Pelhřimov (popularly "Pejr", German Pilgrams) is a town in the
western part of the Vysočina region. It is located in the valley of
the Bělá river in the Křemešnická vrchovina (part of the
Bohemian-Moravian Highlands). It is located 27 km west of Jihlava,
74 km northeast of České Budějovice and 93 km southeast of Prague.
Approximately 16,000 people live here.
The center of the
historic city is Masaryk Square with the Church of St. Bartholomew
and the town hall. The town is a traffic junction of two 1st class
roads and a tourist starting point to the Bohemian-Moravian
Highlands. The agglomeration is the center of a large potato growing
area. Pelhřimov is known as a city of records and curiosities (see
the smallest equestrian statue of T. G. Masaryk in the world
directly above the arcade of Masaryk Square and the competition
taking place every year on this market square).
Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí)
The heart of Pelhřimov's
historic district is Masaryk Square, one of the largest town squares in
the Czech Republic. It serves as the focal point for the town's cultural
life, lined with colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses featuring
arcades, decorated gables, and sgraffiti facades. Many buildings date
back to the 16th-18th centuries, with some incorporating Art Nouveau
elements from the early 20th century. Notable structures include:
Šrejnar's House (built in 1614 in Renaissance style): This houses
the tourist information center and the Memorial Hall of the Lipský
Family, honoring local notables.
Fára's House: Rebuilt in 1913–1914
in a unique Cubist style by architect Pavel Janák, featuring a Baroque
facade with a mansard roof.
Burgrave's House No. 17: Reconstructed
after a 1561 fire, it combines Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Empire
styles with sgraffiti decorations. Today, it hosts an art gallery and a
small museum dedicated to "bugaboos" (folkloric scare figures).
In
the center stands a historic fountain with a statue of St. James the
Great, first mentioned in 1546 and redesigned in 1828. The square is a
venue for events like record-breaking festivals, where podiums are set
up for attempts judged by the local Good Day Agency. Visitors often
praise its picturesque atmosphere, ideal for leisurely walks or enjoying
local cafes.
Church of Saint Bartholomew (Kostel sv. Bartoloměje)
One of Pelhřimov's most prominent landmarks, this Gothic church was
founded in the late 13th or early 14th century and stands as a testament
to the town's medieval origins. The exterior features sgraffiti
decorations added in 1589, while the interior is predominantly Baroque,
with a main altar adorned by statues of saints Bartholomew, Adalbert,
Procopius, Vitus, and Wenceslaus. The Way of the Cross paintings were
designed by František Bílek and executed by Viktor Foerster. A standout
feature is the 30-meter (98 ft) tower, added in 1576, which serves as a
public lookout offering panoramic views of the square, town, and
surrounding highlands. Climbing the stairs (suitable for most, including
children, but not accessible for those with mobility issues) provides an
elevated perspective on the colorful rooftops and landscape. Rated 5/5
by visitors, it's lauded for its historical depth and the rewarding
vista from the top.
Museum of Records and Curiosities (Muzeum
rekordů a kuriozit)
Housed in the 36-meter (118 ft) Lower (Jihlava)
Gatehouse—a five-story Renaissance structure from the 16th-century town
fortifications—this museum is Pelhřimov's quirkiest attraction. It
showcases unique feats from the Czech Book of Records and Guinness World
Records, focusing on categories like the largest, smallest, longest,
heaviest, fastest, and most enduring achievements. Exhibits include
artifacts from record holders, interactive displays, and curiosities
that highlight human ingenuity and oddities. The museum spans multiple
floors in the old city tower and is tied to the Good Day Agency, which
organizes annual record festivals on the town square. Founded to
celebrate extraordinary people and performances, it's a fun,
family-friendly spot that embodies the town's reputation as a hub for
the unconventional. Entry often includes access to temporary exhibits on
local history or themed records.
Pelhřimov Castle (Zámek
Pelhřimov)
This Renaissance castle, built in 1550 on the site of an
older manor house, incorporates a Gothic bastion from before a 1561
fire. It was part of the town's defensive system and includes one of the
three preserved town gates. Damaged by fires in 1682 and 1766, it
underwent reconstructions but retains its historical core with minor
decorative changes since. Today, it houses the Vysočina Museum
Pelhřimov, featuring exhibits on regional history, ethnography, medieval
town jails and torture instruments, and works by local artists like
sculptor Josef Šejnosta and his son Zdeněk. The castle's architecture
blends defensive elements with elegant Renaissance features, making it a
key site for understanding Pelhřimov's fortified past.
Chapel of
the Holy Cross - Calvary (Kaple svatého Kříže)
Located slightly
outside the town center, this neo-Gothic chapel was constructed between
1883 and 1886 on the site of an earlier Baroque structure from 1671,
originally a small replica of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The original was expanded in 1750 with a tower but demolished in 1865 by
town decree. Designed by local builder Josef Šlechta and funded through
community efforts led by Dean Vojtěch Holý, the current chapel features
a high tower facing the town and an interior with a main Baroque altar
depicting Calvary. It's a religious site with historical ties to
pilgrimage and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visitors note its serene atmosphere and architectural beauty.
