Discover Rychnov Nad Kneznou: Castle, Museums and Karel Poláček

Rychnov nad Kněžnou combines Baroque architecture, regional art and vibrant places of remembrance with experiences that allow you to discover the town together. Between the castle, museums and walking routes, you will encounter the history of the Kolowrat family, the art of the Orlické Mountains and the writer Karel Poláček.

Castle and Baroque Architecture

The castle in Rychnov nad Kněžnou is the ancestral seat of the Kolowrat family and one of the region’s important Baroque architectural monuments. The Church of the Holy Trinity complements the historic setting with its theatrical façade by J. B. Santini. The town’s four-sided late Renaissance bell tower bears the year 1604. If you would like to explore historic interiors, the castle offers guided tours; the interiors can only be accessed as part of a guided tour.

Toys and Town History at the Town Hall

The Muzeum hraček is located in the former town hall on the town square. Its exhibition presents toys from 1880 to 1980, making several generations of design and play culture visible. Children can try out some of the toys on display themselves, including especially popular marble runs. On the first floor of the historic town hall, the Expozice M.D.Rettigové is located next to the Muzeum hraček.

Art Connected with the Region

The main rooms of the Orlická galerie are located on the second floor of the Kolowrat Castle. The gallery documents Czech visual art from the transition between the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day. The focus is on works connected with the Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko. The permanent exhibition “Malíři Orlických hor” has been permanently supplemented by the exhibition “Malíři v Říčkách” from the collections of the Orlická galerie.

Jewish Heritage in Rychnov nad Kněžnou

The original synagogue from the 17th century was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1782. Visits to the synagogue are organised by the Rychnov nad Kněžnou Municipal Information Centre. Families can take part in the interactive programme “Za ztracenou Tórou” there. The Jewish Museum of Podorlicko and the Karel Poláček Memorial document the history of Judaism in the Podorlicko region while also presenting the life of the writer Karel Poláček, who came from Rychnov nad Kněžnou. The Jewish cemetery was established in 1616 together with the memorial hall of the Jewish community. It is located in the “Na Láni” district, from where there is a beautiful view of the Orlické Mountains.

Walks and Discoveries with Children

“RYCHNOVSKÉ ŠLÁPOTY” is an educational walk through the birthplace of Karel Poláček. You can print out the materials or collect them from the Municipal Information Centre on Staré náměstí. The game based on Karel Poláček’s “Bylo nás pět” takes you to interesting places and corners of Rychnov nad Kněžnou. The aim is to find and photograph the characters from the book and complete six simple tasks.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to research places beyond Rychnov Nad Kneznou, here is a compact selection: Tyniste Nad Orlici, Semechnice, Očelice, Liberk, České Meziříčí, Žďár Nad Orlicí, Janov V Orlických Horách and Lhoty U Potštejna.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.