Discover Litomyšl: Smetana, the Château and Nature

Litomyšl between Smetana, the Renaissance and the riverbank

Litomyšl combines musical history, Renaissance architecture, historic townscapes and green paths. If you would like to combine culture and nature in one stay, you will find a wide variety of settings here: from the former château brewery and the long market square to the riverbank, town park and forest paths.

Cultural history surrounding Bedřich Smetana

The Rodný byt Bedřicha Smetany is located in the former château brewery, where Bedřich Smetana was born in 1824. The exhibition presents the composer’s life and most important works in the authentic surroundings of the family apartment. The Rodný byt also includes a music salon that presents Smetana’s most important works through an animated film and projected images.

The historic centre of Litomyšl also tells the story of the town’s unique history. It includes an almost 500-metre-long square with burgher houses built on narrow Gothic plots and featuring characteristic arcades. In Josef Váchal Street, modern sgraffiti decorate the houses with motifs from Váchal’s Krvavý román. Litomyšl Château complements this townscape as a Renaissance residence that combines Italian-influenced arcaded courtyards with Bohemian gables and sgraffiti.

In the cellar of the Regionální muzeum v Litomyšli, archaeologically excavated remains of a medieval gate, fortifications and burgher houses are on display. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum stages several temporary exhibitions every year. This makes it possible to combine a cultural visit with topics extending beyond architecture and musical history.

Town park, riverbank and paths

The Klášterní zahrady are a town park near Litomyšl Château, surrounded by two of Litomyšl’s churches. Sculptures by Olbram and Jasan Zoubek stand in the gardens; they also offer views of Litomyšl’s townscape. On Nábřeží Loučné, a path connects the riverbank with a stone ford, a new pedestrian suspension bridge, folding footbridges and a viewpoint by the river. There is also a public playground whose play elements are inspired by motifs from sound and music and which was opened to the public in 2017.

For a walk with a musical connection, Litomyšl has a trail following in the footsteps of Bedřich Smetana and leading to places from his early life. Černá hora Forest Park offers around 5 km of paved paths, a nature trail and three running routes measuring 1,200, 3,200 and 5,200 m. The paths and recreational facilities are intended for walkers, runners and cyclists. Since 2025, the “Les” nature trail has comprised a total of 20 nature elements; most are suitable for small children in terms of their size.

Excursions in the surrounding area and regional cuisine

In the wider surroundings of Litomyšl lie Toulovcovy Maštale, a protected sandstone landscape covering 1,083.6 ha, with deeply incised ravines, bizarrely shaped rocks and canyons. A dense network of marked paths and circular hiking routes provides access to this landscape. VýhledNa, a 15-metre-high viewing structure made of two shipping containers, offers an unusual view of Litomyšl and the surrounding area.

At the Gastronomické slavnosti M. D. Rettigové, the public can sample Czech cuisine, regional specialities and international dishes in tasting portions. The festival is scheduled as a weekend event in May.

For further orientation within this selection of places: Javorník, Nová Sídla, Vítějeves, Vlčkov, Moravská Trebová, Bezděčí U Trnávky, Bohuňovice and Městečko Trnávka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Svitavy District.