Birth home of Bohuslav Martinů

The neo-Gothic church of St. James has one undeniable advantage. Few similar buildings can boast the fact that a famous personality was born in its tower. Yes, it was here, in a small room 36 metres above the ground, that the future composer Bohuslav Martinů was born in 1890. You can take the 192 steps to see the same views that little Bohusek enjoyed until he was 11 years old. From an impressive height, you will see the main square of Polička with its Baroque town hall and the plague column. You will also see with your own eyes the entire ring of medieval town walls with nineteen towers that have protected the historic centre of Polička for several centuries.

contacts

nám. B. Martinů, Polička

navigate

tel. 461723855

muzeum@muzeum.policka.org

The nearest train stations

Polička (561 m)
Sádek u Poličky (4 km)
Oldřiš (5 km)

Nearest bus stop

Tours / exhibitions

Description

The future musical composer was born in the small quarters in the tower of the Church of St. Jakub in 1890 as the son of the tower keeper, a town employee. The quarters are furnished with original and period furniture according to the memories of the mother and sisters of B. Martinů.

Opening hours
(GMT +2)

April, September Tu-Fr 10:00-15:00 at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 (with guide)
April, September Sa 9:00-15:00 at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 (with guide)
April, September Su 13:00-15:00 at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 (with guide)
May, June Tu-Fr 10:00-15:00 at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 (with guide)
May, June Sa 9:00-16:00 at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (with guide)
May, June Su 13:00-16:00 at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (with guide)
July, August Mo-Sa 9:00-16:00 at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (with guide)
July, August Su 13:00-16:00 at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (with guide)
October Tu-Fr 10:00-15:00 at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 (with guide)
October Sa 10:00-15:00 at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 (with guide)
October Su 13:00-15:00 at 13:00, 15:00 (with guide)
year round all day (only to order)

Before visiting the building we recommend checking the current opening hours on the building's website or by contacting the operator by telephone.

Closed right now, as per business hours
Last tour before closing: 45 min.
Sightseeing time: 45 min.

Foreign languages

tour guide (English, German)

Minimum / maximum number of people per guide

5/25

Don't forget to also visit

Town walls

Take a walk along the massive medieval walls, which still guard the centre of the royal dowry town of Polička. More than 1,200 metres long Gothic fortifications, supplemented by 19 towers, are not to be seen anywhere else.

Baroque gems on the square

Take a stroll through the historic centre of Polička with the baroque town hall and the richly decorated plague column, which is a national cultural monument.

Church of St. James

In the tower of the neo-Gothic church of St. James in Polička, the world-famous composer Bohuslav Martinů was born in 1890.

Municipal Museum

The museum dedicated to the most famous native of Polička, Bohuslav Martinů, will give you an insight not only into his story and work. Interactive exhibitions will guide you through the history of the town and you will also be enchanted by the delicate beauty of the glass products of the local region.

Terezka Lookout Tower

The tallest of the three lookout towers in the Toulovcovy maštale area rises above Paseky near Proseč. Its name commemorates the writer Teréza Nováková, who was inspired by the surrounding landscape in her work.

Svojanov Castle

Shrouded in medieval legends, the royal castle of Svojanov will tell you many secrets of ancient times. Stroll through the Gothic gardens, visit the Empire Palace and the Armourers' House. The sharp castle tower offers you a breathtaking view of the Křetínka valley.

Žďárské Peaks

The Žďárské Peaks Protected Landscape Area near the town of Polička offers unique sceneries, countless natural beauties and routes for hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing.

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