Náměšť nad Oslavou has been named Historical Town of the Year 2025 in the Czech Republic, receiving the award for its systematic use of state funds to restore cultural heritage sites. The title was conferred by the Association of Historical Settlements of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia in cooperation with the ministries of culture and regional development.
The recognition highlights the town’s ongoing efforts to preserve its historic core, including the restoration of Žižkův dub, believed to be the oldest oak tree in the country, and the renovation of the historic bridge with copies of Baroque statues. Recent projects also include the repair of the ancient town hall and the revitalisation of a former manufactory site near the Náměšť nad Oslavou château, managed by the National Heritage Institute.
As part of the award, the town received a financial prize of 100,000 Czech koruna from the Ministry for Regional Development, which also granted the same amount to regional winners Kolín and Nový Jičín. The prize is intended to further support municipal investment in monument conservation programmes.
Local officials emphasized that the award reflects not only current leadership but also generations of residents who have maintained the town’s architectural legacy. Mayor Jan Kotačka stated that the honour serves as motivation to continue creating a catalogue of restored sites across the Czech Republic, ensuring long-term care for cultural landmarks.
The selection process involved 13 towns competing nationally, with Náměšť nad Oslavou emerging victorious after winning the regional round in the Vysočina area, where it competed against Moravské Budějovice. The jury evaluated applicants based on their effective use of subsidies from the Ministry of Culture’s programme for the regeneration of municipal monument reserves and zones.
Historical Town of the Year is an annual award designed to encourage best practices in heritage preservation among Czech municipalities. Past winners include Moravská Třebová, which held the title in 2024. The competition underscores the importance of combining expert conservation with community engagement and sensitive urban development.
Looking ahead, Náměšť nad Oslavou plans to continue its restoration efforts, particularly focusing on the interior refurbishment of the old town hall. Officials noted that sustained funding and collaboration with heritage specialists remain essential to preserving the town’s unique urban landscape and its connection to the surrounding countryside.
For updates on the town’s ongoing conservation projects and future applications for heritage funding, residents and interested parties are encouraged to consult the official website of the Náměšť nad Oslavou Municipal Cultural Centre or contact the Vysočina Region’s Department of Culture and Monument Care.
We welcome your thoughts on this recognition and invite you to share how your community approaches heritage preservation in the comments below.