Historic Town Conservation Area of Trhové Sviny

The history of Trhové Sviny dates back to the mid-13th century, when a settlement was established on the old trade route from Vitorazsko to Bohemia, at the confluence of the Svinenský and Farský streams. Over time, it became an important trade center for the entire region. The rich history of the town is still evident in its many monuments, which led to the declaration of Trhové Sviny as a town conservation area. The center of this area is the town square with the town hall, which stands amid the townhouses connected by arcades. A notable feature is that the square is not on a single level. The townhouses and the town hall are on the southern side, which is a few meters lower than the northern side of the square. Climbing up from the hexagonal stone fountain from 1864 to the northern side of the square provides an interesting view, where, at eye level, you can see the richly decorated town hall gable.

Trhové Sviny lies at the confluence of the Trhosvinenský and Farský streams. The landscape here begins to undulate, transitioning from the Třeboň Basin to the rolling hills towards the Šumava. The town has long been a center of trade in this southernmost part of South Bohemia, and as its name suggests, it became famous for its markets. Even in the late 1940s, there were regular and well-known livestock markets held here. The trade was traditionally oriented towards Upper and Lower Austria, and Trhové Sviny served as an important commercial hub for the surrounding area.

The town is also the birthplace of Dr. Emil Hácha, the President of Czechoslovakia from 1938 to 1939 and the state president from 1939 to 1945. Another notable native is the composer Karel Valdauf, in whose honor an international brass music festival is held annually in the town.

Trhové Sviny is the starting point for tourist routes to the Slepičí Hills, located just under 10 km away. Free time can be spent hiking, cycling, enjoying sports, or swimming, with accommodation also available in the town.

Since 2003, Trhové Sviny has been a town entrusted with third-level administration and has become a center for employment, education, culture, tourism, and political events for the wider surrounding area.