Litomyšl Chateau

As with many of the world’s great castles Litomysl has its very own White Lady ghost. The legend tells that it is the spirit of Marie Manrique de Lara y Mendoza who married a Czech nobleman and diplomat Vratislav II from Pernstejn who built this beautiful castle just for her. The lady fell in love with the castle and lived here until the end of her life. Since 1949 the complex of Litomysl Castle has hosted the renowned International Music Festival Smetana´s Litomysl. It was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.

Some inexplicable things happen inside the castle

Mysterious legends which left their imprint on the chambers of the castle, ghosts whose presence can be felt by visitors and guides, numerous accounts of supernatural phenomena and much more awaits visitors at Litomysl Castle.

The first visitor route includes the baroque castle theatre and period halls. The second visitor route is more intimate as it explores the living quarters from the beginning of the 19th century. In 2012, there is an exhibition called “Once there was a little house”.

The third route takes visitors up the 135 steps to the castle tower which is 55m high and houses an exhibition entitled “The tower full of ghosts”. Visitors will also be able to see a museum of historical pianos and theatre set pieces from the 18th Century. There is plenty more to see in the castle catacombs. Visitors can take a stroll through 500m of underground corridors under the castle itself and the castle park. The tour is rather adventurous and is only suitable for physically fit individuals. Romantic souls can take a seat in the castle courtyard and listen to stylish period music or take a walk through the adjacent English park and French garden.

Modern historical town

Litomysl was among the most significant Czech towns, which is reflected in its elaborate architectural style. Apart from the castle, which represents the single most significant renaissance building in the Czech Republic, there are many other interesting buildings such as the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, the Church of the Raising of the Holy Cross, the Renaissance House of the Knights at the main square and many others. Most of these buildings have been beautifully restored and once you have seen them all, you can then take a rest in the monastery garden which has recently undergone a major upgrade and has been transformed into a beautiful town garden. The garden is located in the town centre close to the main places of interest in Litomysl. In the garden there is a pavilion with a stunning view of the town and also a pool with artificial mist and a large sculpture donated to the town by famous Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek.

The birthplace of the Czech composer Bedrich Smetana

Bedrich Smetana, the world-renowned composer and author of numerous operas including Prodana nevesta (The Bartered Bride) and many others, is the most famous Litomysl-born citizen. He was born in 1824 as the first son into the large family of a wealthy brewer Frantisek Smetana. His father was an enthusiastic amateur musician and little Bedrich showed exceptional musical talent from his early childhood. He played the violin at four years old, he gave public piano performances at six years old and composed his first piece, which has been preserved, at 9 years old. The piano, which Bedrich Smetana used early in his career, can still be seen at Litomysl Castle. In 1949 the first edition of the music festival Smetana´s Litomysl took place in memory of the musical legend. The festival is the largest open air festival of classical music in the Czech Republic. It takes place at the end of June and the beginning of July and if you are planning a visit to the Czech Republic, you should definitely not miss out on it. There is no doubt that you will have plenty of beautiful memories of Litomysl whatever time of year you choose to visit the town.

This year, the Czech Republic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of its first monuments on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Come and discover 12 true “jewels of the world”.

Historic Prague

There is a reason why Prague is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an unequalled charm. And how could it not be, as it is interwoven with a plethora of myths, legends and stories passed on over centuries. Here you will find exceptional monuments of all architectural styles. The Old New Synagogue, St. Agnes Convent and Prague Castle, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, are all worth seeing. During the summer tourist season, you will surely be charmed by Prague Castle’s freely accessible gardens. Nor should you forget to visit one of the taverns of Old Prague to quench your thirst with a pint of excellent Czech beer.

Functionalist Brno

Following extensive renovations, as from this February the Tugendhat Villa – a gem of international functionalist architecture – is once again one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Brno. In addition to the main living quarters, you also will be able to tour the truly unique technical floor featuring the air conditioning engine room, a moth-free room for fur cloaks, and servants’ apartments. The outlying garden also underwent a complete revitalisation, offering an attractive view of the city and its many other tourist attractions.

Ecclesiastical Olomouc

For church tourism enthusiasts in particular, we recommend a visit to Olomouc, where, among other sites, you can see the Holy Trinity Column. It is an exceptional piece in the context of European baroque architectural and sculptural works – unique for its height, decorations and combination of materials. Some sculptural decorations are from stone, while others from gilded copper. A small chapel is hidden inside the column. When you are standing in front of this monument and admire its majesty with your own eyes, it will surely take your breath away.

