The great majority of Czech and Moravian towns have extremely long histories, with written records reaching back into the earliest medieval days. Set off to discover the smaller towns of Bohemia and Moravia and their fascinating historic centres, where you will believe you have somehow fallen back centuries in time.
Slavonice
The enchanting town of Slavonice was founded in the 13th century on the border between South Bohemia, South Moravia and Austria.
Telč
A UNESCO World Heritage site, romantic Telč is occasionally termed the “Venice of Moravia” – a title it well deserves, being founded as a moated royal fortress in the 13th century.
Litomyšl
The chateau in Litomyšl is another Czech UNESCO-listed monument. This charming example of the High Renaissance captivates the viewer at first glance: its façade is adorned with several thousand sgrafitto images (Renaissance stucco etchings) which are said never once to repeat the same motif.
Tips for the visitor
Time your visit to coincide with the classical music festival Smetanova Litomyšl (www.smetanovalitomysl.cz)
České Budějovice
České Budějovice dates back as far as the 13th century and has a unique “chequerboard” street plan. In the Renaissance beer-hall “Masné krámy” (the former meat-market), enjoy the restaurant’s famed cooking and exceptional beer.
Tips for the visitor
Do not forget to taste the local beer Budějovický Budvar (the original Budweiser), which placed this city permanently in the world’s attention!
Kroměříž
The history of Kroměříž and its present architectural form were significantly shaped by the bishops and archbishops of Olomouc, who had a residence here. Thanks to their care, Kroměříž is regarded as one of the most visually appealing towns in Moravia.
Tips for the visitor
In Kroměříž, pay a visit to the Flower and the Chateau gardens (Květná – Podzámecká zahrada), which are entered along with the archbishopric’s residence itself in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Towns with historic celebrations
Celebration of the Five-petalled Rose
During the Celebration of the Five-petalled Rose (Slavnost pětilisté růže) (www.ckrumlov.cz/slavnosti), to honour the former lords of the town, the noble house of Rosenberg (Rožmberk), the historic town of Český Krumlov returns to the age of the Renaissance at the end of every June.
Historic Weekend in Pilsen
Pilsen plays host to June’s historic weekend in fairy-tale style, with the largest procession of ghosts in the world.
Tips for the visitor
Find yourself a costume and become one of Pilsen’s officially registered ghosts. You will receive a confirmation with an official town stamp, and possibly become part of a world record.
Royal Silver in Kutná Hora
Royal Silver (Královské stříbření) (www.stribreni.cz) held in Kutná Hora, is a celebration in High Medieval style, serving as the symbolic opening of the tourist season.
