Historic Celebrations of Zachariáš of Hradec and Kateřina of Wallenstein

A traditional cultural event in the picturesque town of Telč with themes from vernacular culture and history. This time with a celebration of 910 years since the foundation of the town Telč.

Beautiful houses in the famous Telč square of Zachariáš of Hradec have Gothic and Renaissance faces. It is an ideal location for an expedition into history, so do not hesitate and accept the invitation of the town Telč for fencing, musical, dance and theatre performances complemented by contemporary period fair.

Program:
Friday, 13th August 2010:
6 pm - Opening ceremony and opening of the period fair in the square
8 pm - Procession of knights with torches and drumming
8,30 pm - Knight battles, performances of dancers, music, jugglers and fire show
Audience can also look forward to period music, historical fencing, historical dances, period games and competitions, crossbow shooting, shot with a spear and ax, an oracle, a hospital, a military camp and tents of knights.

Saturday, 14th August 2010:
13.30 pm - Procession of historical personages along the square
Festive greetings of Zachariáš of Hradec and Kateřina of Wallenstein and the Lords of the Rose
Volley of bullets and a ceremonial welcome of Albrecht of Wallenstein
A great knight tournament, falconers - examples of training of birds of prey, hilarious dances and a fencing performance
6 pm - End of celebrations by volley of bullets

Town of Telč is a major economic and cultural centre of the southern part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. It was based on a busy crossroad of trade routes and is called "white pearl" or "architectural treasure".
The square with an unique complex of historical buildings in the Renaissance and Baroque style and Telč Chateau belong to the most important monuments of the town. Both have been entered on the prestigious UNESCO list of world cultural heritage.
The impressive Renaissance chateau with an English park is known as jewels of Moravian Renaissance architecture. Thanks to its owners original interiors of the chateau were very well preserved. Many of these are representative examples of Italian art in our country. The Golden Hall is the most significant interior, which permeates the entire northern wing of newly built palace. Also the Chapel of All Saints with a rich and extensive decorations belongs to the chateau. The chapel serves as the final resting-place of Zachariáš of Hradec and his wife Kateřina of Wallenstein.

Zachariáš of Hradec (1526/ 7 - 1589) was educated Czech nobleman and humanist. He chose Telč as his residency in 1550, when he inherited it from his father. He also succeeded to an estate in Slavonice, Kunžak, Rozkoš and Strmilov. Other estate acquired as a dowry when he married Kateřina of Wallenstein in 1553.
Zachariáš proved to be a good landlord and businessman. Under his management Telč reached the big boom. He established new ponds, modern farming methods and guilds. He styled the whole town and mainly the square. With the help of Italian architects he rebuilt the Telč castle into a magnificent Telč Renaissance chateau.