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Litomyšl Castle
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Litomyšl Castle is an outstanding example of Italian-style Renaissance architecture north of the Alps. It was built between 1567 and 1581 by Vratislav of Pernstein as a magnificent residence for his Spanish wife, Maria Manrique de Lara. The castle is particularly famous for its more than 8,000 sgraffito decorations on the exterior facades, each featuring unique scenes and patterns. The three-story arcade system of the inner courtyard gives the building a lightness that was exceptional for Bohemian architecture of that time. A cultural-historical highlight inside is the late 18th-century Baroque castle theater, which has been almost completely preserved with its original machinery and stage sets. In the immediate vicinity of the castle, the famous composer Bedřich Smetana was born in 1824; in his honor, an international opera festival is held annually on the castle grounds. Since 1999, the castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded as one of the most elegant structures of the Czech Renaissance.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Regionální museum v Litomyšli · Litomyšl Castle · Portmoneum
- Nearby: Česká Třebová (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 41 | 45 | 38 | 77 | 80 | 86 | 80 | 62 | 49 | 45 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Litomyšl Castle is an outstanding example of a Renaissance arcade castle and is open to visitors. The richly decorated facades and interiors can be seen on guided tours.
Typical hours
The castle is typically open from April to October. Guided tours run at specific times; exact opening hours and tour times should be checked on the website in advance.
Photography
Photography of the exterior facade and the inner courtyard is allowed at any time. Inside, photos are permitted without flash; the sgraffito decorations are especially photogenic.
Time needed
A guided tour of the castle lasts about 50-60 minutes. A walk through the castle garden and the town of Litomyšl can extend the stay to two or three hours.
Combine with
Litomyšl has a beautiful old town with the main square and a regional museum. The nearby monastery and Svojanov Castle are also worth a trip.
Getting there
The castle is centrally located in Litomyšl, near the main square. Parking is available in the area; the train station is about a 15-minute walk away.
Insider tip
Look out for the unique sgraffito decoration on the outer facade - the most elaborate in Central Europe. Book a guided tour to see the magnificent historic interiors.
Geography
Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999
- Features over 8,000 individual sgraffito images on the walls
- Built by Vratislav of Pernstein, Chancellor of Bohemia
- The Baroque castle theater dates back to 1797
- Birthplace of the composer Bedřich Smetana (1824)
- The main architect was Giovanni Battista Aostalli
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Litomyšl Castle (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the facade?
It is decorated with over 8,000 sgraffito 'envelopes', each featuring a unique pattern.
Is there a theater in the castle?
Yes, it houses one of the few preserved Baroque castle theaters in the world with original sets.
Which composer was born here?
Bedřich Smetana was born in the former castle brewery; his birthplace is now a museum.
Are the gardens free?
The Castle Garden and the nearby Monastery Gardens are free to enter and feature modern sculptures.
When does the Smetana Festival take place?
The international opera festival takes place annually in June and July in the castle courtyard.
Litomyšl Castle: where is it located?
Litomyšl Castle is located in Czech Republic.
Litomyšl Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Regionální museum v Litomyšli, Litomyšl Castle, Portmoneum.
Litomyšl Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Litomyšl Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Litomyšl Castle is an outstanding example of Italian-style Renaissance architecture north of the Alps.
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