Bechyně ([ˈbɛxɪɲɛ] ⓘ; German: Bechin) is a town in Tábor District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

A brook called Židova strouha also flows into the river in the municipal territory.

The oldest evidence of settlement in this area comes from late Bronze Age (c. 1800–1600 BC).

In 1268, Bechyně was boughts by King Ottokar II of Bohemia, who decided to have a stone castle built here.

In 1323, King John of Bohemia promoted the market village around the castle to a town, redefined its borders and have the fortification built.

From 1340 to 1569, the town was alternately owned by various aristocratic families, including Sternbergs and Schwambergs.

In 1569, Bechyně was acquired by Peter Vok of Rosenberg, under whose rule the town experienced a renaissance boom and the reconstruction of the castle.

[8] Ceramic tradition in Bechyně began in 15th century by small pottery shops.

In 1581, Peter Vok of Rosenberg let the late gothic castle rebuilt into a comfortable Renaissance residence with a rich fresco decoration.

[15] The International Museum of Ceramics is located in the former brewery and in the adjacent castle bastions.