A two-day trip to the past

Set off on a journey into the world of the gothic, the renaissance and mysterious stories at Svojanov Castle and the Moravská Třebová Château. These unique treasures of Czech history, surrounded by nature, will take you back to times gone by and reveal their architectural treasures, as well as one secret.

Svojanov Castle

Svojanov Castle proudly towers above the dense forests of the Křetínka River Valley and is a unique mix of the gothic and Empire styles. Its 26 m high watchtower served as the last refuge for its defenders during battle. You are sure to admire the gothic columned hall, the exhibition on the history of the castle, the kitchen, the pantry, the gothic cellars or the torture chamber. A tour of the castle facilities will acquaint you with a number of the myths, legends and terrifying stories that shroud the castle.

The Moravská Třebová Château

The château in Moravská Třebová is one of the most significant renaissance monuments in all of Central Europe thanks to its unique manneristic arcaded courtyard dating from the beginning of the 17^th century. The portal from 1492, which is the oldest preserved renaissance monument to the north of the Alps, is also worthy of interest. The renaissance Flanders tapestry known as “Iphigenia in Taurus” dating from the beginning of the 16^th century is one of the rarest exhibits. The courtyard includes a restored set of six sundials. One of the tour circuits will take you to the Alchemy laboratory and mediaeval torture chamber.

Tips in the environs

• Bohuslav Martinů’s family’s room in Polička: climb the 192 steps up the tower of Saint James’ Church, in which the famous composer was born, and enjoy wonderful view of the town and its environs.
• The Mladějov Industrial Railway and the Mladějov Industrial Museum: set off on an unforgettable journey into the past and discover the fascinating world of technology. Take the historical train along the picturesque line and view the unique collection of machines and equipment at the museum.

Accommodation tips

• the guesthouse at the castle, Svojanov
• the Excalibur Guesthouse, Moravská Třebová

Restaurant tips

• the castle restaurant, Svojanov
• the Na Cihlářce Restaurant, Moravská Třebová

The Litomyšl and Choceň châteaux are unique witnesses to Czech history and renaissance art. Litomyšl is distinguished by its sgraffito facade, while Choceň offers the fascinating exhibitions of the Orlice Museum which presents local history from prehistory to the present.

The Litomyšl Château

The renaissance château dating from the 16^th century is well known for its unique sgraffito facade decorations with more than 5000 sgraffiti and its valuable interiors with historical fittings dating from the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It was included among the monuments on the UNESCO Register of World Heritage Sites in 1999 due to its unique nature. The theatre at the château in Litomyšl is the second oldest palace theatre in the Czech lands, immediately after the one located in Český Krumlov.
The château cellars house a collection of sculptures my Olbram Zoubek, who dedicated them to the Town of Litomyšl. You can also find the family flat of Bedřich Smetana in the château facility, specifically in the area of the former château brewery.

The Choceň Chateau

The renaissance château in Choceň was built on a bank of the Tichá Orlice River by Zikmund of Šelmberk in 1562. At the beginning of the 18^th century, it was purchased by the House of Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau. However, it burnt down in 1829 and was renovated in the classicist style, which is the style that persists to the present day. It is now home to the Orlice Museum and also to the arts primary school. It is possible to take a guided tour through the château’s chapel with its altar made of Carrara marble and beautiful stained-glass windows. As part of the historical exhibition, you can also see a unique trunk that belonged to the famous General Albrecht von Wallenstein. The archaeological exhibition includes a reconstruction of a Lusatian culture burial site from nearby Běstovice. You can also see findings of prehistorical animals. The brick-making section of the museum, which maps out the former brickworks and the individual types of bricks, is somewhat unconventional. There is also a new aviation exhibition that presents aircraft production in the Choceň area from 1935 to the present.

Tips in the environs

• The Museum of Czech Bodywork Production in Vysoké Mýto: the museum demonstrates the method in which a coachbuilder would proceed during the production of automobile bodywork and acquaints visitors with the history of the legendary Sodomka factory.
• The Labyrinth, a natural maze in Brandýs nad Orlicí: try out the natural maze inspired by the book “The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart” by J. A. Comenius. The maze made of hornbeam trees invites you to investigate all its secrets alleys and, if you have the feeling that it will be easy to find the way to its centre, you are sorely mistaken!

Accommodation tips

• Hotel Zlatá hvězda, Litomyšl
• Hotel Peliny, Choceň

Restaurant tips

• The restaurant at the Zlatá Hvězda Hotel, Litomyšl
• The Splav Restaurant, Choceň