Pelhřimov, a City of Curiosities

Thanks to collectors and producers of everything possible and impossible, a unique exhibit on five floors of the Jihlava Gate, which have no analogues elsewhere in the world, have been put together. But the Museum of Records and Curiosities is just the beginning. In various corners of Pelhřimov you will find, for example, a giant switch pin or the largest mailbox, and talking boards on the waterfront will introduce you to record holders registered in the Czech Book of Records. In the House of Good Days you will see items created from matches, a picture made of pasta and other unique items.
 
Pelhřimov, which lies a short distance from the highway halfway between Prague and Brno is not just a city of records and curiosities. Its centre with adjacent streets features many picturesque houses, a castle and churches. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century, when it was owned by the Prague bishops, and its founder is considered to be Bishop Pelhřim (Latin Pelegrin). From the mid-14th century the town developed very quickly, mainly in draperies, linen weaving, weaving and gingerbread making; burgher houses, fortifications and gates were built.
 
Today, on the main Masaryk Square, there are Renaissance and Baroque houses with arcades, while its centre is home to an Empire fountain with a statue of St Jakub. Among the dominants is the Church of St Bartholomew with the Stations of the Cross by the famous artist František Bílek, a statue of St Jan Nepomucký, but also the already mentioned Lower (Jihlava) Gate. The Upper (Rynárecká) Gate also dates from the same period, and the most beautiful houses include Šrejnar House on the north side of the square and Fára’s House in the late Baroque style, which features a Cubist form.
 
Families with children will have a great time in Pelhřimov and its vicinity by visiting, for example, Pelhřimov Hell, the torture chamber exposition at the Vysočina Museum in the Lords’ Chateau of Říčany, the Dean's Garden park with a zoo and children's playground, or on a trip to the Křemešník Hill lookout tower.