Litomyšl Palace Theatre, Palace theatre in Litomyšl, Czech Republic
Litomyšl Palace Theatre is a theatre built within the castle complex, featuring a cylindrical vaulted auditorium with clear views from every seat. The interior space maintains its original stage machinery and equipment from the time of its construction.
The first structure was destroyed by fire in 1768, prompting Count Jiří Josef of Valdštejn-Vartemberk to commission a replacement. The current theatre was completed and opened in 1798 for court ceremonies.
The interior was designed with light colors to create an open feeling, while over 200 stage decorations painted for this space reflect the artistic ambitions of the court. The venue served as a symbol of aristocratic taste and refinement during its early years.
The theatre can only be visited as part of guided tours through the castle, so access depends on scheduled tour times. Modern electrical systems were added in 1957, though the original stage mechanisms remain in place.
The theatre preserves working machinery and lighting equipment built in the 18th century, offering a rare look at how stage effects were achieved without modern technology. Visitors can watch historical stage mechanisms in actual operation during demonstrations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.