremation graves from the 13th and 12th centuries BC.

Part of this prehistoric site remains exposed and can be viewed beneath protective glass panels. The modern redesign of the area incorporates symbolic references, such as a stylized outline of the medieval well in front of the church portal and the so-called “Bachelors’ Island”—a group of six stone desks recalling the former Renaissance school..