As with many of the world’s great castles Litomysl has its very own White Lady ghost. The legend tells that it is the spirit of Marie Manrique de Lara y Mendoza who married a Czech nobleman and diplomat Vratislav II from Pernstejn who built this beautiful castle just for her. The lady fell in love with the castle and lived here until the end of her life. Since 1949 the complex of Litomysl Castle has hosted the renowned International Music Festival Smetana´s Litomysl. It was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.

Some inexplicable things happen inside the castle

Mysterious legends which left their imprint on the chambers of the castle, ghosts whose presence can be felt by visitors and guides, numerous accounts of supernatural phenomena and much more awaits visitors at Litomysl Castle.

The first visitor route includes the baroque castle theatre and period halls. The second visitor route is more intimate as it explores the living quarters from the beginning of the 19th century. In 2012, there is an exhibition called “Once there was a little house”.

The third route takes visitors up the 135 steps to the castle tower which is 55m high and houses an exhibition entitled “The tower full of ghosts”. Visitors will also be able to see a museum of historical pianos and theatre set pieces from the 18th Century. There is plenty more to see in the castle catacombs. Visitors can take a stroll through 500m of underground corridors under the castle itself and the castle park. The tour is rather adventurous and is only suitable for physically fit individuals. Romantic souls can take a seat in the castle courtyard and listen to stylish period music or take a walk through the adjacent English park and French garden.

Modern historical town

Litomysl was among the most significant Czech towns, which is reflected in its elaborate architectural style. Apart from the castle, which represents the single most significant renaissance building in the Czech Republic, there are many other interesting buildings such as the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, the Church of the Raising of the Holy Cross, the Renaissance House of the Knights at the main square and many others. Most of these buildings have been beautifully restored and once you have seen them all, you can then take a rest in the monastery garden which has recently undergone a major upgrade and has been transformed into a beautiful town garden. The garden is located in the town centre close to the main places of interest in Litomysl. In the garden there is a pavilion with a stunning view of the town and also a pool with artificial mist and a large sculpture donated to the town by famous Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek.

The birthplace of the Czech composer Bedrich Smetana

Bedrich Smetana, the world-renowned composer and author of numerous operas including Prodana nevesta (The Bartered Bride) and many others, is the most famous Litomysl-born citizen. He was born in 1824 as the first son into the large family of a wealthy brewer Frantisek Smetana. His father was an enthusiastic amateur musician and little Bedrich showed exceptional musical talent from his early childhood. He played the violin at four years old, he gave public piano performances at six years old and composed his first piece, which has been preserved, at 9 years old. The piano, which Bedrich Smetana used early in his career, can still be seen at Litomysl Castle. In 1949 the first edition of the music festival Smetana´s Litomysl took place in memory of the musical legend. The festival is the largest open air festival of classical music in the Czech Republic. It takes place at the end of June and the beginning of July and if you are planning a visit to the Czech Republic, you should definitely not miss out on it. There is no doubt that you will have plenty of beautiful memories of Litomysl whatever time of year you choose to visit the town.

www.zamek-litomysl.cz