city, southern Czech Republic. It is a regional cultural and industrial centre lying amid lakes at the confluence of the Vltava (Moldau) and Malše rivers. Founded and fortified in 1265 by the Bohemian king Otakar II, the city is rich in medieval architecture and has one of the largest arcaded town squares in Europe, with the Baroque Samson's Fountain in the middle. The Museum of South Bohemia features natural science, archaeology, arts, and history of the region.

The city was a terminal for one of Europe's first horse-drawn tramways, opened in 1827 between České Budějovice and Linz, Austria. The original home of Budweiser beer, the city is still noted for the production of beer, as well as pencils (since 1790) and porcelain; other manufactures include enamelware, furniture, tobacco, and food products. Anthracite, lignite, and graphite deposits lie nearby to the west. Pop. (2007 est.) 94,747.