sv. archanděl Rafael

The Archangel Raphael is a Baroque stone statue standing in Telč, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Moravia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sculpture stands along a walking path that runs beside the old town pond and the former moat, right next to the Renaissance main square known as náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce – the historic heart of the town.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The Archangel Raphael belongs to a group of Baroque sculptures set up in the 18th century along a promenade locally known as "Na Dlážkách," which runs at the foot of the town walls between the old town and the water. This is a popular walking route for visitors to Telč, connecting the main square with views of the townhouses reflected in the pond. Along the same path, Raphael stands alongside statues of a Guardian Angel, Archangel Michael, Saint John of Nepomuk, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Wendelin, Saint John the Baptist, and a statue of the Virgin Mary – together forming a coherent Baroque devotional ensemble typical of Central European towns of that period.

Why Raphael specifically?

In Christian tradition, the Archangel Raphael is regarded as the patron of travelers, pilgrims, and healers, and his image is traditionally associated with protection on journeys. Placing such a figure along a route leading from the town toward the water and the outbound road follows a common Baroque-era practice of positioning protective saints along roads and pilgrimage routes leaving a settlement.

What can visitors see today?

Like the other figures along this route, the statue shows signs of centuries of outdoor exposure – several sculptures in the group have lost small details over time, such as hands or the attributes they once held, which is typical for open-air stone carvings that are two and a half centuries old. Despite this, the ensemble has retained its coherent Baroque character and remains an important part of the cultural landscape surrounding Telč's main square.

Why is it worth a visit?

Walking along the old town pond past the Baroque statues offers a different view of Telč than the main square alone – with the water in the foreground and the Renaissance-Baroque skyline of the townhouses behind it. It is a favorite spot for visitors looking for a quieter, less crowded corner of the town than the busy central marketplace.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue of the Archangel Raphael located? It stands along the "Na Dlážkách" promenade beside the old town pond, close to Telč's main square, náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce.

From which period does the statue date? It belongs to a group of Baroque sculptures created in the 18th century.

Is it the only such statue in the area? No – Raphael is part of a larger set of Baroque figures of saints and angels placed along the same walking route.

Can this walk be combined with visiting the main square? Yes, the route connects directly to Telč's historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so both can be seen on a single walk.

Is the statue fully intact? Like the rest of the ensemble, it shows signs of age – some details, such as hands, have been damaged over the years.