Polička

A historic town in the foothills of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, birthplace of composer Bohuslav Martinů and home to important military fortifications. The town blends cultural heritage with scenic mountain surroundings and offers museums dedicated to its musical traditions.

Things to do

• Bohuslav Martinů Museum — Explore the life and compositions of the world-renowned Czech composer born in Polička through original manuscripts, photographs, and recordings.
• Polička Castle Ruins — Walk among the remnants of this 13th-century fortress that overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.
• Town Square and Church of the Nativity of Mary — Stroll through the historic main square surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque architecture, anchored by the impressive white church with its striking twin towers.
• Šibenice Hill Heritage Site — Visit this open-air museum area featuring traditional folk architecture and offering views across the valleys of the Highlands.
• Military Fortifications Walk — Follow marked trails through the 19th-century military fortifications and earthworks that ring the town, reflecting its strategic historical importance.
• Highlands Hiking Routes — Access numerous well-marked trails from town into the surrounding Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, featuring beech forests and traditional villages.

Food to try

• Kulajda — A traditional Bohemian potato soup enriched with mushrooms, dill, and a poached egg, warming and hearty in the mountain style.
• Trdelník with local honey — Sweet spiral pastry coated in cinnamon and sugar, sold fresh in the town center and best enjoyed with regional honey from the Highlands.
• Olomoucké parenice — Soft cheese rolls from nearby Olomouc, often served as a regional specialty in local restaurants and worth purchasing from market vendors.
• Dark rye bread from local bakeries — Dense, flavorful bread baked using traditional methods, essential for accompanying local cheeses and cured meats at regional meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit during Martinů Festival — Time your visit for May or June when the town hosts its annual classical music festival celebrating the composer's legacy with concerts in historic venues.
• Learn about Highlands traditions — Local museums and cultural centers often offer information about traditional crafts and folk customs of the Bohemian-Moravian region that remain part of local identity.
• Greet with formality — Czechs appreciate polite address using formal titles (Pan/Paní for Mr./Mrs.) until invited to use first names, especially with older residents and shopkeepers.
• Respect opening hours — Many smaller museums and attractions keep limited hours outside peak summer season, so check ahead and plan visits for weekday mornings when possible.

Nearby

• Nováky Landscape (Northeast Bohemia) — 4 km
• Litomyšl (Northeast Bohemia) — 11 km
• Orlice Valley (Northeast Bohemia) — 30 km
• Chrudim — 31 km