Litomysl
Litomyšl (German: Leitomischl) is a small city (10.000 inhabitants) in Eastern Bohemia. It has a Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and is famous as the birth place of composer Bedřich Smetana.
Culture and History
The first historical mention of Litomyšl dates back to 981, when there was a castle protecting an important trade route between Bohemia and Moravia. Under the protection of the castle, a settlement began to rise. In the 12th century the order of Premonstrates came to Litomysl. Due to their colonization and cultural efforts, the settlement's importance rose dramatically and it was promoted to the city level in 1259. Medieval Litomysl was the third most important Czech city (after Prague and Olomouc), becoming a seat of a bishop in 1344, which was decided by Roman Emperor Charles IV. However, as a catholic stronghold, it was burned down by the Hussite rebellion and the bishopric has never been restored. Later during the industrial revolution, the council decided that it did not want the main railroad (from Prague to Olomouc) going through the city. That is why Litomyšl remained relatively little, quiet town with almost untouched historical center, making it the true jewel of Eastern Bohemia.
Travel to Litomysl & Visa Requirements
There is a good highway covering about 60% of the way from Prague (the rest is also acceptable). There is also a reasonably good public transportation connection from both Bohemia (Prague and other cities) and Moravia (Brno, Olomouc, etc.), as well as from Slovakia (Bratislava or Austria (Wien). Check idos for details.
- Scenic
Probably the most scenic way (if you travel from Prague) how to get in Litomysl is to go by "fast train" (rychlik in Czech, it is marked red on all tables) from Prague Main Station (Hlavni Nadrazi, red metro) to Chocen, and then take the "personal train" (osobni vlak, marked green) to Litomysl. It is cheap, safe, and you travel with ordinary Czech folks. It takes about 3h.
- Straighforward
If you prefer a more straightforward way and you travel from Prague, take a direct bus from Prague, Florenc (red and yellow metro). The bus is quite frequent and takes about 3h. Direct busses from Olomouc take 1h 40m, direct busses from Brno about 2h.
- Fast
If you need a faster way, take a fast train or EuroCity or InterCity (but not SuperCity Pendolino) from from Prague Main Station (Hlavni Nadrazi, red metro) or Brno or Bratislava or Wien, go to Ceska Trebova, and take a bus to Litomysl. It is about 2h 20m.
Tours & Getting around Litomysl
Litomysl attractions and sightseeing
- The Castle, Litomysl Castle is an outstanding and immaculately preserved example of the arcade castle, a type of building first developed in Italy and modified in the Czech lands to create an evolved form of special architectural quality.
The main feature of the castle is the sgraffiti decoration on the outside, what from a distance look like bricks are in fact designs made from etching away plaster to reveal the undercoat. Each design is different, the centres contain many different images, from leaves to people. The castle was the birth place of Smetana
Litomysl city tours
The Castle’s wine vaults house a display by the sculptor Olbram Zoubek, who after being banned by the communist government spent 20 years restoring the sgraffiti decorations on the castle. It is quite cold and eerie but you get a look at odd parts of the castle, a blanket and free mulled wine!
Litomysl souvenirs & shopping
Litomysl Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive
Litomysl nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs
There are plenty of places around town selling local wines.
The bar at the Station serves beer for a remarkable 10,50;- CZK about €0,36 (there won't be many places cheaper than this anywhere.)
Litomysl cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging
Get out
This page was last edited at 20:43, on 31 July 2008 by Wikitravel user Morph. Based on work by Meltwaterfalls and Wikitravel user(s) Astar.
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