Fairy-tale Český Krumlov

In this small town in South Bohemia, you will feel as if you have entered a fairy tale. The extensive chateau complex and unique medieval town houses will invite you to wander through streets filled with romantic nooks where many galleries and taverns can be found. In the chateau park, you will discover a theatrical rarity – a revolving auditorium. Or perhaps you may be tempted by a raft ride along the Vltava River winding below the city walls and offering an entirely different view of the town.

Rural Holašovice

Whosoever has some connection with the countryside must include the village of Holašovice on their visit to the Czech Republic. Located in the picturesque landscape of South Bohemia 18 kilometres from the city of České Budějovice, its spacious rectangular central square features 23 protected heritage medieval farmhouses with a total of 120 buildings connected by enclosing walls with gates and arched entrances. Together they represent the most important monument of the so-called “rustic baroque”. If you come here between 20 and 22 July, you can even attend traditional rural festivities whose atmosphere will take you back several hundreds of years.

Flowering Kroměříž

This town, referred to as the Athens of Haná, offers many interesting sites in a small area. The largest attraction is the Archiepiscopal Chateau with its outlying Flower Garden. The unparalleled beauty created by the combinations of colours will persuade you that gardening is not only a beautiful craft, but can also be an important art form. During 3–6 May, the chateau will hold the traditional Days of the Estates, when tours of the historic halls will be enlivened by firefighters, gamekeepers and soldiers who will tell you share with you information you would not otherwise know about the chateau of Kroměříž!

Silver Kutná Hora

With its history of silver mining and coin minting, this city has since long ago been called the silver treasury of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The city is dominated by a church dedicated to the patron of miners, St. Barbara, constructed over the course of more than 500 years. A visit to the Czech Silver Museum will provide you a wealth of interesting information, and for a time you can even experience life as a mining gnome.

Romantic Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape

This landscape area has been connected with the house of Lichtenstein for centuries, as they invested a fortune into the formation of this cultural landscape. At the Valtice and Lednice chateaus you can tour luxurious interiors and wander through extensive parks. You also will certainly be enticed by a romantic cycling trip to its slightly less grand structures, such as the Temple of the Three Graces, Jan’s Castle and the Obelisk. Valtice to this day hides a treasure in its cellars – the Wine Salon, with some of the best wines from the Czech Republic. Likewise, Lednice holds the international competition of ice and straw wines.

Musical Litomyšl

The city’s dominant feature is the Renaissance chateau with over eight hundred sgraffiti. When you see this jewel, you will surely be tempted to stroll the historic streets ending in the Cloister Gardens. There, you can have a rest and remember the local-born Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana, in whose memory a musical festival is held here every year.

Picturesque Telč

You will surely fall in love with this town as soon as you take a tour through the downtown. The burghers’ houses were constructed according to an integrated plan, so their arcades and facades form a resplendent unified whole. Moreover, a tour of the Renaissance chateau with the nearby park offers you an unforgettable experience. Telč is located in the south-western tip of Moravia, halfway between Prague and Vienna, and it should definitely not escape your attention during your visit of the Czech Republic.

Mysterious Třebíč

In Třebíč, a unique former Jewish ghetto has been preserved that is among the important centres of Jewish culture in Moravia. You can best come to know the city’s atmosphere by taking a walk through the crooked alleys with their mysterious passages and nooks. Another precious monument in this city is the three-nave St. Procopius’ Basilica which is a distinctive example of the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

Santini’s Žďár nad Sázavou

The pilgrimage St. John of Nepomuk’s church on Green Mountain is among the true jewels of the city and entire Czech Republic. It was built by one of the greatest architects of the Czech baroque, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. This edifice especially stands out when seen from a bird’s eye view. The walls around the church area trace the shape of a ten-pointed star, while the church itself was built in the shape of a five-pointed star. You can admire additional historic buildings as well as modern buildings of contemporary architecture if you follow the Santini bike trail through the beautiful landscape of the Bohemian–Moravian Highlands.

Welcome to the Majestic Prague Castle!

