Písek

Písek is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has a population of 29,081 (est. January 1, 2005). Písek is usually called "The Athens of the South" because it has got many high schools and "higher" schools and in addition, the Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček. Up to the last decades of 19th century Písek was a centre of large autonomous Prácheň Region (also Prácheňský kraj) (today's Prachatice, Písek, Strakonice and part of Příbram, Klatovy, České Budějovice and Jižní Plzeňsko Counties). This town has its own freeway (under construction) to Prague and it lies on Zdice–Protivín and Tábor–Ražice rail lines. It is superbly connected to central and western Bohemia or the same way as to the southward situated Šumava (historicaly called Böhmerwald or Gabreta in german and celtic languages) The climate here is mild (warmer than other parts of southern or western Bohemia) because it is from all sides protected against cold winds. Low precipitations (about 500-550 mm/annum) and with temperatures about 15 to 35 °C in summer season, 10 to 25 °C fall season, -5 to +10 °C in winter season (rare snow) and with 0 to 20 °C temperature in Blue Time season (spring). Predominantly sunny all the year. Písek is surrounded by Písek Mountains (or Gem Mountains). The river which flows across the city has the old Celtic name, Otava. Area Code: + 362