Litomyšl Castle
Location: Litomyšl, Czech Republic
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: Litomyšl Castle is a Renaissance castle located in the town of Litomyšl in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. The castle was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the country. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Prominent Features: The castle complex consists of several buildings, including a palace, a cloister, and a theatre.
The palace has a unique hexagonal tower and is surrounded by a moat.
The interior of the castle features impressive frescoes and stucco decorations, as well as a collection of historic furniture and artwork.
The castle's cloister is home to a library that contains over 70,000 volumes, including valuable manuscripts and incunabula.
The castle's theatre is a rare example of a preserved 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery.
History: The castle was built in the 16th century by Vratislav of Pernštejn, a prominent Czech nobleman. The castle underwent significant renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the theatre was added in the 18th century. The castle was used as a school and a military barracks during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was restored in the 20th century and opened to the public as a museum.
Family-Friendly Activities: The castle offers several family-friendly activities, including guided tours, workshops, and theatre performances. The castle's theatre hosts regular performances of classical plays and operas, as well as children's plays and puppet shows. The castle's gardens are also a popular destination for families.
Fun Fact: The castle's theatre is a rare example of a preserved 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery. The theatre's stage machinery includes a revolving stage, a trapdoor, and a system of pulleys and ropes that allowed for elaborate scene changes and special effects.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for Litomyšl Castle vary depending on the season and the activities offered. A basic tour of the castle costs 180 CZK (approximately 8 USD) for adults and 100 CZK (approximately 4 USD) for children. Guided tours and workshops are available for an additional fee. Admission to the castle's gardens is free.
How to Reach it: Here are some ways to reach Litomyšl Castle:
By Train: Litomyšl has a train station, which is connected to Prague and other cities in the Czech Republic. You can take a train from Prague's main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Litomyšl. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
By Car: You can also reach Litomyšl by car. It is located about 170 km east of Prague, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic. The castle has a parking lot for visitors.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation in Litomyšl, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some suggestions:
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: Litomyšl Castle is a Renaissance castle located in the town of Litomyšl in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. The castle was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the country. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Prominent Features: The castle complex consists of several buildings, including a palace, a cloister, and a theatre.
The palace has a unique hexagonal tower and is surrounded by a moat.
The interior of the castle features impressive frescoes and stucco decorations, as well as a collection of historic furniture and artwork.
The castle's cloister is home to a library that contains over 70,000 volumes, including valuable manuscripts and incunabula.
The castle's theatre is a rare example of a preserved 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery.
History: The castle was built in the 16th century by Vratislav of Pernštejn, a prominent Czech nobleman. The castle underwent significant renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the theatre was added in the 18th century. The castle was used as a school and a military barracks during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was restored in the 20th century and opened to the public as a museum.
Family-Friendly Activities: The castle offers several family-friendly activities, including guided tours, workshops, and theatre performances. The castle's theatre hosts regular performances of classical plays and operas, as well as children's plays and puppet shows. The castle's gardens are also a popular destination for families.
Fun Fact: The castle's theatre is a rare example of a preserved 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery. The theatre's stage machinery includes a revolving stage, a trapdoor, and a system of pulleys and ropes that allowed for elaborate scene changes and special effects.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for Litomyšl Castle vary depending on the season and the activities offered. A basic tour of the castle costs 180 CZK (approximately 8 USD) for adults and 100 CZK (approximately 4 USD) for children. Guided tours and workshops are available for an additional fee. Admission to the castle's gardens is free.
How to Reach it: Here are some ways to reach Litomyšl Castle:
By Train: Litomyšl has a train station, which is connected to Prague and other cities in the Czech Republic. You can take a train from Prague's main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Litomyšl. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
By Car: You can also reach Litomyšl by car. It is located about 170 km east of Prague, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic. The castle has a parking lot for visitors.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation in Litomyšl, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some suggestions:
- Hotel Aplaus: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Litomyšl, just a short walk from the castle. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Czech cuisine, and a wellness center with a sauna and hot tub.
- Penzion Tašner: This guesthouse is housed in a historic building in the center of Litomyšl. It offers cozy rooms with traditional furnishings, a restaurant serving Czech and international cuisine, and a garden with a terrace.
- Hotel U Zlatého Lva: This 3-star hotel is located in a historic building in the center of Litomyšl, just a few steps from the castle. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Czech and international cuisine, and a bar.
- Hostel U Černého orla: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the center of Litomyšl, just a short walk from the castle. It offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, a common room with a TV and games, and a kitchen for guests to use.
- Apartments Šumperk: These self-catering apartments are located just a 10-minute walk from the castle. They offer spacious and modern accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and a terrace with outdoor seating.