The main square of České Budějovice is one of the largest town squares in Central Europe, measuring 133 metres on each side. The centrepiece is the 18th-century Samson Fountain, a muscular baroque composition depicting Samson wrestling a lion. The surrounding arcaded buildings in shades of ochre and cream are in excellent condition and make a complete ensemble — the square still looks much as it did two centuries ago.
The square is the meeting point for the whole city. On weekday mornings the arcades fill with people heading to work; in the evenings cafe tables spread across the cobblestones. From the northwest corner, an archway leads to the Black Tower, and the Cathedral of St Nicholas stands at the northeast corner. The square rewards an unhurried hour at any time of day.