Bohemia-Moravia borderlands
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In the picturesque region of the Bohemia-Moravia border, there is an area comprised of the historical towns of Svitavy, Litomyšl, Polička, Vysoké Mýto and Moravská Třebová. These towns, with thousands of years of tradition, are attractive not only to history buffs, but also to anyone who appreciates valuable cultural experiences, natural beauty and unique technical monuments. Areas such as Orlické hory, Českomoravská vrchovina, and Moravský kras make Svitavsko a fascinating destination for active holidays, as well as for rest and relaxation. Svitavy is one of the region's most significant districts. The town justifiably prides itself on its beautiful renovated main square that features a gorgeous arcade through which Svitavy's most famous native, Oskar Schindler, undoubtedly walked. The town museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to Schindler. A monument that stands across from the house he grew up in also commemorates his courageous deeds. In addition to the Oskar Schindler exhibition, the museum houses a unique collection of old and present-day washing machines and other sophisticated appliances used for cleaning and mending clothes. Svitavy is also an excellent base for making educational and shopping trips to the surrounding cities of Pardubice, Brno, Olomouc, and Hradec Králové. On your way from Hradec Králové to Litomyšl be sure to stop and visit the royal dowry town of Vysoké Mýto, which features the largest rectangular square in Bohemia. The centre of the town is surrounded by remains of the town walls with commemorative plaques and three entrance gates with towers. The race track grounds are a popular attraction and offer rides and safety courses. Litomyšl is a history buff's paradise. Here you will discover an enchanting chateau that has been entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has a splendid sgraffito-decorated facade and houses a spectacular chateau theatre. Litomyšl is also the home of the Portmoneum - the Josef Váchal Museum, Josef Váchal being a prominent writer and mystic. Additionally, you can visit the Red Tower, which is the most remarkable preserved part of the city fortifications. While relaxing in the tranquil gardens belonging to a restored cloister and featuring statues by Olbram Zoubek, you can try to guess which celebrated Czech composer was born in the chateau brewery. The name of Litomyšl's annual Smetana Classical Music Festival should give you a hint. After getting your fill of cultural experiences, you will likely appreciate a soothing stroll in the captivating countryside. The nearby Toulovcovy maštale (Toulovec Stables) seem to be made expressly for this purpose. It is an area of sandstone formations of various shapes and names that form an intricate labyrinth. According to ancient legend, it was the hideaway of the robber baron Toulovec; however, you need not fear him today as you enter his lair. |
On the road to Polička, a trip to which you should also make, you can stop in at the newly renovated Rococo chateau in Nový Hradec, where you can walk its Stations of the Cross, taste the specialities of the chateau restaurant and, after desert, view the exhibits in its gallery. Polička - town, which was built as the dowry for the Czech queen, will surely grab your attention thanks to its picturesqueness. It is definitely worth seeing the well preserved town walls with a walkway accessible to th epublic and nineteen semi-circular towers around the entire historical centre of the town. In the tower Polička\'s church you can see the the birthplace of another famous musical composer of the region Bohuslav Martinů. When resting on the charming square, on which stand baroque gems (town hall, Marian column and statues on town fountains), which have been classified as a national cultural heritage since May 2008, try to listen for the rustle of the underground sea, which is supposed to lie below Polička, as legend has it. When heading east of Svitavy, don't pass up the opportunity to visit yet another one of this region's more prominent small towns - Moravská Třebová. The town's chateau deserves the greatest amount of attention. It was built on the site of what was originally a castle from which only a Renaissance gate was preserved. This gate is one of our oldest relics from the beginning of the Renaissance period. At present, you can visit the chateau and view its museum's collection. In the immediate vicinity of Moravská Třebová you have the opportunity to visit a truly unique technical monument. The little village of Mladějov is home to a museum that features nearly all types of industrial locomotives and from which an eleven kilometre narrow-gauge railway runs through several meadows and forests all the way down to Hřebec. In the summer the museum provides regularly scheduled trips on model steam trains that are bound to please every romantic. Other fascinating events taking place here include the re-enactments of famous battles of our nation's history. And what kind of a region would this be if it did not have any nice medieval castles? Svojanov, founded by Přemysl Otakar II, is their stately representative. |
Tips for trips:
Cycling trips around Litomyšl
In six active days, you will get to know the surroundings of historical Litomyšl. You will visit the Knight Toulovec, then spend the next few days travelling from the castle to below the castle, to the Netřebský ponds and the Triangle of historical towns. The last day will be spent taking in the view of the region from Kozlovský Hills.
