City tower, Třebíč

The Town Tower in Třebíč is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Czech town of Třebíč, rising above the historic centre on St. Martin's Square. The tower belongs to the Church of St. Martin and has shaped the skyline of this part of town for centuries, visible from many spots across the old town and the surrounding hills.

When was the tower built?

The tower's story goes back to the 14th century. It was built around 1335, precisely the period when Třebíč was granted town rights. This milestone in the town's history coincided with the expansion of its centre and fortifications, and the tower played an important part in that layout from the very start.

Why did the tower once stand apart from the church?

Interestingly, for nearly four centuries — until 1716 — the tower functioned as a separate structure, not physically joined to the church building. This was no accident: it formed part of the town's defensive system, serving as a lookout point and a fortified element protecting the old town. Only in 1716 was the tower connected to the Church of St. Martin, giving the complex the form it has today.

Where exactly does it stand?

The tower stands right in the heart of Třebíč's historic quarter, on St. Martin's Square — one of the central points of the old town. Its geographic coordinates are 49.2147°N, 15.8797°E, which makes it easy to locate on a map when planning a sightseeing route. Surrounded by former burgher houses and the old town's street layout, the tower serves as a natural reference point for anyone exploring the town on foot.

How do you get there?

Třebíč lies in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, and its old town — including St. Martin's Square with the tower — is easily reachable on foot from both the train and bus stations, which sit within a reasonable walking distance of the centre. For those arriving by car, the best option is to park near the old town and continue on foot, since the historic street network in this part of the town favours walking rather than driving.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

St. Martin's Square and the buildings surrounding it are part of Třebíč's old town, which — together with the nearby Jewish quarter and cemetery — is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Walking from the tower toward the rest of the old town lets visitors take in the distinctive urban layout of a Czech historic town, shaped over several centuries.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the tower and the square are outdoor sights, they can be visited year-round. The most comfortable conditions for strolling through the old town and admiring its architecture come in spring, summer and early autumn, when longer daylight hours and stable weather make longer walks around town more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Town Tower in Třebíč built? It was built around 1335, at the time Třebíč was granted town rights.

Was the tower always part of the Church of St. Martin? No — until 1716 it stood as a separate structure, functioning as part of the town's defensive system, and was only joined to the church afterward.

Where exactly is the tower located? On St. Martin's Square, within the old town of Třebíč, at coordinates 49.2147°N, 15.8797°E.

Is it worth combining a visit with other sights in Třebíč? Yes — the square and tower sit right next to the UNESCO-listed old town, making it easy to combine both into a single, compact walk through the historic centre.