Starý Týn: a folk architecture reserve village in Czechia

Starý Týn is a picturesque village in the hilly landscape of the Czech Central Uplands, first mentioned as far back as the 11th century. Its prosperity once rested on hop growing, and today it forms part of the town of Úštěk, remaining a popular destination for fans of folk architecture.

The heart of the village is a sloping village square, from which several narrow lanes branch off. The farmsteads are usually turned gable-end to the square, and the main houses are often flanked by smaller cottages for parents who had passed the farm on to their children, along with other outbuildings. Starý Týn has preserved two-storey houses of log and half-timbered construction, as well as houses and outbuildings built entirely of stone.

Thanks to its exceptionally well-preserved layout and its valuable ensemble of vernacular buildings, Starý Týn has been given the status of a rural architectural reserve. Only three villages in the entire Ústí Region are protected in this way.

Starý Týn can be explored on a leisurely walk around the square and the surrounding lanes. Most of the historic farmsteads are privately owned and closed to visitors, but their architecture can be admired from public roads. A walk through the village pairs well with a trip to nearby Úštěk or to other landmarks and natural sights of the Czech Central Uplands.

Read also: The main sights of Czechia

Around Prague, based on reporting by kudyznudy.cz