Old town hall

The Old Town Hall stands as one of the most recognizable buildings in the historic centre of Žďár nad Sázavou and remains a natural starting point for anyone exploring the town. This Renaissance building, later given a classical façade, was most likely constructed at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, making it one of the oldest surviving structures in this part of town, from an era when Žďár was still taking shape as a settlement around its square and the nearby monastery.

How has the building's appearance changed over time?

In the second half of the 18th century, the town hall underwent substantial alterations that gave it the appearance it has largely retained to this day. It was during this period that the building acquired the proportions and architectural details still visible today when walking through the town centre. The earlier Renaissance structure was thus reshaped in the 18th century to suit the architectural tastes of the time, layering new features onto the older core.

What happened to the clock tower?

The old town hall originally featured a small tower topped with a clock, a distinctive element that would have stood out against the town square. That tower, however, was destroyed in a fire in 1864. Following the blaze, it was never rebuilt, meaning the building lost one of its most recognisable features and its roofline took on a simpler, more restrained form that has remained unchanged since.

What can visitors see inside?

Inside the building, preserved vaults survive in the former passageway and in an adjoining room. These vaulted spaces are among the best evidence of the building's age, offering a glimpse of how the town hall would have looked during the era when it served the town's administrative functions. They remain some of the oldest surviving architectural elements within the structure and are often highlighted during public events and exhibitions held on the premises.

What does the building look like today?

Between 2025 and 2026, the town hall underwent another significant reconstruction. The work focused on modernising technical facilities and adapting the interiors to contemporary needs, all while placing emphasis on preserving the building's historical character. As a result, the building could reopen to residents and visitors alike without losing its heritage value.

Today, the Old Town Hall primarily serves the town's representative and cultural functions. Its ground floor houses the Old Town Hall Gallery, used for exhibitions and public events, while the upper floor contains a ceremonial hall used mainly for wedding ceremonies. A tourist information centre operates in the rear part of the building, reached through a separate side entrance, making the town hall a practical first stop for anyone visiting Žďár nad Sázavou.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Old Town Hall open to visitors? Yes, the building serves public functions — it houses an exhibition gallery and a tourist information centre, both open to visitors.

Can original architectural elements from the building's early history still be seen? Yes, preserved vaults survive inside, in the former passageway and an adjoining room, dating from before the 18th-century renovation.

Why does the building no longer have a clock tower? The original tower with its clock burned down in a fire in 1864 and was never rebuilt.

What is the upper floor used for? The upper floor functions as a ceremonial hall and is used mainly for wedding ceremonies.