Rozhledna Pípalka (Pípalka Observation Tower)
Situated on Křemešník
Hill about 12 km from Pelhřimov, this 52-meter steel lookout tower,
completed in 1993, provides sweeping views of the Bohemian-Moravian
Highlands, potentially extending to the Alps and Krkonoše Mountains on
clear days. Accessible via approximately 400 narrow stairs, the top
features free binoculars for enhanced sightseeing. The site includes a
restaurant, rope park ("Lanový svět"), and nearby pilgrimage spots like
Poutní místo Křemešník. It's family-oriented, with activities for
children, and offers a peaceful escape into nature. Rated 4/5, it's
recommended for its vistas and as a spot to appreciate Vysočina's
rolling landscapes. Křemešník itself is notable for records, like the
first somersault distance challenge.
Church of Saint Vitus
(Kostel sv. Víta)
The oldest sacral building in Pelhřimov, documented
since 1325, this former parish church blends Gothic (evident in the
presbytery), Renaissance, and Baroque elements from various
reconstructions. Originally Gothic, it now functions as an exhibition
and concert hall rather than a place of worship. Its historical layers
reflect the town's evolution, and it's a quieter alternative to the more
prominent St. Bartholomew's Church.
St. Anna Chapel (Kaple sv.
Anny)
On a small hill west of town, about 2 km away (pedestrian
access only), these ruins of a former Baroque church offer a magical
vantage point over the highlands and Pelhřimov. Partly surrounded by
forest, the site evokes a sense of positive energy and tranquility.
Rated 5/5, it's ideal for those seeking a short hike with historical and
scenic rewards.
Pilgrimage Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows (Kaple
Panny Marie Bolestné)
Built in Baroque style from 1710–1714 following
reported miraculous healings, this chapel served as a cemetery chapel
until 1906. Its crypt was once a burial site for burgher families.
Today, it's a pilgrimage destination with ornate interiors, adding to
Pelhřimov's rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Remnants of Town
Fortifications
Pelhřimov was once encircled by stone walls, with
surviving sections including the Upper (Rynárec) Gatehouse from the 16th
century. These defensive remnants, integrated into the castle and gates,
highlight the town's medieval defenses and are explorable along walking
paths.
The original settlement from the 13th century was
probably built on the site of today's Starý Pelhřimov. Later, the
name was transferred to the settlement around the church of St. Vít
and Hrnčířská Street, which was plundered by Vítek of Hluboká in
1289.
In 1290 King Wenceslas II. granted the right to Bishop
Tobias of Bechyně to re-establish the city and fortify it with
walls. The floor plan of the town suggests that it is a colonization
work, mostly inhabited by German settlers. Over the years, the
population began to be honored. Economic development, otherwise
limited by the great distance from trade routes, was favorably
affected by silver mining in the vicinity of Vyskytná and Křemešník,
9 km southeast of the town. In the pre-Hussite period, the city was
the market center of its surroundings and a number of crafts were
developed here, such as cloth, linen, weaving, gingerbread and
brewing. Until 1416, Pelhřimov was in the possession of the Prague
archbishops - from them it acquired a number of rights, especially
the great privilege of Archbishop Zbyněk Zajíc of Hazmburk from
1406, which regulated the relationship between the city and the
nobility.
During the Hussite wars, Pelhřimov was on the side
of the camps, to whom he gave, among other things, the spiritual
leader Mikuláš, Bishop of Pelhřimov. During the Hussite revolution,
the town was probably administered by the governors of Tábor in
1422. After the Battle of Lipany, the town passed into the
possession of Mikuláš Trčka of Lípa, on whose initiative in the
1840s there were 4 provincial congresses, convened for settlement
between Catholics and the Similar Party. As the place of the
congresses, in which the later Czech King George of Poděbrady also
took part, tradition is determined by the house No. 80 on the
square.
In 1550, the Říčany family from Říčany became the new
lordship, with whom the town had long-standing disputes, which
resulted in redemption from servitude in 1572. In 1596, Pelhřimov
was promoted to a royal town. The quiet development of the city was
ended by the Thirty Years' War. Troops were drawn into the city
several times, and the city was damaged by several fires. In 1766,
most houses were reduced to ashes. Because the houses were built
completely new after the fire, the historic city center has a
Baroque order.
The economic development of the town took
place mainly in the 17th to 18th centuries, when many cloth
factories operated here. In the 19th century, there was a further
development of industry, especially brush, knitting, starch. The
development of these branches was also helped by the commissioning
of the Czech - Moravian Transversal Railway (Tábor - Horní Cerekev
section) in 1883.
