Tabor is a small city of 36,000 residents that lies in the north-eastern area of the Southern Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. This hilltop town with its tightly knit historic centre is an important memorial to the history of the Czech Republic, as it was founded in 1420 as a stronghold by Jan Zizka, the military leader of the Hussites. The Hussites were a prominent religious group who followed the teachings of Jan Hus, a Czech reformer, who was dissatisfied with the political dominance and interference from the Roman Catholic Church and who became the forerunner of the Protestant Reformation and avid supporter of Czech national awareness. Tabor suffered an eventful past through the early turbulent years of the 15th century Hussite Wars, becoming the radical centre of the militant movement of the Hussites, with its militant members becoming known as Taborites. Today this history can be re-lived through exploring this pretty historic town with its narrow cobble-stoned streets, picturesque houses and underground cellars; and by visiting the Hussite Museum, which is one of the most popular museums in the Czech Republic. The museum is housed in the ornate ‘Old Town Hall’ which is located in the main Zizka Square.
Tabor stands 80 kilometres south of Prague on the banks of the Luznice River, with the historic centre being located on the summit of an isolated hill. Built primarily as a fortified city the plan consisted of fortified walls, gates and towers, with narrow streets within the town to make any hostile approach more difficult. Although much of the defences have been destroyed, remains of the original city walls and towers can be seen at the Bechyne Gate and the Kotnov Tower. The main historic Zizka Square which lies in the centre of town is mostly surrounded by picturesque Renaissance gables and is still approached via very narrow roads. The square is home to a commemorative statue of Jan Zizka, the military leader of the Hussites. Underneath this city is a labyrinth of tunnels which were built originally as cellars for the burgher’s houses and later inter-connected and used as shelter during times of war and fire. It was during 1437 that Tabor was made a Royal City, and with its new privileges the city underwent its greatest building development, with the Town Hall being constructed in 1440. The Town Hall is the most impressive historic building in the city and has an exceptionally large central hall which is the most representative part of the structure and is used as a gallery and concert hall. It was not complete until 1521, and today it is one of the most important late Gothic buildings in the Czech Republic. The Town Hall houses the Hussite Museum and at the entrance to the museum access is provided to approximately 800 metres of the underground tunnels. Also within Zizka Square stands the high vaulted Church of the Lord’s Conversion, constructed in 1512 the church has beautiful Renaissance gables and a spire with two domes.
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