Horses and historical sights in the Czech-Moravian borderland
The programme joins unthinkable experiences – a historical tour and horseback riding. In the past a horse was a common and primary means of transport, so a trip to castleSvojanov, uniquely well preserved ramparts in Polička and the rococo chateau in Nový Hrady directly urge one to go back in time, to the days when horses were a part...
Litomyšl - the town of renaissance and music
Two-day combined stay in one of the most beautiful towns of our country. You will spend a pleasant time in renaissance Litomyšl, where you will let the music of Smetana take you away,take a stroll into the magical Nedošinské woods and spend the early evening sitting in the monastery gardens. The enchanting Litomyšl Castle or Váchal Portmoneum will most certainly leave you with pleasant memories. Visit...
Relaxation connected with learning about the history and present of horse breeding.
The regions of Pardubice and Chrudim offer horse lovers plenty of treats. While in Pardubice you will visit the race track, on which horses run the most difficult race in Europe, the Velká Pardubická, then in Slatiňany you will have a look at the history of breeding horses at the localHippologickal museum. Also, you will see the Old Kladruby Blackhorse...
The land of Smetana and Martinů
This programme is focussed on well-being and relaxing in places, where two of our most renowned composers were born and lived - Bedřich Smetana and Bohuslav Martinů. The programme is situated in the regions of Poličsko and Litomyšl, and the Czech-Moravian borderlands. Visit the renaissance castle grounds in Litomyšl, listed as a UNESCO heritage site, plus the fairytale rococo castle Nové Hrady. Explore...
UNESCO sightseeing
Combined programme in Prague and in eastern Bohemia with a visit to four UNESCO sites, from Prague through to Kutna Hora, Litomyšl and Zelena Hora by Žd'ár nad Sázava. Zou will spend a pleasant time in hospitable Pardubice, the capital city of gingerbread, you will sail along the ELbe River, enjoy the view of the vast Elbe region from the resounding stone walls of the majestic castle Kunětická Hora...
Wandering through the region of Pardubice to see sights and nature
The programme is focussed on getting to know Chrudimska and the most important places in the Pardubice region. History lovers will appreciate the tour of the centre of Chrudim, the Jewish monuments in Meřmanově Městci, the castle ruins of Lichnice, Žleby Castle, the Celtic exhibition in Nasavrkách, the rococo castle in Nový Hrady, the churches in Kočí or Polička. It is also worth visiting the outdoor...
You can also stay in a castle
Yes, if you would like to get to know the atmosphere of an old castle from up close, you can spend your holiday in the romantic surroundings of Svojanov Castle. On the borderland of Bohemia and Moravia, not far from Polička, stands one of the oldest Czech castles, an early gothic castle. It was built in the 13th century to protect the local trade routes and for some time even served as the romantic...
Videogallery
Virtual tours
- chateau Litomyšl
- Church of St. Jakub in Polička
- Church of St. Jakub tower in Polička - birthplace of Bohuslav Martinů
- Litomyšl
- Litomyšl Chateau Convention Centre
- Moravská Třebová Chateau
- Nové Hrady Chateau
- Polička
- Polička - medieval town walls
- Svitavy
- Vysoké Mýto
Ski & Snowboard
Hiking




