Tabor is a small ancient city in South Bohemia on the right bank of the river Lužnice. It was founded in the 15th century by Jan Zizka. He was one of the greatest generals of the Czech Republic, the leader of the Hussites and their radical movement. Historians suppose that the Hussites strengthened the national spirit and the Czech language. Therefore, Tábor is one of the main historical cities of the Czech Republic.
Tabor is one of the most interesting and beautiful in South Bohemia. Going there you will feel a wonderful historical atmosphere of narrow cobbled streets as well as historic sites in the style of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
History
Tabor was founded in 1420 as a stronghold by one of the Hussite leaders Jan Zizka. The name of the city can be translated as “fortified camp” and indeed, in those times it had fortified walls and narrow, winding streets to harder any assault of enemies. From that moment, Tabor played the role of the capital of the Hussites. They had own economy and dealt with foreign countries.
In addition, they had powerful army. The opposition between the supporters of Jan Hus and the Catholics lasted for 15 years. In general, there were 5 crusades to suppress the uprising. Only in May 1434 the army of the Hussites was defeated, and the Protestants were forced to make concessions to the King and the Pope.
However, those wars had sense and later the church tithe was abolished, church services were conducted in the Czech language and the Bible was included in the Czech language, translated by Jan Hus. In 1436, Tabor received the rights of the royal city and along with it considerable privileges.
The city was rich and developed rapidly till 1452’s invasion of the King George of Poděbrady. This stopped the further development of the city and from that time Tabor remains an ordinary small town.
Main sights
The historical center of Tabor preserved several interesting sights and monuments of architecture. In the old town you can find many old buildings in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Besides, the history of Tabor is closely connected with the Hussites and Jan Zizka so there are many notes about them too.
Main Square
The central square of the city is the square of Jan Žižka. Here you will see his statue and a statue of Jan Hus as well. It is interesting that the old part of the city is chained with a network of underground tunnels that connect many old buildings. Some of them are open to the public.
There people stored food, beer or used dungeons like shelter from fires and raids of enemies. These transitions formed labyrinths, the length of which is more than 20 km. Currently, only 800 m are available for inspection.
The Hussite Museum
The main attraction point in the city is the Husitske museum on the main square. It occupies a complex of the Neo-Gothic old town hall of the 16th century, displaying a rich collection of documents and historical materials devoted to the movement of the Taborites.
The museum appeared in the second half of the 19th century thanks to a small group of enthusiastic historians. They have been searching and collecting historical exhibits, held history seminars in schools and universities, and reconstructed the chronology of historical events. The collection became the foundation of the future museum, which works since 1884.
Church of the Transfiguration
The construction of a new sanctuary began in the 15th century. This ancient religious building appeared in the first half of the 16th century in the style of the Bohemian revival. During the reconstructions the church changed its appearance many times and only at the end of the 19th century got its present look.
The bell tower of the church is the highest point of the entire South Bohemia. Its height is 77.8 meters and you can go up to the viewing platform and enjoy the magnificent view. Besides, pay attention to the interior: paintings and mosaics on the walls, old icons, patterned vaults, the central altar is decorated with diamonds.
Work hours: May – August: Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance fee:
- Adults – 30 CZK;
- Students under 26 years old – 25 CZK;
- Children from 5 to 15 years old, pensioners – 10 CZK;
- Children under 5 years – free of charge.
Kotnov Castle
Another popular attraction in Tabor is the Kotnov Castle and the old Bekhin Gates of the 15th century. In the Middle Ages the Hussites surrounded Tabor by a wall. Nowadays you can still find their remaining in the old part of the city. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1370. Until the 17th century it served as a defensive function, and later it housed a brewery.
In the castle you can also visit an archaeological exhibition of the late Middle Ages. It displays the life and social environment of cities, villages, nobility and the church. On the only surviving tower there is also an observation deck. In addition, do not forget about the exhibition “Treasures of Tabor” with more than 4000 silver coins of different time periods.
Work hours:
- May-September: Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April-October: Saturday – Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- main exposition – 20 CZK;
- observation tower – 10 CZK;
- family ticket – 50 CZK (tower); 100 CZK (two objects).
Town Hall
One of the most interesting buildings of the Žižkov Square is the Late Gothic Town Hall. Its construction lasted more than 80 years and ended only in the 16th century. The last reconstruction in the 19th century gave the Town Hall a gothic look.
There is a quite interesting image of a man with bare buttocks on one of the inner arches of the Town Hall. According to legend, the artist, engaged in the interior of the building, took revenge on the city authorities for the fact that his work was not appreciated enough and he was paid little.
Where to eat
All of the places from the list offer excellent service and delicious cuisine. There you can try famous Czech dishes as well as cuisine of other countries.
- Restaurace Beseda (Address: Žižkovo Náměstí 5);
- Kozlovna U Františka (Address: nám. F. Křižíka 1483/5);
- Restaurace Škochův dům (Address: Žižkovo Náměstí 22);
- Thir – vinný bar, bistro & pension (Address: Provaznická 152/1);
- Restaurace Černá perla (Address: Šafaříkova 3123);
- Congress & Wellness Hotel Palcát Tábor (Address: 9. května 2471);
- La Cave (Address: 3037 Hradební Tábor);
- Kafe Bar Havana (Address: Žižkovo Náměstí 17);
- Green Tree Restaurant (Address: Arbeiterova);
- Cadillac Caffe & restaurant (Address: Vančurova 2904).
Where to stay
In case you need a couple of days to discover Tabor, choose one of these options and have a great time there! These hotels and apartments have the highest review score, wide range of amenities and excellent service level.
How to get from Prague to Tabor
There are direct trains and buses to Tabor station, so you will not have problems with reaching it.
Prague – Tabor by bus
There is a direct bus from Prague station Roztyly and the route takes about 2 hours. The ticket price is 6-8 Euro.
Prague – Tabor by train
If you choose train as your transport, so you will get to Tabor in 1.30 hours. The ticket price is 4-6 Euro. Take regional train from Prague main station to Tabor station. More information and timetable here.
Prague – Tabor by car
The distance between Prague and Tabor is 92 kilometers and will take 1 hour. You will need 7 liters of petrol at a cost about 12 Euro. Remember about car rent price, which is about 30 Euro depending on the car class.
Main sights in Tabor review
Unfortunately, Tabor is not the most popular city in the Czech Republic. However, its rich history, architecture and nature attract more and more visitors every year. If you want to find out what is so special about this town, we offer tours with local guide, who will help you get the maximum feeling of it!
