Chrudim – Historic City and Puppetry

Chrudim combines a historic center shaped by the Middle Ages with unusual cultural offerings and discoveries for different age groups. The city’s heritage conservation zone was designated in 1990. It preserves the medieval structure of the center, listed buildings and old fortifications. Those looking for accommodation in Chrudim can therefore plan their stay around exploring the historic city, museum experiences and selected special events.

Historic Center with Notable Buildings

Among the defining buildings is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its origins lie in the Gothic period, while Romanesque foundations and a Neo-Gothic redesign from the mid-19th century reveal further layers of history. Resselovo náměstí, lined with old burgher houses, is home to the richly sculpted Baroque Marian Column of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

The routes through the center also tell the story of the city. Široké schody follow the former access route to the Upper Gate toward Kateřinské předměstí. The Upper Gate consisted of a system of four independent gates. Another striking Renaissance building is the Mydlář House, with an arcaded loggia, rich sculptural decoration and an unusual tower reminiscent of a minaret.

Puppetry as a Special Theme of the City

With its puppetry museum, Chrudim has a cultural focus that goes far beyond an ordinary collection. The museum is associated with the international festival of amateur puppetry, Loutkářská Chrudim, which has been connected with the city since 1951. The puppetry museum has around 50,000 exhibits. It is housed in the Mydlářovský House, considered one of the most important Renaissance monuments in East Bohemia.

The permanent exhibition Magický svět loutek presents puppets used by traveling puppeteers, variety puppets and family puppet theaters. In the exhibition and its playroom, visitors can try operating certain types of puppets themselves. For a stay with children, the Labyrinth of Chrudim Legends also offers a children’s trail with tasks in the former crypt of the Museum of Baroque Sculpture.

Museums, Furniture and Baroque Summer Events

The Regional Museum of Chrudim is housed in a Neo-Renaissance building constructed in the city center in 1897–1898. Its exhibition of folk furniture presents the furnishings of a dining room based on a design by architect Jan Koula from 1900, as well as regionally typical painted furniture from the late 19th century. Another perspective on art is offered by the exhibition Euforie ornamentu, featuring posters by Alfons Mucha in a new visual design intended for a calm, individual visit.

The Letní barokní scéna takes place regularly in mid-August. Its program includes concerts of Baroque music, a garden party, artistic performances and special guided tours with commentary. This provides a clear seasonal highlight for anyone who would like to combine a cultural visit with an event, without turning it into a general event calendar.

Active Diversions and Practical Information

For a more active diversion, Cyklopark Podhůra includes the 1.7-kilometer-long Singltrek. It is designed as a one-way circular trail through woodland and is intended for moderately experienced riders. The Chrudim Tourist Information Center provides information about the city’s history and offers, among other things, guided city tours. It also provides information about departures of trains, buses and local public transport.

Other places in the same selection are Morašice, České Lhotice, Nabočany, Licibořice, Stary Dvur, Krásné, Mrákotín and Bojanov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Chrudim.