D8: Telč—A Fairytale Town of Renaissance Charm

November 08, 2024

D8: Telč—A Fairytale Town of Renaissance Charm

Located in the Vysočina Region of Czechia, near the southwestern border between Moravia and Bohemia, Telč is a town celebrated for its remarkable Renaissance architecture and charming historical square. Originally established in the 13th century as a fortress town, Telč flourished in the 16th century under the patronage of Zachariáš of Hradec, who transformed it into a Renaissance treasure. Its unique blend of colorful facades, tranquil lakes, and a well-preserved chateau has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. With its fairytale-like atmosphere, Telč offers visitors a step back in time to a world of elegance and beauty.

Telč, Zacharias of Hradec Square

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TELČ

Telč was first mentioned in historical records in 1335 as a royal estate under the ownership of King John of Luxembourg and his son, the future Emperor Charles IV. In 1339, John of Luxembourg exchanged Telč with Jindřich of Hradec for the Bánov Castle near Uherský Brod. From then until 1604, Telč remained under the rule of the Lords of Hradec, a branch of the prominent Vitkovec family. The current Renaissance appearance of the Telč Chateau is a result of their extensive architectural contributions.

Periods of rule at Telč:

1339–1604: Lords of Hradec (Vitkovec family)
1604–1691: Slavata family
1691–1761: Liechtenstein of Kastelkorn family
1761–1945: Podstatský of Liechtenstein family

The Vitkovec family and their legacy

The Vitkovec family is one of the oldest aristocratic families, with its earliest mentions dating back to the 12th century. This powerful family, known for constructing monumental castles in South Bohemia, even rivaled the Czech king's influence at its peak. According to legend, Petr Vitec, who passed away in 1194, divided his estates among his five sons. Each son then founded new castles across South Bohemia, leaving a lasting architectural and cultural legacy.

The family's coat of arms was a gold five-petal rose in a blue field, with each son receiving a variation of this emblem:

A gold rose in a blue field (You'll see it in Telč)

Given to: Jindřich IV. (eldest son)
Territory: Hradec (modern-day Jindřichův Hradec)
Branch: Lords of Hradec
Legacy: Associated artifacts and history from this branch can still be found in Telč.

A green rose in a silver field

Given to: Vítek II. (second son)
Territory: Krumlov
Branch: Lords of Krumlov
Legacy: This branch became extinct in 1302, and its lands, including Český Krumlov, were transferred to the Lords of Rožmberk.

A red rose in a silver field (You'll see it in Český Krumlov)

Given to: Vítek III. (third son)
Territory: Rožmberk (later Rosenberg)
Branch: Lords of Rožmberk
Legacy: This family became one of the most influential in Bohemia.

A silver rose in a red field

Given to: Vítek IV. (youngest son)
Territory: Landštejn and Třeboň
Branch: Lords of Landštejn and of Třeboň

A black rose in a gold field

Given to: Sezima (stepson)
Territory: Sezimovo Ústí
Branch: Lords of Sezimovo Ústí
Legacy: The town of Sezimovo Ústí is named after this member of the family.

A blue rose in a gold field

Given to: Smil
Territory: Nové Hrady and Stráž nad Nežárkou
Branch: Lords of Stráž
Note: Sometimes Lords of Sezimovo Ústí and Lords of Stráž are associated as a single family branch, referred to as the Lords of Stráž and Ústí, symbolized by a blue or black rose in a gold field.

Tip: You can buy pins of these coat of arms at the information center in Český Krumlov. 🔗[Map]

TRANSPORT FROM ČESKÝ KRUMLOV

By Bus

Since the train station in Český Krumlov is farther from downtown, taking a bus is a better choice.
Only Flixbus operates between Český Krumlov and Telč.
In Telč, the bus station is located next to the train station.

Train station is on the left; bus station is on the right.

From Český Krumlov to Telč, or from Telč to Brno, use bus stop 5 for boarding and alighting.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Telč Chateau 🔗[Map]

Guided Tours

Renaissance Halls: CZK 240, 50 minutes 👍 Highly recommend!

It is beautiful, very distinctive, and the collection is exceptionally valuable. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed.

The suite of the last owners: CZK 160, 40 minutes
Castle museum: CZK 220, 55 minutes
Castle cellars and underground: CZK 80, 40 minutes
Installed repository: CZK 120, 50 minutes

Flags at Telč Chateau. Do you see the gold rose in a blue field?

Telč Chateau courtyard and the garden

Zacharias of Hradec Square 🔗[Map]

House No. 15: It is characterized by its unique sgraffito technique of the biblical motifs on the facade. The paintings were discovered and restored in 1952.
House No. 61: The mayor's house, adorned with sgraffiti depicting 11 commanders from the Old Testament.

Zacharias of Hradec Square (No. 15 is to the left, and No. 61 is the fourth from the right.)

House No. 15

House No. 61

My house No. 61 ♥, CZK 130.