Litomyšl

A UNESCO World Heritage town dominated by a magnificent Renaissance castle with sgraffito decoration, surrounded by one of Europe's best-preserved arcaded town squares. It's also the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana.

Things to do

• Litomyšl Castle Tour — Explore the stunning Renaissance castle with its distinctive sgraffito-decorated façade and well-preserved interiors, including period rooms and a collection of Czech art.
• Smetana Museum — Visit the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana to learn about his life, work, and the compositions that shaped Czech national music.
• Town Square Arcades Walk — Stroll around the main square lined with Renaissance arcaded houses, one of Europe's best-preserved town centers, shopping at local boutiques and cafés.
• Puppet Theatre Performances — Catch a traditional Czech puppet show at the historic Mateřinka puppet theatre, a charming cultural institution reflecting the region's theatrical heritage.
• Monastery Church of the Assumption — Admire the late Gothic church attached to the former Jesuit monastery, featuring intricate vaulting and baroque elements.
• Hiking to Nearby Villages — Take day walks through the rolling Bohemian countryside to picturesque villages like Předhradie and experience rural Czech landscapes.

Food to try

• Trdelník — A sweet spiral pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar, baked in a traditional kiln, widely available at the town square and popular throughout Czech regions.
• Svíčková na Smetaně — Beef sirloin marinated in root vegetables and served with a creamy herb-infused sauce, a quintessential Czech main course found in local restaurants.
• Lokšé — Thin potato pancakes served warm, often stuffed with mushrooms or paired with sauerkraut, a specialty of Northeast Bohemia.
• Local Brewery Beer — Sample traditional Czech pilsner-style lager from regional breweries that reflect the brewing heritage of the Bohemian region.
• Malá Morava Sheep Cheese — Regional artisanal cheese from nearby producers, available at local markets and restaurants, showcasing Moravian dairy traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Smetana Festival Timing — Plan your visit around the annual Smetana Festival held in June, celebrating the composer's legacy with concerts and cultural events throughout the town.
• Respectful Castle Etiquette — Photography is often restricted in certain castle rooms; follow posted signs and ask permission before photographing interiors or artworks.
• Local Market Days — Visit the town square on market days (typically weekends) to experience authentic local commerce with fresh produce, crafts, and regional specialties from Bohemian vendors.
• Czech Hospitality Customs — Greet shopkeepers and café staff with a friendly 'Dobrý den' (good day); Czechs appreciate politeness and will often respond warmly to visitors making an effort with basic phrases.

Nearby

• Nováky Landscape — 8 km
• Polička (East Bohemia) — 11 km
• Doudleby nad Orlicí (East Bohemia) — 24 km
• Orlice Valley — 32 km