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Telc, Czech Republic
Telc's main square is one of the most photogenic in Europe — a long triangular space lined with Renaissance and Baroque houses, each with a distinct gabled facade painted in pastels and fronted by stone arcades. The square has remained virtually unchanged since the 16th century, when a fire destroyed the medieval town and it was rebuilt in the Italian Renaissance style by the local lord, Zacharias of Hradec. The surrounding fish ponds and the Renaissance chateau complete a scene of extraordinary harmony. Audio narration explains how a devastating fire produced one of Europe's most perfectly unified townscapes.
explore by interest
Telc is small enough to walk in an hour but the square rewards lingering. The chateau tours show period interiors. The reflection of the facades in the fish ponds is best in calm early morning light.
April through October. Summer brings some tourists but Telc never feels crowded. The Christmas market on the square is intimate and atmospheric. Winter reflections in the frozen ponds are magical.