Litomyšl, Renaissance castle complex in Litomyšl, Czech Republic
Litomyšl is a town in Bohemia centered on a Renaissance castle perched on a hill, its white-plastered walls decorated with around 8000 sgraffito patterns. The castle contains 13 furnished rooms, including a Baroque wooden theater and a library holding historical collections.
The town began in the 10th century as a protective settlement and grew into an important trading station between Bohemia and Moravia. It maintained its significance until the early 1900s, when trade routes shifted.
This is the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana, an identity that shapes the town's cultural life today. Annual classical music festivals here celebrate his legacy and draw visitors interested in Czech musical heritage.
Visitors can explore the castle through guided tours that move through the different historic rooms. It helps to set aside time for a full visit and check opening hours when you arrive.
Below the castle lie vaulted cellars now used as an art museum displaying sculptures, while still serving as historic wine storage chambers. These underground rooms reveal how the fortress once operated and the role wine played in its daily life.
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