Telč was originally a royal water keep founded in the 13th century on the crossroads of several busy trade routes. It obtained its current appearance in the 16th century, when the château as well as the town center were rebuilt. This development was partly the work of the Jesuit order, which had a significant presence in the town at the time. Beside the château and its park, among the most important monuments is the square, a unique complex of Renaissance and baroque houses. The houses' arcades and gables were built according to an integrated plan. Music and visual arts play an important role in contemporary Telč life. Cultural events include the International Folklore Festival and the French-Czech Music Academy. Telč is best reached by the Prague - Brno - Vienna highway. Other connections include regional bus and rail networks.