Czech Regions: Highlands Region

Three of the last of these can be found on UNESCO´s list of world cultural heritage. They are the pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora on the outskirts of Žďár nad Sázavou, the Romano-Gothic Basilica of St Procopius and the Jewish Quarter and cemetery in Třebíč, and the historical centre of Telč. Other towns worthy of mention include Jihlava with its underground passageways, Pelhřimov, Kamenice nad Lipou, Velké Meziříčí, Přibyslav, Humpolec with its unique museum, Havlíčkův Brod with its partially intact defensive walls, the glassmaking town of Světlá nad Sázavou, picturesque Pacov, Třešť – the town of nativity scenes – and Polná with its well preserved Jewish heritage.

The Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora just outside Žďár nad Sázavou
This is an exquisite example of the so-called Baroque Gothic style created by architect J. B. Santini. Legend has it that five stars appeared above the body of the drowned John of Nepomuk, hence the layout of the building in the shape of a five-pointed star. The church also has five entrances, and there are five stars and angels on the main altar. The church, which stands in the midst of a cemetery lined with cloisters, is also a UNESCO-listed site.

Jihlava
Thanks to the silver mining industry, this was once one of the wealthiest cities in the land and still retains some of its original defensive walls and a number of other interesting localities. The Gustav Mahler House, the underground passageways, the Highlands Museum with its silver mining and coin exhibitions, the town hall, the zoo and the Vodní ráj water park are all well worth a visit . Get a bird´s eye view of Jihlava from the Mother of Our Lord Gate or from the top of the tower belonging to the Church of St James.