České Budějovice was founded in 1265 by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers. Thanks to the ruler’s favor and advantageous location on long-distance trade routes, it grew economically rapidly. It soon became the trade and craft centre of the entire region. The greatest prosperity was achieved in the 16th century, mainly due to the extensive silver mining in the surrounding mines and the profits flowing to the town treasury from brewing beer, pond management and salt trade. Only fires, plague epidemics, wars and political instability disrupted the economic development of the town. The construction of a horse-drawn railway, the first on the European continent, leading along the České Budějovice – Linz route in the 19th century, stimulated the development of trade and industry. At this time, important factories were established that are still operating today, such as the Hardtmuth factory, the world-famous Budvar and Samson breweries.
During its development, České Budějovice grew into a real economic and cultural metropolis of South Bohemia.
