Námestí Zachariáse z Hradce

Námestí Zachariáse z Hradce Review

This main square is so perfect you feel like you've stepped into a painting, not a living town. Zacharias of Neuhaus, the square's namesake, allegedly created the architectural unity. During the 16th century, so the story goes, the wealthy Zacharias had the castle—originally a small fort—rebuilt into a Renaissance château. But the town's dull buildings clashed so badly that Zacharias had the square rebuilt to match the castle's splendor. Luckily for architecture fans, the Neuhaus dynasty died out shortly thereafter, and succeeding nobles had no desire to outfit the town in the latest architectural fashions.

If you've come by car, park outside the main walls on the south side of town and walk through the Great Gate, part of the original fortifications dating to the 13th century. As you approach on Palackého ulice, the square unfolds in front of you, graced with the château at the northern end and beautiful houses bathed in pastel ice-cream shades. Fans of Renaissance reliefs should note the sgraffito corner house at No. 15, etched like fine porcelain. The house at No. 61, across from the Cerný Orel Hotel, also bears intricate details.