Spend some time in a southern Moravian town that dazzles with its chateau, centuries-old churches and graceful homes with colourful Renaissance façades.
With its 14th-century chateau, Renaissance buildings and ponds and city gates surrounding the historic centre, parts of Telč appear unchanged by the centuries. Tour buildings that are hundreds of years old, study Gothic and Renaissance architecture and enjoy peaceful waterside walks.
The small town of Telč, which was originally built from wood, owes its current appearance to a tragedy. In the late 14th century, a fire struck the town, destroying many of its buildings. It was later rebuilt in stone and was given additional fireproofing in the form of walls and a network of manmade ponds.
The heart of the historical centre is Náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce, the town square. It is home to some of Telč’s most prominent attractions, including Renaissance-style 16th-century homes. Gaze up at the tall Gothic tower of the Church of St. James’s, which overlooks the square.
Visit the twin-towered Holy Name of Jesus Church and stand by the 18th-century Marian Column at the centre of the plaza. See the town hall building, formed by the joining together of two Gothic houses. Go to the square’s western end for Telč Chateau. Investigate the chambers, halls, cellars and chapel of this captivating Renaissance building. Relax in the garden, which was established in the late 16th century.
Head outside the square for a stroll along the quiet waterside paths on the edges of Telč. Three interconnected ponds hem in the town on three sides and were originally built for fish farming. Take a paddleboat out on the calm clear waters of Staroměstský Pond and delight in the restful atmosphere.
Look for animal life above and below the surface of the ponds, including mallards, mute swans, carp and pond snails.
Telč is approximately 19 miles (30 kilometres) north of the Austrian border, roughly halfway between Prague and Vienna. If you are coming from Prague, take one of the direct buses, then enjoy a holiday destination with fascinating old buildings that look like they come from the imagination of a fairytale author.
