Rychnov Nad Kneznou can be explored through several cultural lenses: Baroque architecture, Czech art connected with the Orlické Mountains, Jewish history and the literary legacy of Karel Poláček. When planning your visit, you can focus on what interests you most: historic rooms and buildings, exhibitions or places associated with the writer.
Castle, Architecture and Art
The castle in Rychnov nad Kněžnou is the ancestral seat of the Kolowrat family and one of the region’s important Baroque monuments. Its historic interiors are accessible only as part of a guided tour; tour options may vary by season. The Church of the Holy Trinity makes its own architectural statement with its theatrical façade by J. B. Santini. The four-sided Late Renaissance bell tower in Rychnov nad Kněžnou dates from 1604.
The Orlická Gallery has its main rooms on the second floor of Kolowrat Castle. Its collection documents Czech fine art from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries to the present, with a focus on works connected with the Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko. The permanent exhibition “Malíři Orlických hor” is complemented by “Malíři v Říčkách,” featuring works from the gallery’s collections. As the exhibition layout may change, we recommend checking the current displays before your visit.
Toys and Exhibitions at the Town Hall
The Toy Museum is housed in the former town hall on the town square. The exhibition features toys from 1880 to 1980. Children can try out some of the toys themselves, including the especially popular marble runs; the interactive activities may change. The M. D. Rettigová Exhibition is on the first floor of the historic town hall, next to the Toy Museum. Check current visiting arrangements and available activities for your planned date.
Jewish Heritage and Karel Poláček
The original 17th-century synagogue was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1782. The Municipal Information Centre manages visits to the synagogue. It also offers the playful family programme “Za ztracenou Tórou”; ask in advance about visiting arrangements and whether the programme will be available on your planned date. The Jewish Museum of Podorlicko and the Karel Poláček Memorial document the history of Judaism in the Podorlicko region and present the life of the writer, who was born in Rychnov nad Kněžnou.
The Jewish cemetery in the Na Láni district was established in 1616 together with the Jewish community’s memorial hall. It offers a beautiful view of the Orlické Mountains. The cemetery and memorial hall provide different perspectives on the region’s Jewish history: one is a historic cemetery overlooking the landscape, while the other documents the history and life of Podorlicko.
Explore Poláček on Foot
“RYCHNOVSKÉ ŠLÁPOTY” is an educational walk through Karel Poláček’s birthplace. You can print the materials or pick them up at the Municipal Information Centre on Staré náměstí. The game based on his book “Bylo nás pět” involves finding and photographing characters and completing six simple tasks. The search leads to interesting places and corners of the town. The two activities differ in focus: the walk centres on the route through Poláček’s birthplace, while the game involves finding characters and completing the tasks.
Discover more destinations: Ohnišov, Skuhrov Nad Bělou, Deštné, Chmeliště, Janov V Orlických Horách, Chlístov U Dobrušky, Třebešov, Králova Lhota.
See the broader travel guide: Rychnov nad Kněžnou District.
