A clear historical starting point for Tepl is the Premonstratensian monastery in Teplá: it was founded in 1193 by Blessed Hroznata, a Bohemian nobleman. Together with church art, an urban heritage conservation zone and regional cycling routes, it offers a variety of ways to explore the area, from cultural history to active excursions. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether architectural and cultural history or a cycling route should shape your stay.
Monastery and Culture in Tepl
The oldest surviving part of the monastery is the Romanesque-Gothic, three-aisled hall church of the Annunciation of the Lord. Its stylistic classification and hall form provide clear points of comparison with the Late Baroque Church of St. Giles in Teplá. This keeps the distinction between the Romanesque-Gothic monastic building and the Late Baroque church in view.
The monastery is open to visitors for sightseeing; seasonal visiting arrangements may vary. Concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events are also held at the monastery, and their programme varies. Before making plans, check the latest visitor information and event dates.
Churches and Architectural History
The Church of St. Giles in Teplá was built between 1762 and 1765 by master builder Hausmann in the Late Baroque style, on the site of an older church. Its 1765 frescoes were painted by Eliáš Dollhopf and depict scenes from the life of St. Giles. The construction period and the date of the frescoes therefore coincide in 1765; the paintings also refer to the church’s patron saint.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Andrew in Teplá is also precisely dated: it was built in 1768–1769 to an earlier design by K. I. Dienzenhofer from 1730. In this case, the design and construction are separated in time; this difference is a useful clue for anyone who wants to explore architectural history by more than just the year of construction. In Tepl, an urban heritage conservation zone protects several important architectural monuments. It broadens the focus beyond individual churches to the protection of the city’s architectural heritage.
Cycling: Routes and Planning
For cycling plans, regional route No. 362 is listed as 36 km long. Surface and traffic conditions can change, so check them before setting out. Regional cycling route No. 361 is called the Teplá–Slapany u Chebu (Waldsassen) Monastery Route and is suitable for trekking, cross and mountain bikes. It is also worth checking the route information before setting out. The listed details differ, helping you make your initial choice: No. 362 gives the distance, while No. 361 specifies the types of bike it suits.
A Natural Feature
The Sirňák Nature Monument offers a different theme: in the floodplain of the Teplá River, gas emissions form unique mud craters known as mofettes. This geological feature is quite distinct from the architectural and cultural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Beroun, Bezvěrov, Teplá U Touzime, Rossbach, Asch, Scheibenreuth, Mühlbach, Neukirchen.
For the broader travel overview: Eger District.
