Litomysl

Litomyšl is a hidden gem in the Pardubice Region that perfectly encapsulates the charm of historic Bohemia. The town's centerpiece, the UNESCO-listed Litomyšl Castle, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, originally built in the 16th century by Vratislav of Pernštejn. Beyond the castle, the town's elongated main square, Smetanovo náměstí, is one of the largest in the country, lined with picturesque Gothic and Renaissance houses featuring ornate gables and covered arcades. The town is also deeply intertwined with the arts, particularly music, as the birthplace of Bedřich Smetana. His childhood home, located in the castle brewery, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The harmonious blend of historical preservation and vibrant cultural life makes Litomyšl a captivating destination.

Reasons to Visit

• Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Litomyšl Castle and its 8,000 unique sgraffito envelopes.
• Attend the prestigious Smetana's Litomyšl international opera festival held every summer.
• Stroll through the serene Monastery Gardens, featuring statues by renowned Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek.
• Explore the beautifully preserved 500-meter-long arcaded town square.
• Discover the Portmoneum, a museum showcasing the eccentric and colorful murals of Josef Váchal.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid relying solely on credit cards, as some smaller vendors and local pubs only accept cash.
• Don't miss booking festival tickets well in advance, as the Smetana's Litomyšl events sell out quickly.
• Avoid wearing high heels, as the historic center is predominantly paved with uneven cobblestones.

Local Transportation Tips

Litomyšl is a compact and highly walkable town, making exploring on foot the best way to see the sights. The historic center, castle grounds, and main attractions are all within a short walking distance of each other. For traveling outside the town or reaching the train station (which is located a bit outside the center), local buses and affordable taxis are readily available. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the surrounding Pardubice countryside.

Travel Etiquette

• Always greet shopkeepers with 'Dobrý den' (Good day) when entering and 'Na shledanou' (Goodbye) when leaving.
• Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants; it is polite to hand the tip directly to the server or tell them the total amount you wish to pay when they bring the bill.
• Respect the quiet atmosphere in churches and classical music venues.

Recommended Age Group

Litomyšl offers a peaceful and culturally enriching experience suitable for various age groups.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While the town is safe and quiet, navigating cobblestone streets with a stroller can be challenging.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will enjoy the expansive castle grounds, the interactive regional museum, and the open spaces of the Monastery Gardens.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can appreciate the unique architecture, local history, and the vibrant cafe culture in the town square.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Ideal for adults seeking history, classical music, architecture, and authentic Czech gastronomy.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The compact, walkable nature of the town and its rich cultural offerings make it highly appealing for senior travelers.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The main square and Monastery Gardens are generally flat and accessible for wheelchair users.
• Litomyšl Castle offers accessible routes on the ground floor and a new interactive UNESCO exhibit on the second floor; however, some historic upper-floor circuits still lack elevator access.
• Cobblestone streets in the historic center may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.
• Many modern cafes and restaurants have been updated to include accessible restrooms.

Did You Know?

Litomyšl Castle features a historic 18th-century theater that is one of the few preserved aristocratic theaters in Europe, complete with its original stage machinery and scenery.

Cool Statistics

• Litomyšl Castle was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
• The town square, Smetanovo náměstí, is nearly 500 meters long, making it one of the longest in the Czech Republic.
• The castle's exterior is decorated with over 8,000 sgraffito blocks, no two of which are exactly alike.
• Bedřich Smetana, the father of Czech classical music, was born here in 1824.