Samson Fountain

In the middle of Přemysl Otakar II Square you will find the well-known symbol of České Budějovice - Samson's Fountain.

This magnificent baroque work was built as part of the reconstruction of the city after the Thirty Years' War in the years 1720-1727 and was intended to serve as a source of water and also a water supply to the side streets of the city. It consists of a stone reservoir, which, with a diameter of 15 metres, is one of the largest in the country. 

A prismatic plinth with four gargoyles stands out in its centre, on which stand the figures of four athletes supporting a circular shell with a sculpture of the biblical Samson taming a lion. 

The large shell, carved in a quarry near Besednice near Trhové Sviny, could not be transported by workers to Budějovice despite its enormous size. In order to transport it to the town, the then Vienna Gate had to be extended. It was brought by 62 horses.

The first design was made in 1716 by the state surveyor Jan Rappa, thanks to the comments of the Jesuit František Baugaut from Jindřichův Hradec, significant modifications were made and the final technical design was made by Pavel Kolečný. Samson's fountain is the meritorious work of the South Bohemian sculptor Josef Dietrich and the stonemason Zacharias Horn. 

Samson was known for his great strength, which made him victorious over the Philistines. However, he was betrayed by his girlfriend Delilah. She revealed that the source of his strength was in his long hair. She cut it off and the Philistines easily overcame him.