The remake of the famous French film series about Angelica from the 1960s is partly being filmed in Telč this year. The chateau and the historic centre of Telč will feature heavily in the new film. The centre of Telč is one of the most valuable protected urban zones in Moravia and, in 1992, it was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The Telč chateau and the famous square have featured in more than 50 films including many popular Czech TV fairy tales.
The Renaissance pearl of Bohemia
Telč is located in the south west Moravia about half way between Prague and Vienna. The chateau, which is a conversion of the original castle, is the dominant feature of the town and its most significant architectural sight. Many of the features of the original gothic castle have been tastefully restored and retained while many new elements have been added creating a perfect harmony of gothic and renaissance architecture. You will be blown away by the elaborate decorative style of the stuccos, sgraffito, period furniture and precious collections. When you have seen the chateau you can rest in the beautiful arcade courtyard, in the nearby garden or in the park with its selection of rare bushes and trees.
History at every step
The town square takes the shape of a long triangle. It is surrounded by a row of one-storey terraced town houses featuring beautiful arcades and decorated gables. This gives Telč town centre a unique atmosphere. While you are in the square do not forget to take a look at the two stunning stone water fountains and the plague column. The other interesting sights include St. Jacob´s Church, St. Angels´ Convent, the Jesuit Church and Jesuit College. If you decide to climb up the Svatodusni Tower you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the whole town and its surroundings. You can also take a pleasant stroll around the Old Town Pond (Staromestsky rybnik) or, if you have time, head to the 36m high viewing tower in Oslednice at the edge of the town. To learn more about the history of Telč, its milestones and legends visit the House of the Town of Telč.
About Babi hora (The Old Lady´s Mountain)
To the north of Telč lies the little town of Marakotin and next to it a forest-covered hill called Babi Hora. Once upon a time there stood an old cottage with a small garden at the foot of the hill where an old lady used to live. She kept two big dogs as her only company which gave the people of Mrakotin the impression that they were there to protect some treasure. At one time a greedy farmer´s wife decided to get hold of the treasure and set about her business. First of all she poisoned the dogs and then afterwards she killed the old lady. However, she found no treasure inside so she decided to set the cottage on fire. Since then the hill has been called Babi hora (Old Lady´s Mountain). We are sure that if your travels take you there you will experience a more romantic story than this one.
Don´t forget to try the local gastronomy before leaving Telč
The area around Telč is, and always has been, a potato growing region and potatoes are the main source of food for the locals. That is why many of the local specialities are made of potatoes. Try some potato pancakes with smoked meat, potato dumplings or so called “vopelky” made of potato dough and filled with plum jam. If you visit the Svejk Restaurant in the main square in Telč you will be able to choose from a range of regional and wider Czech specialities. The restaurant is part of the Czech Specials scheme which means that it has been approved by gastronomic and tourism experts. Enjoy your meal!
Telč - urban conservation area
