Litomyšl will enchant you with its Renaissance, Baroque and modern architecture. It was first mentioned in the end of the 10th century in the Chronicle of Kosmas and received town privileges in 1259. Thanks to its centuries-old history, the town abounds in a number of valuable cultural monuments.
For all lovers of historical architecture and unique genius loci, the fairytale Renaissance castle is undoubtedly a highlight. This representative palace in the style of Italian summer residences has been a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The 17th-century building, which is decorated with thousands of original sgraffito decorations, hides a jewel inside in the form of a family palace theatre.
Litomyšl may also be familiar to you from your music lessons. You may know it as the birthplace of Bedřich Smetana. You can hear the captivating melodies of the famous composer when you visit his native flat in the castle brewery. Or do you prefer to follow the tones of classical music at one of the performances of the national festival Smetana's Litomyšl? In the romantic surroundings of the Renaissance castle and other places in the town, it takes place every year at the turn of June and July.
Litomyšl's reputation as a centre of culture and education is underlined by the fact that many important personalities have lived here, including Alois Jirásek, Božena Němcová and Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová. You can find out how their lives have influenced contemporary Litomyšl in the regional museum.
The versatile and truly original artist Josef Váchal must not go unnoticed. You can meet his ideas and the results of his painting and carving skills in the colourfully decorated and by supernatural creatures guarded rooms of Portmoneum.
You can enjoy a beautiful view of the castle grounds, the neighbouring Monastery Gardens and the historic centre with its picturesque square from the Angel's Lookout located between the towers of the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross.
Not only in this church, but also in many other places in Litomyšl you will encounter award-winning contemporary architecture and art. The Litomyšl Architectural Manual will introduce you to the most valuable buildings of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The best of Litomyšl
Litomyšl Castle
Litomyšl Castle
A small piece of Italy seems to have been imprinted into the architecture of Litomyšl's Renaissance jewel. The castle, which will enchant you with thousands of sgraffito decorations on the facade and a unique Classicist theatre, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Native Flat of Bedřich Smetana
Native Flat of Bedřich Smetana
The period-furnished apartment of the Smetana family will take you back to the composer's childhood. The place that witnessed the birth and the first musical steps of Bedřich Smetana can be found in the building of the former castle brewery.
Castle Cellars
Castle Cellars
Deep underground, in the oldest premises of the Litomyšl Castle, an extensive collection of sculptures by one of the most famous Czech artists, Olbram Zoubek, and a unique wax Heart for Václav Havel have found their new home.
Portmoneum - Museum of Josef Váchal
Portmoneum - Museum of Josef Váchal
A fantasy world awakens inside an inconspicuous house near the centre of Litomyšl. Various motifs from Christianity and oriental teachings, as well as goblins, devils and ghosts have been brought to life by the original artist Josef Váchal.
Regional Museum
Regional Museum
The expositions of the regional museum will be the key to learning about the rich history of Litomyšl. You can look forward to models of the castle hill through the centuries, stories of famous personalities or an interactive programme for children.
Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross
Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross
You can enjoy an angelically beautiful view of the castle hill and the town centre from the viewpoint of the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross. The interior of the church is enriched by contemporary art elements and the exhibition of sacred art Angels on the Hill.
Museum of Dollhouses, Dolls and Toys
Museum of Dollhouses, Dolls and Toys
Go back to your childhood or just take a look into the history of your beloved toys in the original museum near the Litomyšl castle. Both children and adults will enjoy its exhibitions.
Municipal Gallery
Municipal Gallery
The municipal gallery could hardly look for a more representative exhibition space than a Renaissance house from the middle of the 16th century. On the façade of the oldest building in Litomyšl square you can see the statues of the knights who gave the house its name.
Historic centre
Historic centre
Stories of several centuries, traces of famous personalities and unique bourgeois architecture are interwoven through the ancient centre of Litomyšl. Take a walk through the square and the neighbouring streets, which will lead you to the castle hill.
