Prachatice (Czech pronunciation: [ˈpraxacɪtsɛ]; German: Prachatitz) is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 11,000 inhabitants. The town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument reservation.

History

Prachatice was founded with the beginning of trade on the Golden Trail, an important salt trade route beginning in Passau in Bavaria. Probably in the 9th or 10th century, a settlement was founded in the area of today's Staré Prachatice ("Old Prachatice") town part. In the second half of the 12th century, it was acquired by Vyšehrad Chapter.

When the settlement ceased to suit its purpose, a new settlement was established near the old one at the end of the 13th century. In 1312, Prachatice was first referred to as a town. In 1323, King John of Bohemia confirmed to the town of Prachatice the right to use the trade route to Passau and to collect customs duties there. Prachatice was fully completed in the 3rd quarter of the 14th century.

During the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, Prachatice was attacked twice and eventually conquered by the Hussites who killed most of the population of the town. After the end of the conflict, in 1436, Prachatice was granted the status of royal town by King Sigismund, and all its old privileges were confirmed. Only one year later the town was offered as collateral to Jan Smil of Krems, but fell under the control of the Rosenberg family for a short period following Smil's execution in 1439 at Český Krumlov. Oldřich II of Rosenberg sold the town of Prachatice almost immediately after the execution but it again became property of the family in 1501. In the second half of the 15th century, the number of inhabitants increased and new houses had to be built.

In the 16th century, trade on the trail reached its peak and the town prospered. The Rosenbergs controlled Prachatice until 1601 when Peter Vok of Rosenberg, the last member of the family, sold the town to Emperor Rudolf II who would again make it a royal town in 1609. It remained firmly under royal control until the Bohemian Revolt during which it sided with the rebels. However, in 1620 the town was reconquered and connected to the Krumlov manor. After the Battle of White Mountain, Prachatice lost its royal town status and privileges and became the property of the Eggenberg family, though the emperor's troops remained in the town throughout the remainder of the Thirty Years' War. Later on in the war the town was conquered by the Swedish army and another large ransom was demanded. In the second half of the 17th century, trade on the Golden Trail declined and never was revived.

The town and the whole Krumlov manor changed hands again in 1719, following the death of Princess Marie Arnoštka of Eggenberg, this time coming under the control of the affluent Schwarzenberg family. The weak political and economic situation affected the condition of the houses when old ones were not reconstructed and the new were not built.

Until 1918 the town was part of the Austrian monarchy (Austrian side after the compromise of 1867), in the district of the same name, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia.

After 1945 the German population was expelled as a result of World War II.

Sights

The historic centre is formed by Velké Square and adjoining streets, and is delimited by the remains of the town walls. Due to the stagnation of economic life in the 17th and 18th centuries, Prachatice have many Renaissance buildings, some of then reconstructed in the Empire style. Since 1981, the historic core of the town has been protected as an urban monument reservation.

One of the main landmarks of the town centre is the Old Town Hall, a Renaissance building from 1570–1571. The New Town Hall was built in pseudo-Renaissance style in 1903.

The Church of Saint James the Great near the square is the largest building in the historic centre. It is a late Gothic building first mentioned in 1359. Its final form was achieved by reconstructions between 1505 and 1513.

Dolní Gate ("Lower Gate"; also called Písecká) is a preserved element of stone town fortifications, which comes from the first half of the 15th century. The gate is from around 1527 and creates the entrance to the historic centre.

We are locals, and we want to share our experience and knowledge with you. We have travelled the world with triathlon, because of that we know what triathlete needs on his travels. We know you will come to the Czech Republic to compete in the race and we would like to help you to enjoy your stay in Prachatice.

Contact us for the best option for you! We are not computer, we are human beings and we will make custom quote for every customer. Write us all about your preferences and we will find the best option for you!

Accommodation

We know every hotel owner personally. We can help you to find accommodation that will suit your preferences the best.

Contact us at: [email protected]

XTERRA Czech is unique because of remote location of the start - Kristanovicky Lake. This wonderful piece of nature is 10 kilometers from Prachatice and on the race day all athletes will ride their bikes from transition on the beach of lake to the historical center of Prachatice.

But how to get there? On the race day, for the practice, to check the swim loop?

By your own car

Most secure option, as you can plan your departure. There is one big parking lot near the lake (500 meters from the transition) open all the race-week long. Please do not park anywhere else (especially not on the fields or grass areas). You can leave your car there for unlimited time. If you are going for the bike course recon before the race, we recommend asking someone to drop you off at the lake and ride the bike back to Prachatice.

On the bike

It is uphill, but easy route! Check out the easiest bike route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3268204217927303344

Taxi

In case of total emergency, there are a few taxi companies in Prachatice, who own the van capable to take your bike with you. Book one with your friends and share the expenses!

Parking

Official parking slots are located in Prachatice and Kristanovice (swim location). Both car parks have
capacity more than 1000 cars. Please only use parking lots marked with big blue "XTERRA Parking" signs. Thank you!

Czech Republic is famous because of beer, this is well known fact. But we have way more to offer!

Check our video about food and drinks specials!

https://youtu.be/xxIbagr5_RI

If you want to qualify for XTERRA World Championship, you will have to start in the correct race depending on your age:

• For 14-15 years old (Youth A): the correct race is SUPER SPRINT.

• For 16-17 (Youth B) and 18-19 (Junior): the correct race is SPRINT.

• If you are under 20 and still want to race in the Full Distance race, you will be automatically classified in 20-24 age-group and you will not be able to qualify for XTERRA World Championship.

Results from passed editions can be found at results.xterraplanet.com
Videos from previous years: YouTube