Litomyšl combines musical history with distinctive Renaissance architecture and green spaces in the city. Bedřich Smetana’s birthplace is in the former castle brewery; in the historic center, arcades, gables and sgraffito catch the eye. There are also paths through Lesopark Černá hora and a protected sandstone landscape in the surrounding area. This lets you balance culture, urban green spaces and nature according to your interests.
Smetana’s Life Story and Litomyšl’s Architecture
Rodný byt Bedřicha Smetany is located in the former castle brewery, where the composer was born in 1824. The exhibition presents his life and most significant works in the authentic setting of the family’s apartment. It opened in 2024 after reconstruction. In the music salon, an animated film and projected images complement the presentation of Smetana’s most significant works.
A route following in Bedřich Smetana’s footsteps leads to places from his early life and expands on the subject beyond his birthplace. At Regionální muzeum v Litomyšli, the focus shifts to a different period: in the museum cellar, visitors can see archaeologically uncovered remains of a medieval gate, fortifications and burgher houses. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum holds several temporary exhibitions each year.
Litomyšl Castle is a Renaissance residence that combines Italian-influenced arcaded courtyards with Bohemian gables and sgraffito. Sgraffito also features in the historic center: modern facade paintings on Josef Váchal Street draw on motifs from Váchal’s “Krvavý román.” A nearly 500-meter-long square, lined with burgher houses on narrow Gothic plots and featuring characteristic arcades, offers another glimpse of the historic city’s architecture.
Gardens, Riverbanks and Views
Klášterní zahrady is a city park near Litomyšl Castle, surrounded by two churches. Sculptures by Olbram and Jasan Zoubek add a distinctive touch; the park also offers views over the city. VýhledNa is another viewpoint: the 15-meter-high structure made from two shipping containers looks out over Litomyšl and the surrounding area.
On the banks of the Loučná River, Nábřeží Loučné combines a stone ford with a new pedestrian suspension bridge, folding footbridges and a riverside viewpoint. There is also a public playground with play elements featuring sound and music motifs. It opened to the public in 2017. As public infrastructure can change, it is advisable to check its current condition before visiting.
Routes and Nature in the Surrounding Area
Lesopark Černá hora offers about 5 km of paved paths, a nature trail and three running routes of 1,200, 3,200 and 5,200 m. The different route lengths make it easy to choose how much exercise to get; there are recreational opportunities for walkers, runners and cyclists. As of 2025, the “Les” nature trail had 20 features in total. Most were sized for small children. Check the trail’s current condition before visiting.
The Toulovcovy Maštale, a protected sandstone landscape covering 1,083.6 ha, lie in the wider area around Litomyšl. Deeply incised ravines and unusually shaped rocks and canyons define the area. A dense network of marked trails and circular walks offers a different perspective on the landscape from Litomyšl’s city parks and historic streets.
Culinary Festival in May
At the Gastronomické slavnosti M. D. Rettigové, visitors can sample Czech cuisine, regional specialties and international dishes in tasting portions. The festival is held over a weekend in May; exact dates and offerings vary with each edition. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates and program for your intended travel period.
Discover more destinations: Hradec Nad Svitavou, Policka, Březová Nad Svitavou, Městečko Trnávka, Tržek, Makov, Študlov, Budislav.
Return to the main travel overview: Okres Svitavy.
