Telč: Hidden Gem Between Bohemia and Moravia
The historical city center of Telč is a proud member of UNESCO, and you will understand why once you visit the city. The square is full of colorful houses from the Renaissance period that you won’t find anywhere else in this condition.
Story of Telč
On the border of Bohemia and Moravia, in the Vysočina region, you can find one of the most beautiful squares of the Czech Republic. Its Renaissance and baroque houses with colored facades are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1992.
Telč gained its unique Renaissance appearance thanks to the damaging fire that destroyed the whole city in 1530. The ruler of the city, Zachariáš of Hradec, was an experienced traveler who got inspiration in Italy. He decided to bring the Italian Renaissance to Telč and rebuilt the old square as well as the old gothic castle to the modern chateau.
Chateau Telč
Chateau is a popular destination for filmmakers who are taking advantage of well-preserved Renaissance-style arcades. You can take a tour A, around the main Renaissance chambers, or tour B on residential rooms of the noble family, such as the library, bathrooms, or dressing rooms. Before your visit, just make sure that the chateau is open since it is undergoing a vital reconstruction.
I like the park surrounding the castle, ponds, mature trees, and even an elegant greenhouse. If you continue further by ponds, you have an amazing view of the chateau, which is particularly impressive during sunset time. One more reason to stay overnight.
Square of Telč
Telč is quite a small city, but the square is large. It rather looks like a triangle or a long street than a typical square. You will be impressed by a high concentration of well-preserved Renaissance houses with facades of various colors. Some of them have special marks that signify who used to live in these houses. You might identify pretzel as a sign for a baker, or butcher’s knives indicating a house of a butcher. It’s a nice game to play when you are walking around. You can experience the unique atmosphere of the city during dusk when the lights make the whole square magical.
St. James Church Looking Tower
If you would like to have a good overview of the city and its surrounding landscape, climb the tower of St. James Church just next to the chateau. From the top of the tower, you can see the whole square, castle garden, and nearby ponds. It is truly rewarding.
Dačice
About 15 min drive from Telč, you find this charming town Dačice. It has at least two reasons to visit. Firstly, the Empire-style chateau Dačice and its park. Secondly, it is the home of the sugar cube that was invented here in 1843.
How to Get to Telč
You can find Telč on borders between Bohemia and Moravia, less than 2 hours drive South-East. Another option is to take a bus from Prague or Brno. The slowest option is taking a train, first to Jihlava, then to Telč. Of course, the best option is to take a car, since you can easily reach other attractive destination around, such as Dačice, Slavonice, or Třebíč, the city of UNESCO as well.
I would highly recommend you stay overnight. The city is small, but the night atmosphere is unforgettable. I can recommend to you my favorite Penzion Telč no. 20 that I already visited several times.
