Litomyšl: Smetana’s birthplace and Renaissance architecture

Litomyšl brings together music history, Renaissance architecture and landscaped outdoor spaces. If you’re looking for a hotel, the city’s distinct themes can help you plan your trip: Bedřich Smetana’s birthplace and the exhibition offer a cultural focus, while parks, riverbanks and trails reveal other sides of your stay.

The Renaissance, historic squares and the city’s history

Litomyšl Castle is a Renaissance residence. Its Italian-inspired arcaded courtyards combine with Bohemian gables and sgraffito decoration, bringing different architectural influences together in one building. The historic center includes a square almost 500 meters long, lined with townhouses on narrow Gothic plots and featuring distinctive arcades. On Josef Váchal Street, modern sgraffito decorates the houses with motifs from Váchal’s Krvavý román. Those who take in the architecture and visual art will encounter both historic forms and modern façade art here.

In the cellar of the Regionální muzeum v Litomyšli, visitors can see archaeological remains of a medieval gate, fortifications and townhouses that have been excavated. Alongside its permanent exhibition, the museum holds several temporary exhibitions each year. So, in addition to the medieval finds, there is also a changing exhibition theme that can add to the visit.

Bedřich Smetana and his music

The Rodný byt Bedřicha Smetany is located in the former castle brewery: this is where the composer was born in 1824. The exhibition, which opened after reconstruction in 2024, presents his life and most significant works in the authentic setting of the family’s apartment. A music salon is also part of the exhibition. There, Smetana’s most significant works are presented with an animated film and projected images.

A trail following in Bedřich Smetana’s footsteps leads to places from his early life. Alongside the exhibition in the family apartment, it offers a separate way to explore Smetana’s biography. If you’re especially interested in the composer, you can learn about both his life and works in the exhibition and the places where he spent his early years.

Parks, riverbanks and trails

Klášterní zahrady is a city park near Litomyšl Castle, surrounded by two Litomyšl churches. Sculptures by Olbram and Jasan Zoubek and views of the city panorama bring art and city scenery together in an outdoor setting. Along Nábřeží Loučné, the riverbank landscaping combines a stone ford, a new pedestrian suspension bridge, folding walkways and a riverside viewpoint. There is also a public playground with play equipment featuring sound and music themes. It opened to the public in 2017.

Lesopark Černá hora offers about five kilometers of paved trails, a nature trail and three running routes measuring 1,200, 3,200 and 5,200 meters. Recreational opportunities are available for walkers, runners and cyclists. The three running routes vary in length, so you can choose one based on your preferred distance. The “Les” nature trail was created in 2025 with 20 nature-themed features in total; most are sized for small children. If you’re planning to visit this trail in particular, check its current status before your trip.

The surrounding countryside

In the wider area around Litomyšl, Toulovcovy Maštale is a protected sandstone landscape covering 1,083.6 hectares. Deeply incised gorges and bizarrely shaped rocks and canyons define the area. A dense network of marked trails and circular hiking routes offers opportunities to explore the landscape on foot. This regional highlight complements the city parks and riverbank with a different kind of landscape.

A culinary event in May

Gastronomické slavnosti M. D. Rettigové is scheduled as a weekend festival in May; the exact dates and program may vary from one edition to another. At the event, the public can sample Czech cuisine, regional specialties and international dishes in tasting portions. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition before arranging your hotel stay.

Discover more destinations: Dětřichov U Moravské Třebové, Tržek, Vrážné, Sloupnice, Křenov, Sedliště, Chmelík, Vysoká U Jevíčka.

For the regional travel overview: Svitavy District.