Chateau Litomyšl – A representative family residence on the UNESCO list
The distinguished luxury representative family residence of the Supreme Chancellor associated with the history of the chateau The chateau was built in the 60s-80s of the 16th Century by Vratislav Nádherný from Pernštejn as a gift to his beloved wife Maria Manrique de Lara, who was a Spanish noblewoman. Imperial builders Giovanni Battista Aostalli and Ulrico Aostallis accepted the great challenge.
It was mostly in the hands of these Italian masters that the decoration of the chateau was finalized. The luxury Pernštejn Renaissance mansion was complemented in the 17th and 18th Centuries by Baroque modifications done by other owners, the Trauttmansdorffs and Waldstein-Wartenbergs, with the participation of leading Baroque artists. The preserved family chateau theater from 1797 is unique. The extraordinary stage decorations are the work of Viennese court painter Josef Platzer.
In 1999, the chateau was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite some modifications to the interior, it has retained its unique charm from the Renaissance times. We can admire the incredible sgraffito decoration of the facades and coats of arms, including two major battle scenes in the main courtyard. But the chateau offers much more. You will literally be amazed by the luxurious chateau garden or the preserved farm buildings that reflect the real lives of the people of that time.
The stars associated with the chateau and Litomyšl. Maybe you weren't expecting this...
The first we must mention is world-renowned master musician Bedřich Smetana. The famous composer was born directly in the chateau to a family of brewers. Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová, an acclaimed chef and writer, is also connected with the city. The local native Zdeněk Kopal honoured the stars here. This 20th Century Czech astronomer, in addition to examining so-called tight binary stars, was the author of the map according to which "tourists" from the Apollo program explored the Moon. Today you can find his sculpture in the house where he was born.
Every year, the chateau is the venue of the Smetana's Litomyšl International Opera Festival. Do not miss the culture associated with the music and luxurious architecture that is an authentic Czech jewel.
