Telč: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem Where Heartfelt Love Stories Come to Life
Telč has a history that may stretch back to the 11th century. Legend suggests that the town was founded after the Moravian Prince Otto II succeeded in defeating the Czech Prince Břetislav in the year 1099. The first official record of Telč is from 1335, which mentions it as a small town in the Vysočina area managed by a royal official. The town is located on the path that connects Prague and Vienna, marking the boundary between the regions of Bohemia and Moravia. With around 5,000 residents, Telč is affectionately called the ‘town of love’ and is also known as the Venice of Moravia, the pearl of the Vysočina region, the Lake Rose, and the Stone Poem.
Telč saw its most significant growth during the rule of Zachariáš of Hradec in the late 16th century. The main square is named in his honor. He brought in Italian architects to Telč to turn his Gothic home into a magnificent castle. The changes made during the Renaissance also impacted the houses around the square, which were renovated following a unified design, featuring arcades and stylish gable-fronted façades.
One notable building in the square, designed entirely by an Italian architect, is the town hall. The beautifully crafted façade of the town hall perfectly showcases the Renaissance architectural style with refined straight lines. In addition to the townhouses, there are two lovely fountains in the square. One fountain features a design with Silenus and the baby Bacchus, while the other shows Saint Margaret in a Renaissance style. Beneath the houses, cellars were excavated and later linked together by tunnels that run underneath the entire square. The center of the square is highlighted by The Marian Column, which was created by D. Lipart in 1720, reflecting the town’s revival after the downturn that followed the Thirty Years’ War when it regained the resources for further development.
A gem among UNESCO cities
The historic center of Telč is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has been a huge achievement for the town, leading to an increase in visitors. UNESCO acknowledged the town’s historic heart, which is surrounded by ponds and gates, having maintained its unique character over the years.
You can enjoy stunning views of the whole urban conservation area from the Tower of the Holy Spirit, which stands as the oldest building in Telč. The exact year of its construction is unclear, adding an element of intrigue. Visitors can access the tower via outdoor wooden stairs; it soars to a height of 49 meters and involves climbing 97 steps to reach the top.
The castle offers not only standard tours, but you can also explore the underground
What kind of trip to Telč would be complete without visiting its magnificent castle? Since 2019, the Renaissance castle complex has been undergoing a major renovation effort that lasted four years. One goal of this restoration was to ensure year-round accessibility.
Starting in 2023, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore areas that were previously closed to the public, including the former castle kitchen and brewery. In the old kitchen, a new information center has been set up for the castle. By summer 2024, there will also be a castle museum allowing guests to view precious artifacts that were once stored away in the castle’s storerooms.
The extensive castle underground was initially developed alongside the old Gothic castle, which once stood where the current Renaissance castle does. The cellars are connected by an underground tunnel leading to a maze of passages beneath the square. The tour also highlights famous films shot in Telč, such as the fairy tales The Proud Princess, How Princesses Wake Up or From Hell to Happiness.
Apart from the tours mentioned, guests can also explore the incredible Renaissance Halls, The living quarters of the castle’s last owners, and Treasures Behind the Curtain. Don’t forget to check out the lovely courtyard and garden as well.
On 3 to 5 and from 10 to 12 July, you can enjoy dramatic night tours of the castle. Starting last summer, an exhibition titled Dream of Reality: Paintings by Jan Zrzavý has been available in the castle gallery, showcasing Zrzavý’s landscape artwork and its connection to the Vysočina region and Brittany.
Tour of the town’s underground
The castle’s underground has some competition with the town’s underground featuring a multimedia exhibition, which first opened in September 2014 on Heritage Day. This exhibition has been improved and expanded in 2021. Starting in 2022, visitors can also see the vaulted cellars and the former prison located in the newly renovated town hall. The guided route covers 250 meters. Underneath the Children and Youth Centre, there is also a devil-themed exhibition. This exhibition, which appeals to both kids and adults, presents original hand-drawn books about hell that vividly illustrate the transformation of people into werewolves. You will also find original props such as a devil’s bike with horns instead of handlebars, a cabinet filled with potions, and even a throne for Lucifer. Reservations for tickets need to be made through the booking portal.
Telč House and Panský dvůr – fun for the whole family
If you’re visiting Telč with kids, make sure to stop by Telč House, where you can explore the Museum of History and Legends of Telč and the Surrounding Area. This house underwent eleven years of renovations by sculptor Anna Hanzlová. Here, you’ll find fun and educational activities suitable for all ages. You can look forward to exhibits on the history and tales of Telč and nearby areas, a display of model trains, a four-lane slot car track, and even a play area. This house also lets you explore its restored cellars and learn about their history. The tour includes a visit to Telčák the Elf’s Town, a huge playroom located on the upper floor of Telč House. There are small playhouses where children can enjoy various puzzles, games, and brain teasers to keep even the most energetic kids engaged. There is also a model railway track complete with trains. Everything in this area is interactive and meant to be touched and played with. Last year, they added a fully operational 1:10 scale model garden railway, powered by two electric motors and two battery packs.
If you and your children are in the mood for some sports, head over to Panský dvůr. This area, a former set of derelict farm buildings, has been transformed into a fun and interactive leisure center. The main attraction here is the unique indoor rope center with a dry-tooling section and a climbing wall. The rope course stretches about 100 meters long, and the center also has a variety of training tools and a climbing wall that rises 12 meters high. The estate exhibition provides children with an entertaining introduction to history, showcasing life on the estate, as well as forestry and fish farming practices. Little ones can also enjoy the children’s play area ‘With the Animals’.
While your kids are having fun on the swings and climbing frames, parents can relax and keep an eye on them from the café terrace, which serves excellent coffee. Panský dvůr also has a sensory garden that visitors can enter for free. This lovely garden is filled with fragrant herbs and flowers. The entire complex includes a guesthouse and a brewery with a restaurant, and during the summer, you can find a courtyard bar with live music events and quizzes. A photo spot was introduced in 2025.
You can visit Panský dvůr on 16 June, 7 July, 28 July, 18 August, and 25 August and enjoy the open-air cinema there.
Balloons over Telč and Cultural Summer in Telč
From 21 to 23 August, hot-air balloon pilots from all over the country will gather for the event called Balloons over Telč, now in its 30th year. The launch site will include the castle park, the square, and Roštejn Pond. If the weather does not cooperate, the event may be canceled.
From 31 July to 16 August, Telč will become vibrant with a family festival named Holidays in Telč. During this festival, there will be a number of concerts held at the castle and Panský dvůr, along with creative workshops, street performances, theater plays, exhibitions, evening events, fairy tales, discussions, activities, and performances. This year, popular bands such as Mňága a Žďorp, Monkey Business, and Sto zvířat will perform in Telč, and you can also look forward to an exciting new circus show by Cirk La Putyka.
A major highlight for Telč is its annual festival, set to take place on 21–22 August. During this traditional event, visitors can expect to see historical figures along with a diverse program and a farmers’ and craft market.
