The text for our Telč pages was contributed by Greg Chandler
Telč is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, and the facades of the houses that surround its main square must be some of the most photographed buildings in Moravia. The historic centre of Telč was added to the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage in 1992, thanks mainly to the chateau and beautifully preserved town square.
The appearance of the Telč town square is a result of a catastrophic fire in 1530 that destroyed much of the town. When Lord Zachariáš of Hradec chose Telč as his seat shortly afterwards, he set about turning the stone castle into a stylish residential chateau, and rebuilt most of the devastated centre to a uniform plan. The main square is completely encircled by arcade-fronted townhouses all of similar size and proportion, but with fascinating and intricate surface decorations unique to each building. Though it’s a colourful, busy place ringed with outdoor cafes and restaurants, the Telč square has essentially kept the same appearance for centuries and is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture north of the Alps.
Three large ponds surround the small historic centre and provide some beautiful reflections for photographers, as well as opportunities for boating or hiking along the shoreline paths. Only around 6000 people live in Telč, so it has a gentle pace and is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The helpful tourist information office is on the main square. They can also direct you to the offices that rent bicycles and rowing boats (for use on the Štěpnický pond).
Telč Information Center
Náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce 10
588 56 Telč
www.telc.eu/services/the_information_centre
Telč sister cities: Belp, Switzerland; Figeac, France; Rothenburg ob der Thauber, Germany; Waidhofen an der Thaya, Austria; Wilber, Nebraska
Getting to Telč from Prague
By Car
The most direct way from Prague by road is to take the D1 freeway south-east as far as the Jihlava exit, from there it’s another 20 km or so to Telč.
By Bus or Train
In Telč the bus and train stations are close to each other just outside the historic centre, but arriving by bus is usually more convenient as there are several direct connections from Prague, Brno and České Budějovice each day. The trains follow a roundabout route involving a change at Jihlava.
What to See and Do in Telč
Telč Town Square
Spending time on the Zachariáše z Hradce Square is perhaps the number one activity in Telč and it’s a colourful, pleasant place ringed with outdoor cafes and shops. The buildings around the edge of the square are all individually decorated and the arches that cover the footpath might make you think of the legs of a huge stone caterpillar that has you surrounded. There are also two fountains and a decorative plague column in a small garden. All of this is watched over by the tower of St. Jacob’s church at one end and the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit at the other.
The Telč Chateau
The chateau at the northern end of the square hides behind a tall stone wall but is accessible as part of a guided tour, with tickets available in the gate tower. The tour begins in one of the graceful internal courtyards and continues through cellars, chapels, libraries and grand ballrooms with richly sculpted wooden ceilings. The most astounding room visited by the tour is the African Hall. Early twentieth century owners of the chateau, the Leichtenstein-Podstatzký family were apparently avid hunters, as the hall contains dozens of wall-mounted trophy-busts. Crocodile, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lion, leopard and buffalo hides all found their way to the hall between the years 1903 and 1914.