Pelhřimov District: Architecture, Castles and Traditions

Pelhřimov District offers a range of cultural interests: historic architecture in Pelhřimov, castles and regional craft traditions, as well as seasonal experiences at Křemešník. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first whether local history, art, crafts or outdoor activities will be your main focus.

Architecture and Local History in Pelhřimov

In the historic centre of Pelhřimov, you will find Renaissance townhouses with arcades and sgraffito façades. The town also features historicist, Art Nouveau, Cubist and functionalist architecture. This mix makes the town centre interesting if you want to explore more than one era: the different architectural styles each make their own mark, without reducing the townscape to a single period of construction.

Parts of the stone fortification system also belong to the historic centre. Three town gates provide access. The defensive walls and gates thus add another layer of local history to the diverse façades. If you are interested in a place’s historical development, you can explore its architecture and traces of fortifications together here.

The prison exhibition in Pelhřimov also brings history to life in a distinctive way, drawing on the authenticity of its setting and extensive source material. The permanent exhibitions at the Castle of the Lords of Říčany also feature a collection of works by Josef and Zdeněk Šejnost.

Castles and Regional Craft Traditions

Kámen Castle is originally Gothic and bears witness to the 13th century. In Žirovnice, extensive 15th-century Gothic wall paintings are a defining feature of the castle. The two sites offer a concrete comparison across time: at Kámen, the original character points to the earlier period, while the wall paintings in Žirovnice tell the story of a later one.

Žirovnice is known as the “pearl town,” a nickname that refers to its tradition of making mother-of-pearl and buttons. This began with a mother-of-pearl button workshop founded in 1863. Alongside the castles and their architectural and artistic history, another facet of regional culture takes centre stage here: a craft whose history can be traced to a specific beginning.

Landscape and Seasons at Křemešník

Pelhřimov District is hilly, with small chapels, churches and wells forming part of its landscape. At 765 metres above sea level, Křemešník is the district’s highest peak. Landscape and religious significance meet on this mountain: Calvary and the Church of the Holy Trinity form a pilgrimage site that grew up around a mineral spring.

The seasonal experiences also differ considerably. In winter, Křemešník has a ski slope; in summer, you can enjoy the view from the Pípalka observation tower. If you have not yet chosen when to travel, these two options offer a clear indication of the different seasonal highlights.

The rope centre at Křemešník has just under 30 obstacles, including children’s, junior and high ropes courses. Availability and age categories may vary by season, so check in advance what is currently available.

The Želivka River rises in the Pelhřimov area. This geographical feature adds another dimension to the region’s cultural and landscape attractions.

Želiv: Monastery and Brewery

The monastery in Želiv is a destination in Pelhřimov District. Želiv is also home to a brewery, whose tours offer insight into the brewing process and include a beer tasting. The brewery uses traditional brewing methods and offers classic lagers as well as speciality beers. As the product range and tour or tasting options may change, check what is currently available before your visit.

Getting to Pelhřimov

As of 11 August 2026, express bus route 401 connects Prague and Pelhřimov via Loket, Čechtice and Křelovice; between Prague and Loket, the route follows the D1 motorway. Check the current timetable before travelling to make sure the connection works for your travel date.

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For the broader travel overview: Jihlava.