Rudolfov

Rudolfov (Rudolfstadt) is a town in České Budějovice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 2,600 inhabitants.

Administrative parts
The village of Hlinsko is an administrative part of Rudolfov. It forms an exclave of the municipal territory.

Etymology
The name is derived from the personal name Rudolf, meaning "Rudolf's (town)".

Geography
Rudolfov is located about 4 km east of České Budějovice. It lies in the Třeboň Basin. The highest point is at 555 m above sea level.

History
The first mention of silver mining in the area is from 1385. The first written mention of Rudolfov is from 1570. In the late 16th century, mining had become intense, and it was the most important silver mining area in Bohemia alongside Kutná Hora and Jáchymov. In 1585, the mining settlement was promoted to a royal mining town by Emperor Rudolf II.

As early as the end of the 16th century, there was a decline in mining due to problems with the drainage of flooded mines. In 1619, during the Bohemian Revolt, the town was looted. The destroyed town became a property of the city of České Budějovice in 1620. In 1623, Rudolfov was resettled. From 1656, it was referred to as a village. From 1720, it was a town again.

Transport
There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.

Sights
The main landmark is the Church of Saint Vitus. It was built as a Protestant temple in 1583. The second landmark is the building of the former mining office and until 2009 the town hall, with Renaissance decorations and a turret. Today it houses a small mining museum.

A monument is also a small Renaissance castle. Today the premises are used as offices.

Twin towns – sister cities
Rudolfov is twinned with:
 * 🇦🇹 Sandl, Austria