Prague Castle: a majestic complex of buildings surrounding three courtyards, the Old Royal Palace hosting a permanent exhibition called “The Story of the Prague Castle”, St. George's Basilica and St. George's Monastery, with a part of the National Gallery, the romantic Golden Lane, towers called Mihulka and Daliborka, the Riding School, Ball Game Hall and other remarkable places. When visiting Prague Castle you can have a rest in the castle gardens, featuring countless interesting places such as Queen Ann's Summer Residence called Belvedere, the Ball Game Hall or the former Lion Court of King Rudolf II. Gardens situated at the southern part of the complex - “Rajská”, “Na Valech” and “Hartigovská” - offer a wonderful view of the historical centre and Lesser Town palace gardens. Of course we must not forget to mention Prague Castle's dominant feature, with its typical spires welcoming tourists from far away: St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, treasuring the Czech Crown Jewels.

Treasured Crown Jewels

No ordinary mortal can access the secret hall holding the Czech Crown Jewels. However, there is a place where you can see them and admire all the subtle details. That is Karlštejn, a castle rising above the river Berounka that was founded in the 14^th century by the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV precisely for storing the crown jewels and holy relics. Guided tours will take you to the Royal Palace, Treasury and Jewel Hall, the place where you will also find St. Wenceslas’ crown. Be sure to visit the Great Tower with the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Its unique ornamental interior, decorated in gold and precious stones and 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric, dating back to the 14^th century is unmatched in Europe.

A similar precious jewel such as the Crown Jewels, however a larger one, can be found in a castle and chateau in Bečov nad Teplou. In 1985 a tremendously precious Romanesque relic case was discovered there under the floor of the chapel: St. Maurus Reliquary. The wonderful artistic work is a unique object of world renown probably created in the early 13th century in the Belgian town of Florennes. You can admire the reliquary taking a special guided tour rounded off by the display if the precious original object is in the vault.

Czech Treasure Labelled by UNESCO

However, there are many more jewels to be found in the Czech Republic: its chateaux and castles included in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list. There are several UNESCO sights that you can visit in the Czech Republic. If you come to the South Bohemian town of Český Krumlov and visit its chateau and castle, don't forget to visit the baroque theatre, too. It was ceremoniously opened in 1766 and survived in the original state, including stage equipment, set pieces, costumes and decorations.

Another UNESCO site is the South Moravian town of Telč. Its beautiful main square (Zachariáš z Hradce Square), fringed by burgher houses with arcades and ornamental gables, has a unique fairytale atmosphere. The western part of the square features a remarkable chateau, often referred to as the jewel of Renaissance architecture. A guided tour will take you to its presentable halls with preserved diamond vaults, coffered ceilings and original ornamental decorations.

Lovers of Renaissance will enjoy the chateau of Litomyšl with a beautiful arcade courtyard. Its walls and chimneys are decorated with sgraffiti consisting of eight thousand envelopes and considered one of the most beautiful examples of sgraffiti to be found in Central Europe. And again, there is a rare chateau theatre featuring unique set pieces and decorations. Climbing the chateau tower and descending to its cellars will be worth the effort! The Archbishop's Palace in Kroměříž is also listed by UNESCO and can boast its “Podzámecká” and “Květná” gardens. A baroque chateau in Valtice, the neogothic chateau of Lednice, the artificial castle ruin of Janohrad and a hunting summer residence called Rendez-vous, resembling a Roman triumphal arch: these are the main attractions of the Lednice-Valtice complex. This area is nicknamed “The Garden of Europe” and was listed by UNESCO as one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe.

Fairytale Chateaux and Castles of the Czech Republic

However, there are destinations other than the crowded UNESCO sights that regularly rank among the top Czech chateaux and castles in many surveys. One of them is Bouzov Castle. Even though its look as we know it today was designed by the Order of Teutonic Knights at the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, it is considered an example of a genuine fairytale castle by many visitors. It’s no wonder it is loved by film makers and has featured in a number of fairytale movies.

The chateau of Hradec nad Moravicí also looks like a fairytale manor, with its Empire-style White Chateau, pseudo-gothic Red Chateau with White Tower and a vast park. When taking a guided tour you will hear many famous names such as L. van Beethoven, W. A. Mozart, N. Paganini and F. Liszt who stayed there as guests.

The Buchlov castle dominates the mountain range of Chřiby and is one of the oldest and largest medieval castles in Moravia. It boasts period interior and displays collections of curiosities, vast natural and Egyptology collections. A room displaying a mummy and the view of the castle tower are some of the greatest experiences you can look forward to.