In Pelhrimov, the range of attractions spans architecture from several eras, local history and unusual museum topics, as well as an observation tower and two very different trails. Anyone considering the town for a cultural trip can organise their experiences around their own interests: architectural styles and heritage preservation, historical exhibitions, curiosities or a walk outdoors.
Architecture in the Townscape
The Stezka po stavebních slozích takes visitors along a short route through Pelhřimov, passing architecture in the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Cubist, Art Nouveau, Neoclassical and Functionalist styles. This self-guided walk focuses on seven distinct styles. For visitors who like to pay attention to architectural forms as they explore, it offers a concrete perspective on the town rather than focusing on just one period.
Pelhřimov was declared an urban heritage zone because of its architectural coherence. The reason for this designation adds to the view of the individual styles: here, the connections between the buildings are also a focus. The walk and the heritage designation can therefore be seen as two perspectives on the town’s architectural heritage.
Museums and Local History
The Muzeum Vysočiny Pelhřimov is housed in the Zámek pánů z Říčan. This former castle includes the Freskový sál, the building’s most representative room. The combination of a museum and a historic building already gives a visit both an architectural and a cultural-historical dimension.
The Expozice Pelhřimov - historie - současnost presents the town’s history in several ways: information panels are complemented by an interactive display featuring historical films about the Pelhřimovsko region. There is also information about the development of the town’s coat of arms and a three-dimensional model of the town’s settlement. Moving images, a civic emblem and a spatial model thus come together to shed light on different aspects of local history.
The Městská šatlava presents a historical exhibition based on the authenticity of the site and extensive source material. Its torture chamber is equipped with original instruments and accurate replicas. The exhibits reflect the period from the 16th to the 18th century. This focus differs from the town history exhibition in the castle: here, the emphasis is on the historic site and the objects on display there.
Unusual Collections and Topics
The Muzeum strašidel displays ghosts and other supernatural beings said to be encountered in Vysočina, in a cellar on Masarykovo náměstí. The subject moves away from architectural history and historical exhibitions to figures from regional folklore.
The Muzeum rekordů a kuriozit is the only museum of its kind in Central Europe. The Procházka českou knihou rekordů tour connects it with Zlaté české ručičky. When planning a visit, two specific points of interest are therefore worth noting: the Museum of Records and Curiosities itself and the tour that connects it with Zlaté české ručičky.
Trails, Views and Getting There
The Naučná stezka Městské sady offers a different kind of experience: twelve information panels are spread along a circular trail almost three kilometres long. By comparison, the Stezka po stavebních slozích takes visitors along a short route past architecture in different styles. The distances make it easy to distinguish between the two trails without specifying a walking time.
The observation tower of the Church of sv. Bartoloměje offers another perspective: from a height of 30 metres, visitors can look out over Pelhřimov and its surroundings. The tower thus complements the trails and museum topics with views of the town and the surrounding area.
Pelhřimov can be reached by bus or train, as well as by bicycle or on foot. These options can be taken into account when planning your journey, without committing to a single mode of transport.
Discover more destinations: Dehtáře, Eš, Knizata, Ústrašín, Žirov, Stojčín, Zlátenka, Veselá.
See the overview of the wider area: Okres Pelhřimov.
