The history of the largest town in the region dates back to the middle of the 13th century. It was founded in close proximity to important merchant routes between Bohemia and Moravia.
You will feel like you are reading an architecture textbook as you stroll around one of our longest squares, which is decorated with half-timbered burgher houses of many different styles from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Among the most interesting buildings in the town centre are the red former town hall and the neighbouring U Mouřenína House. The oldest burgher house in Svitavy, dating from 1554, now houses an information centre. You will also be surprised by the unusual architecture of the Ottendorfer's House, where today you can visit the Esperanto Museum, the only one of its kind in the Czech Republic. In the neighbouring building of the municipal museum, you can see a variety of exhibitions for the whole family. The permanent exhibition Grandma's Laundry will take you through the history of washing and laundry technology. You will be fascinated by the large mechanical nativity scene, which is a real gem of the museum's collections. You will also learn about the story of Svitavy native Oskar Schindler, who became the main character in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning film Schindler's List. If you want to see the historical centre of the town from a bird's eye view, climb the tower of the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary.
After that, you can go to popular recreational areas on the outskirts of the town. You can walk through the Waterworks Forest on wooden paths and footbridges that provide access to an attractive area with spring water. The trail is complemented by information boards and interactive elements for children.
At the other end of town, you will find the varied offer of the Brand Forest Resort. There are hiking and cycling trails, an outdoor gym and a fitness trail. You can relax in the wooden gazebo at the Memorial of Queen Bees or enjoy refreshments on the banks of the Rosnička Pond, where you can take a boat ride. A novelty especially for children is the Sváťa's Adventure Trail. Eight stops with interactive elements are connected by the fairy tale story of the enchanted Swan Princess. The pleasant walk, during which children will help to save the Swan Princess and have a lot of fun, is nearly two kilometres long.