Essential Guide for Your Litomysl Castle UNESCO Site Visit

Before you head out, you need to know the best ways to reach the castle. Most visitors travel from Olomouc by car or public transport. If you choose to drive, you should follow the driving directions from Olomouc to Litomysl for the fastest route. The drive usually takes about 70 minutes through scenic countryside.

Public transport is also a reliable option for this trip. You can check the best train day trips from Olomouc to see how to connect via Choceň. Buses also run regularly between the two cities. Always check the schedules in advance as weekend services may be less frequent.

Once you arrive, you will notice the town is very walkable. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the main square. It is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. This is especially true during the summer months when the town hosts major music festivals.

• Best overall: The Castle Baroque Theatre
• Best for families: The Castle Gardens and Labyrinth
• Best rainy-day: Regional Museum in Litomyšl
• Best free: Sgraffito Facade and Monastery Gardens

10 Best Things to See at Litomysl Castle

The castle complex offers a variety of experiences for every type of traveler. From world-class architecture to musical history, there is much to explore. Ensure you check the Litomysl Castle guided tour schedule before your arrival. Here are the top ten things you should not miss.

1. Name: Sgraffito Facade Type: sight Why go: Over 8,000 unique "envelopes" cover the walls with intricate Renaissance patterns. Best for: Photographers and art history fans. Where: Main castle exterior walls. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from the courtyard. Getting there: Walk through the main castle gate. Tip: Look closely to see that no two patterns are exactly the same.
2. Name: Baroque Theatre Type: experience Why go: It is one of only five preserved 18th-century theaters in the world. Best for: Culture enthusiasts. Where: Inside the main castle building. Time: 45 minutes (guided tour). Cost: Paid entry via guided tour. Getting there: Access is only available through a specific castle tour. Tip: Book this tour in advance as group sizes are strictly limited.
3. Name: Castle Gardens Type: nature Why go: These perfectly manicured gardens offer a peaceful escape with beautiful statues. Best for: Relaxing walks and families. Where: Directly behind the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Usually free. Getting there: Follow the signs from the main courtyard. Tip: Visit the modern fountain that plays music at set intervals.
4. Name: Bedřich Smetana’s Birthplace Type: museum Why go: Learn about the famous Czech composer who was born in the castle brewery. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Former brewery building opposite the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Modest entry fee. Getting there: Located just across the street from the main entrance. Tip: Check if there are any live piano performances scheduled during your visit.
5. Name: Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross Type: sight Why go: This towering Baroque church features a unique glass walkway with great views. Best for: Viewpoints and architecture. Where: Just a few steps from the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the viewing platform. Getting there: Visible from the castle courtyard. Tip: Climb to the roof for the best photos of the castle complex.
6. Name: Monastery Gardens Type: viewpoint Why go: These gardens offer the most iconic view of the castle and the church together. Best for: Sunset views and picnics. Where: Between the Piarist Church and the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Look for the statues by Olbram Zoubek scattered around the lawn.
7. Name: Portmoneum (Museum of Josef Váchal) Type: unique local experience Why go: A house covered in bizarre and colorful occult murals by a local artist. Best for: Fans of quirky and unusual art. Where: A 10-minute walk from the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk down the hill toward the lower town. Tip: This is very different from the castle's style and provides a great contrast.
8. Name: Castle Cellars and Sculptures Type: indoor Why go: Explore the vast underground spaces filled with contemporary art and wine. Best for: A cool retreat on hot days. Where: Beneath the castle building. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Entrance is located in the main courtyard. Tip: Bring a light jacket as the cellars stay cold all year.
9. Name: Váchal Street Type: neighborhood Why go: The walls of this narrow street are decorated with sgraffito based on Váchal’s woodcuts. Best for: A quick, artistic stroll. Where: Near the Portmoneum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the Portmoneum. Tip: It is a great spot for unique social media photos.
10. Name: Regional Museum in Litomyšl Type: museum Why go: Discover the deep history of the town and its famous residents. Best for: History buffs. Where: Next to the Piarist Church. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from the castle gate. Tip: The museum uses interactive displays that are great for children.

Practical Tips for Your Litomysl Castle Experience

Visiting a UNESCO site requires a bit of planning. Most guided tours are in Czech, but English audio guides are often available. You should check the official website for seasonal opening hours before you leave Olomouc. Many parts of the castle are closed during the winter months.

Wear comfortable walking shoes because the town has many cobblestone streets. If you have time, explore more of the region. There are many day trips near Olomouc that complement your visit. You can see how Litomyšl compares to other Moravian gems.

For those interested in fortifications, there are several best castles near Olomouc worth visiting. Each offers a different architectural style. Litomyšl is unique for its Renaissance elegance, while others like Bouzov are more medieval. Plan your itinerary to see a mix of these historic sites.