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Svitavy region

Peace and tranquility, pure water, the scent of mown grass on summer meadows, the glittering snow on the winter plains, and fresh air – an ideal opportunity to step out of time. The undulating landscape of the Svitavy Downs will enchant you with its nature unsullied by civilization, attractive rock cities, and places for long walks and relaxation, as well as beautiful historic towns and proud aristocratic manors, including a magnificent Renaissance chateau in Litomyšl.

Before moving on, stop by the nearby Nedošínský Grove, a popular outing destination and a place known from the works of writer Alois Jirásek; walk along the original educational trail near Polička; take a ride on a steam train near Mladějov on one of the last narrow gauge tracks; and discover the remains of guard fortresses and castles which once lined the medieval trade route. You should not miss the beautiful set of sacral buildings in Koclířov, an example of the late rustic Baroque style in the 19th century.

Litomyšl – a town with a beautiful Renaissance chateau, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Period interiors, a magnificent 18th century Baroque theater, gallery, and the birth home of composer Bedřich Smetana in the chateau brewery. Portmoneum – a museum of typographer and graphic artist Josef Váchal.
Mladějov Museum of Industrial Railways – a museum narrow gauge railway track from Mladějov to Hřebeč. Rides on steam trains and old diesel trains, all-day weekend events, exhibitions of steam, diesel and electric railway engines.
Polička – historic town with preserved city walls from the 14th and 15th centuries, fortified by 19 towers. Birth home of composer Bohuslav Martinů in the tower of the St. James Church, open to the public.
Svitavy – town square with Renaissance and Baroque burgher houses. Monument to Oskar Schindler, a member of NSDAP who saved 1,200 Jews from being transported to concentration camps by employing them in his factory in the nearby town of Brněnec.
Svojanov Castle – an Early Gothic castle with an Empire style palace, surrounded by many legends. The seat of the Czech Queen Kunhuta and Lord Záviš of Falkenštejn; hunting and falconry exhibition.
Koclířov – the Baroque cemetery Church of St. James the Greater and Saint Philomena; a cemetery with an original hermit’s dwelling. 19th century sculptures by local artists.
Moravská Třebová – historic town preserve with numerous monuments. The Renaissance/Neo-Classical chateau holds a museum with a valuable exhibition of Dutch and Flemish paintings.
Křížový vrch u Moravské Třebové – a Gothic Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, accessible by a roofed wooden staircase, and Stations of the Cross with four chapels and several sculptures. The Baroque sculpture of the Calvary is an exquisite work of sculptor J. Pacák.
Růžový palouček – an important pilgrimage site near the town of Újezdec; a park planted with roses. A memorable site of the Czech Brethren, where members of the church parted with their homeland prior to leaving for exile after the Battle of White Mountain (1620).
Vraclav – premises of a former spa with a healing spring, and the Baroque St. Nicolas Church. The interior of the church holds massive wooden polychromed sculptures from the 18th century, originally a part of the Stations of the Cross on the way from Králíky to Hedeč.
Toulovcovy Maštale – a ragged rock city with a number of romantic rock formations, grottos, passes and stairways, surrounded by legends about the marauding knight Vavřinec Toulovec and his company. The lookout towers Toulovcova rozhledna, Terezka and Borůvka may be found nearby.
Vysoké Mýto – car racing track with go-kart rental; museum of the region; city wall gates.