A triangular market square, Renaissance and Baroque houses, and a continuous arcade define the historic centre of Telč. The UNESCO site also includes a castle in the middle and two bodies of water that originally served as defences. The arcade connects the town houses around the square; the two architectural styles make its architecture particularly varied.
UNESCO Sites and Their History
In Třebíč, the UNESCO site comprises the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish Cemetery and the Basilica of St Procopius. Together, they bear witness to peaceful Jewish-Christian coexistence from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. The original street plan and spatial layout have been preserved in the Jewish Quarter. Historical social functions, such as synagogues and schools, are also part of its inherited character.
Another facet of history is presented at the Muzeum Vysočiny Třebíč: housed in a Renaissance castle that was once a Benedictine monastery, it presents regional history and everyday life. The Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora was completed and consecrated in 1722. The historic cultural landscape around the Cistercian monastery of Žďár bears the European Heritage Label.
Highlands, Forests and Water
The Vysočina Region stretches along the rolling ridges of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in central Czechia. The Žďárské vrchy are the source of the Sázava, Svratka, Oslava, Chrudimka and Doubrava rivers. The Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area covers 709 square kilometres; almost half of it is forested. Devět skal is the highest mountain in the protected area. These details describe different aspects of the landscape: its river network, forest cover and highest point.
The landscape also includes a rural settlement pattern with elements of Horácko folk architecture. The Dům přírody Žďárských vrchů presents the landscape through various historical periods. Its maps provide guidance on hiking and cycling routes, as well as tourist attractions for further excursions. Maps and visitor information may be updated; check the latest information before setting out.
Museums and Regional Discoveries
Founded in 1892, the Muzeum Vysočiny Jihlava presents its exhibitions in three architecturally valuable buildings on Jihlava’s main square; three additional branches complement the museum. Its subject matter ranges from regional history and the living nature of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands to medieval sculpture, mining and coinage. Geology and lapidary collections are also included. Those interested in different ways of exploring a region will find natural and cultural topics side by side.
There are also various ways to get to know the landscape outdoors. Four nature trails explore the Žďárské vrchy: Babín, Dářko, Žáková Hora–Tiskůvka and Krajem Chrudimky. Routes and markings may change; check the latest route information before setting off.
Routes, Sport and Regional Cuisine
The Gravel UNESCO Tour links gravel and forest roads, field sections and lightly trafficked roads. It passes through the Javořické forests and through Jihlava, Žďár nad Sázavou, Třebíč and Nová Říše; Roštejn Castle is also among the named stops. Check route conditions before departure.
In the Vysočina Arena area, the mountain biking offer ranges from child-friendly nature trails and routes accessible to wheelchair users to challenging singletracks. There is also a paved pump track. It is advisable to check facility availability and public-use hours before visiting. Novoměstsko is considered an area with excellent conditions for cross-country skiing. The Vysočina Arena is considered a venue with the facilities for World Cup events in cross-country skiing, biathlon and mountain biking; this does not imply that specific competitions take place there.
Regional cuisine can also be part of your discoveries: Vysočina is associated with first-class gastronomy, traditional recipes, craft beers and locally made products. The D1 motorway crosses the region, and the Vysočina Region is considered easy to reach. Checking current traffic conditions can help with your travel planning.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Pelhřimov District, Havlíčkův Brod District, Jihlava District, Třebíč District, Žďár nad Sázavou District, South Moravia, Olomouc, South Bohemian Region.
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