To protect the trade route connecting Bohemia and Bavaria, a fortified stronghold with a guard and customs function was built on a rock over the Teplá River in the 13th century. In 1387, King Wenceslas confirmed the Borsso of Riesenburg right to collect customs fees in Bečov and Dražov.
Fig.: Bečov 100 years ago
Another important factor in the development of Bečov from the 13th to 16th century was ore mining in the central part of the Slavkovský les Mts. Tin mining especially was of European importance and brought both an economic and a cultural boom to this part of the country. The key part in the exploitation of mineral resources was played by noble families - the Riesenburgs of Osek and the Pflugs of Rabenstein. Tin mining reached its height in the first half of the 16th century, then is slowly started to decline and this process was completed by the Thirty Years' War. The search for new sources of income resulted in the boom in the crafts and guilds. Numerous specific crafts appeared in the Bečov region like pewtering, button-making, leather goods manufacturing and hop trading.
Fig.: The Bečov Castle
The end of World War II had far-reaching consequences for the whole region and its inhabitants. German inhabitants were evacuated and Bečov and its neighbourhood were re-settled by Czech people from inland. The boom in uranium mining in the surroundings of Horní Slavkov brought a new revival after 1950.
Fig.: St. Maurus Reliquary
Bečov-on-Teplá is an ideal starting point for trips to the protected landscape area of Slavkovský les. Gem of the town is the Baroque castle. The most attractive exhibit and magnet of the castle has been the valuable St. Maurus reliquary dating from the 12th century, a unique Romanesque sight of European importance.
Fig.: Municipal Coat of Arms