Visiting Telč, Czech Republic: Top Sights on Foot

Telč is a small town in the Czech Republic celebrated for its UNESCO‑listed Renaissance square and surrounding fishponds. Its well‑preserved burgher houses, churches and castle create a picture‑perfect setting that feels like stepping into a storybook. Neywo provides a free audio guide for Telč with 18 narrated places to help you explore at your own pace.

Exploring Telč’s highlights

Church of Saint James the Greater

The main parish church of Telč is a Roman Catholic monument first mentioned in 1372. After a fire in 1386 destroyed the original building, it was rebuilt in the 1440s‑1450s as a two‑nave Gothic structure. A striking fifty‑metre polygonal tower rises from the north side of the chancel and dominates the skyline. In the 17th century early Baroque additions—a crypt, sacristy and chapel—were added, and a covered walkway linking the church to the neighbouring castle was completed in 1737 for the Stations of the Cross.

Telč château

Standing on the main square overlooking the Telčský potok stream and two fishponds, the Telč château is a Renaissance castle protected as a national cultural monument. Since 1992 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the historic centre. Its most significant transformation occurred under Zachariáš of Hradec, whose name graces the square in front of the castle, and the complex blends seamlessly into the surrounding townscape.

Expozice historie železniční dopravy

This museum tells the story of rail transport in Telč. It was created as part of the DY‑THA rail project between 2012 and 2014.

Technical Museum Telč

Housed in a former steam‑powered sawmill dating back to 1873 on Na Sádkách street, the Technical Museum Telč was founded on 11 August 2012 by Jan Wimmer and Aleš Wimmer. The historic industrial building now showcases technical exhibits, offering a contrast between its past and the technology on display.

Telčský dům

Located on Zachariáše z Hradce square at number 31, the Telčský dům is a notable 17th‑century burgher house. It is a protected cultural monument and hosts an exhibition on the history of Telč and its surroundings. The lower level contains an old vaulted cellar that is considered particularly interesting.

Oslednice

On the southeastern edge of town stands the Oslednice lookout tower on the hill of the same name, 557 metres above sea level. The first wooden tower, 16 metres high, was built in 1898 and replaced by the current 36‑metre metal tower opened on 25 March 2000. Constructed by the mobile operator Paegas (now T‑Mobile), it carries antennas for T‑Mobile and O2 at its peak. The viewing gallery at 31 metres offers a panoramic vista over Telč and the countryside; on clear days you can see Javořice, Roštejn Castle and, under exceptionally clear conditions, the Austrian peak Ötscher some 148 kilometres away. An identical tower was erected near Kutná Hora a year later for the Oskar network.

Church of Mother of God

Known locally as Kostel Matky Boží, this Roman Catholic church is a protected cultural monument and serves as a filial church of the Telč parish.

Church of Saint Adalbert of Prague

Situated near the Studnice district, this small but notable church is dedicated to Saint Adalbert of Prague and also functions as a filial church of the Telč parish.

Church of Saint Anne

Set in the grounds of the new cemetery near Štěpnický pond, this quiet Roman Catholic church dates back to the end of the seventeenth century.

Church of Saint Mary

At Oldřichovo náměstí in the Štěpnice district, the Church of Saint Mary (Kostel Panny Marie) has been the defining feature of the square for centuries. Roughly twenty metres tall, it rises above the surrounding buildings and is oriented along the longer axis of the square, making it the natural focal point of the space.

Church of the Holy Spirit

This Czech Brethren Evangelical church is a protected cultural monument. Its late Romanesque tower is the oldest preserved building in Telč, originating from an emporium church beside the lord’s court; the royal court, church and tower together date back to the second quarter of the 13th century, giving the tower roughly eight hundred years of history. The original Romanesque church was Catholic, and in the third quarter of the 15th century it was replaced by a Gothic new building, which is the structure visible today.

Synagogue in Telč

Formerly located at Na Parkáně 123, the synagogue was built in 1904 by architect Karel Wagner from Jihlava (historically Iglau). After ceasing to serve as a place of worship, it was converted into a residential building, though it once provided an important spiritual home for Telč’s Jewish community.

Church of Holy Name of Jesus

Standing on Zachariáš of Hradec Square, this Baroque church is a filial church under the Telč parish and a protected cultural monument. It was once part of a former Jesuit college complex, carrying centuries of religious and educational heritage, and its baroque architecture remains a notable feature of the townscape.

náměstí Hrdinů

This central square in Telč offers a historic atmosphere and serves as a gathering point in the town.

Náměstí Jana Kypty

A charming square in the heart of Telč’s Old Town, Náměstí Jana Kypty lies close to Telč Castle and connects directly to Zachariáš of Hradec Square. Its main landmark is the Roman Catholic Church of St. James the Greater, which stands on the square.

Explore Telč with Neywo

Neywo offers two walking tours in Telč:

• “Renaissance Town on a Pond: Telč’s UNESCO Heart” – 2.21 km, 93 minutes, 11 stops
• “Beyond the Walls: Squares, Rails and the Lookout Tower” – 1.35 km, 39 minutes, 4 stops

Each tour plays the story of a place as you reach it, letting you move at your own pace with no group and no schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages, and the free audio guide covers 18 narrated places across the town. Download Neywo to discover Telč’s highlights whenever you wander its streets.