The Great Tower of the Deanery Church

The dominant feature of the historic centre of Písek is the Great Tower of the Deanery Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It was built in 1489 by the master builder Mikuláš of Písek on a 10 × 10 metre ground plan as a town watchtower, and has formed an integral part of the town’s skyline ever since. With its height of 72 metres, it ranks among the most distinctive Gothic towers in South Bohemia.

In 1555, the tower was severely damaged by fire. Its current appearance dates from the second half of the 19th century, when it was fitted with four clock faces featuring unusually reversed hands. At the very top is a metal capsule containing documentation of repairs, above which rises a two-metre metal cross.

Visiting the Tower

In the first part of the ascent, visitors can admire the preserved timber framework, which still supports the entire structure of the tower.

The route then continues past four bells – Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Wenceslas, the Virgin Mary, and Master Jan Hus – with a combined weight of 3.3 tonnes. The bells were cast in 1991–1992 in the renowned bell foundry of Marie Tomášková-Dytrychová in Brodek u Přerova.

Next, visitors stop at an exhibit and tour the former tower keeper's apartment, from where the town was once watched over. Today, a working clock mechanism is located here, driving the hands of the four tower clock faces – each facing a different cardinal direction. Part of the tour also includes the black kitchen.

After climbing a total of 210 steps, visitors reach the viewing gallery at a height of 42 metres, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the town of Písek, the Otava River and the surrounding area.

Visitor's information: Tours take place at selected times and are guided. Reservations are required and can be made either at the Tourist Information Centre or online (in Czech only).