From 1850, Pelhřimov was a district town
and administrative center of a large area. Patriotic associations
were formed, which maintained their continuity until this time.
Associations founded in the years 1862–1894: the singing association
Záboj, Sokol, Čtenářská beseda and the association of theater
amateurs Rieger. The 20th century brought further construction and
economic development of the city. In 1903, a hospital building was
built by the road to Jihlava, which still serves today. After the
Second World War, new buildings and halls of industrial plants were
built, especially in the southern part of the city, which were
nationalized after 1948.
Communism in Pelhřimov
In 1960,
Pelhřimov became the center of the district, which also included the
surroundings of Pacov and Humpolec. The whole district was assigned
to the South Bohemian Region.
From the mid-1960s, the
construction of prefabricated housing estates in the northwest of
the city and south of the square began. Also, thanks to the process
of integration of the surrounding municipalities, the population of
the city in the period 1960–1990 rose from about 9,000 people to
16,000.
The city center was declared a city monument reserve
in 1969. Even that did not prevent large-scale demolition. Pelhřimov
thus lost almost all of its historic buildings in the wider center,
and part of the houses were demolished directly in the monument
reserve. Starý Pivovar (now a car park), a Baroque granary (now an
empty area), a large block of houses between the historic Hrnčířská
Street and the square (now the Vysočina Department Store from 1989)
and the Meat Shops and the protected Jewish synagogue (now the
Department Store) Pearl). Uniform buildings of the communist post
office, tax office, department stores Perla, Vysočina and Drupo and
others were built on the site of other buildings of the center. The
city was crossed by a highway lined with concrete walls.
Several films were made in Pelhřimov at that time, including Our Old
Man Josef and the sci-fi series by director Ota Hofman Visitors from
1983.
Topography and Elevation
Pelhřimov lies within the Křemešník
Highlands, a geomorphological mesoregion characterized by rugged, hilly
landscapes with an average altitude ranging from 550 to 600 meters
(1,800 to 1,970 feet) above sea level across the broader district. The
town's municipal territory spans about 95 square kilometers (37 square
miles), making it one of the largest urban areas in the Czech Republic
by land extent. The highest point in the municipal territory is a
contour line in the southeastern section, reaching 700 meters (2,300
feet) above sea level. In contrast, the town center itself sits at a
lower elevation of around 494 to 509 meters (1,621 to 1,670 feet),
measured at landmarks such as the Church of St. Bartholomew or the
railway station. The surrounding district features even higher peaks,
including the hill Křemešník at 769 meters (2,523 feet), which offers
panoramic views southward. This topography creates a varied landscape of
rolling hills, valleys, and plateaus, contributing to the area's scenic
appeal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Hydrography
The town is situated in the valley of the small river
Bělá, which meanders through the built-up urban area, providing a
natural watercourse that shapes the local geography. This river
contributes to the region's hydrological network, draining into larger
systems within the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The municipal territory
is dotted with a large number of small fishponds, which are common in
the Vysočina Region and serve both ecological and recreational purposes.
These water bodies enhance biodiversity and offer habitats for local
wildlife. In the wider district, the lowest point is the riverbed of the
Želivka at 380 meters (1,250 feet), though this lies outside the
immediate town boundaries. The southeastern edge of the district
transitions into the Křižanov Highlands, adding further diversity to the
hydrological features.
Climate
Pelhřimov experiences a
temperate continental climate typical of Central Europe's highlands,
with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The district's harsh and cold
conditions prevail for much of the year, influenced by the elevated
terrain and exposure to northerly winds. Average temperatures range from
mild in the summer months (around 15–20°C or 59–68°F) to below freezing
in winter (often -5 to 0°C or 23–32°F), with significant snowfall
supporting winter sports in nearby areas. Precipitation is moderate and
distributed throughout the year, contributing to the lush vegetation and
numerous ponds. This climate makes the region ideal for seasonal outdoor
pursuits, though it can be challenging due to the ruggedness and cooler
overall temperatures compared to lower-lying parts of the Czech
Republic.
Surrounding Landscape and Geological Features
The
broader landscape around Pelhřimov is part of the Bohemian-Moravian
Highlands, encompassing verdant rolling hills, dense forests, and
scattered agricultural fields. This area is known for its natural
beauty, with opportunities for exploration via trails and bike paths.
The Vysočina Region, in which Pelhřimov is located, straddles the
historical boundaries of Bohemia and Moravia, featuring a mix of upland
plateaus and valleys that support diverse flora and fauna. Geologically,
the region is underlain by ancient crystalline rocks from the Bohemian
Massif, with soils suitable for forestry and limited agriculture. Nearby
villages and administrative parts (about 26 in total) extend the town's
influence into rural highlands, where elevations gradually increase
toward peaks like Křemešník. The southeastern municipal edges border the
Křižanov Highlands, adding subtle variations in terrain.