Litomyšl Castle
Litomyšl, Pardubický kraj, Czechia
13.04.2023
Schloss Lytomyšl is a magnificent Renaissance castle located in the town of Litomyšl in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. It was built in the 16th century by the powerful Pernštejn family, who were known for their wealth and influence in the region.
The castle is a prime example of Renaissance architecture, with a unique blend of Italian and Central European styles. It was designed by the renowned Italian architect Giovanni Battista Aostalli, also known as "Battista della Porta". His designs were heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance villas of the Medici family in Florence.
The castle consists of three main parts - the residential palace, the arcaded courtyard, and the castle gardens. The residential palace is adorned with beautiful frescoes and stucco decorations, making it one of the most well-preserved examples of Renaissance interiors in Central Europe. The arcaded courtyard is a stunning open space with arcades and a grand staircase leading up to the castle gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, and each owner added their own touches and expansions to the structure. One of the most notable owners was the composer Bedřich Smetana, who lived in the castle from 1876 until his death in 1884. In honor of his time spent there, a music festival is held at the castle every year.
In 1999, Schloss Lytomyšl was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and architectural value. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours, concerts, and exhibitions.
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Litomyšl Castle was originally a Renaissance arcade-castle of the type first developed in Italy and then adopted and greatly developed in central Europe in the 16th century. Its design and decoration are particularly fine, including the later High-Baroque features added in the 18th century. It preserves intact the range of ancillary buildings associated with an aristocratic residence of this type.
