Polička: City Walls, Museums and the Legacy of Bohuslav Martinů

Polička combines an impressive medieval urban history with the cultural heritage of Bohuslav Martinů and its connection to the landscape of the Žďárské vrchy. The city brings together fortifications, exhibitions, remarkable buildings and evidence of regional craftsmanship. The range extends from a clearly timed tour of the city walls to historical and cultural themes that can be explored at various locations.

City Walls and Baroque Town Hall

The medieval city walls of Polička can be visited as part of a guided tour. The tour lasts 45 to 60 minutes, making it easy to plan as a separate item on your itinerary. The present fortifications were built in the mid-14th century under Charles IV. The gallery in the Baroque town hall houses the Renaissance group portrait “Zahradní hostina Hohenemsů”, considered the most extensive of its kind outside Italy. The town hall also contains two remarkable chapels: one Gothic and one Baroque.

Urban History and Bohuslav Martinů

The permanent exhibition “History of the City of Polička” traces the city’s development from its foundation by the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II in 1265 to 1945. This broad period links Polička’s beginnings with its history up to the mid-20th century and gives the city’s history a distinct focus.

At the Bohuslav Martinů Centre, the exhibition “Barevný svět Bohuslava Martinů” presents the life story of the composer Bohuslav Martinů, whose life was permanently connected with Polička from the very beginning. His birth room is located in the tower of St. James’ Church. To the left of St. Michael’s Church lies the Martinů family grave; Bohuslav Martinů, his wife Charlotte, as well as his parents and siblings are buried there. In this way, the musical heritage can be encountered both in an exhibition and at specific places in the city.

Glass Art, Forest Park and Connection to the Landscape

The permanent exhibition “Sklářství na Horácku” showcases the craftsmanship of glassmakers and the delicacy of their glassware. Glass art thus complements the historical and musical themes with an insight into regional craftsmanship. A monument to Jan Hus was erected in Liboháj Forest Park in 1921. It consists of a bronze relief on a granite block and was created by the sculptor Vojtěch Eduard Šaff, who was born in Polička.

A natural amphitheatre was also built in the forest park in the 1920s, where numerous amateur theatrical performances took place. The park thus combines a monument with a place connected to the history of performance. Polička is also a gateway to the Žďárské vrchy. Alongside the city walls, museums and buildings, the transition to the landscape is therefore also part of the character of the town.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to extend your travel plans to include additional destinations, you can find Bělá U Jevíčka, Kunčina, Koruna, Sádek, Staré Město, Sedliště, Květná and Trpín here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Svitavy District.