Explore the Enchanting Castles and Chateaus of the Pardubice Region
Kunětická hora and the artwork by Mikoláš Alš
Visitors to the Kunětická hora Castle can look forward to two exciting new features this season. One highlight on the tour titled “Dušan Jurkovič – Poet of Wood” will be a rediscovered painting by Mikoláš Alš. Alš was actively involved in efforts to preserve Kunětická Hora during the early 20th century. The captivating tale of how the painting came to exist, sparked by the campaign to save the castle, will enhance the stories shared in the existing guidebooks and will surely appeal to audiences of all ages. This season, the castle has also organized numerous events and festivals. For instance, on July 27, the popular event “King at the Castle” will commemorate the visit of Louis Jagiellon in the summer of 1497. Additionally, the classic musical “Night at Karlštejn” will be presented by the East Bohemian Theatre from Pardubice, along with the beloved fairy tale “The Devils Are No Jokes,” which will return to the castle roundhouse. A variety of theatrical performances will also be held during the summer in the castle’s small stage. Furthermore, a film screening titled “Summer with Eugene” is scheduled to take place right in the very courtyard where it was filmed. Mark your calendars for the Honey and Apple Festival on September 20.
The Four Circuits of Litomyšl Castle
For winter and spring, the Litomyšl Castle will extend its operation to include Sundays starting from April 5, and will gradually resume its six-day visiting hours. Visitors can choose from several different tours: the Castle of the Waldsteins (the standard tour), Castle behind Thurn Taxis (a selective tour), Why the Castle is UNESCO, and the News after Reconstruction tour. During the summer season, new routes like the Chateau Kitchen and Tower tour will be added. Among the fresh additions to the castle’s interiors is the beautifully restored tile stove in the Count’s study on the main tour, which had been entirely destroyed and removed in the past. Another new feature is the installation of a portrait of Countess Cavriani, painted by Amalia von Peter, on the News After Reconstruction route (in the guest suite of the Wallenstein family). The 170th anniversary of the publication of Grandmother will be celebrated with a special program that includes period dances, various thematic tours (featuring animated cuisine), tours focusing on the building’s history, or Theatrical performances. An extraordinary tour will also be held in the newly restored gardens at the Manor House, where structural restoration work is still in progress, including facade repairs, restoration of sgraffito decorations, and fixing the lunette cornice.
Slatiňany Castle offers themed tours
The Castle in Slatiňany is open throughout the year and now features summer tours like the Auersperg Summer Residence and Through the Castle, and the lovely castle garden is also accessible. Thanks to the renovation of the historic stove, spit, and grill in the castle kitchen, there will be lectures and tours focusing on gastronomy. This year’s cultural calendar includes night and architectural tours (like the “you can’t stop progress!” tour on April 18), playful tours for families with children in June, and a music festival in the courtyard to be held on July 2. As part of the larger renovation project, construction work is being done to repair the overhead corridor that connects the chateau to the church. Inside, new paintwork is being planned, alongside repairs to the gates, tree planting, and various maintenance activities.
Explore Litice Castle with or without a guide
Starting Saturday, April 5, 2025, Litice Castle will reopen its doors to all monument enthusiasts. The castle will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will remain open even during Easter. Guided tours will begin every hour, on the hour. Visitors can choose between two tours: one through King George’s Castle, and another focusing on castle architecture. The last guided tour will commence one hour before the end of visiting hours. After that, visitors can freely explore the castle without a guide until the end of visiting hours. This year, major changes are planned at Litice Castle under the guidance of a new castellan, including extended visiting hours in September and more frequent popular night tours of the castle. Additionally, there are future plans for an art competition open to the public or schools, and structural renovations, which will include repairs to the entrance bridge in the near future.
Chateau Nové Hrady, also known as Czech Versailles
The Castle Nové Hrady, affectionately referred to as the Czech Versailles, is preparing for a fresh season ahead. The castle grounds, which include the chateau, gardens, museum, and motorcycle museum, will open for the first time this year on Saturday, April 5. From May onward, it will be welcoming visitors every day, including Mondays. Today, the grounds offer not only a tour of the beautifully preserved rococo castle but also a romantic stroll through the extensive gardens and English park, opportunities to see a deer herd, and visits to unique exhibitions such as the Moped and Motocol Museum located in the Baroque Granary. There’s also an exhibition featuring English hats and a tour of the outdoor art gallery situated in a former bottling plant. Kids will enjoy the maze of trimmed yew trees or the charming playground located in the old castle. Visitors can relax and take a break in the nearby café or in a restaurant that offers fast food options.
Svojanov Castle – a unique blend of Gothic and Empire styles
Svojanov Castle has been open to visitors since March. Inside the castle palace, there is an exhibition showcasing what life was like in the castle during the second half of the 19th century. The rooms are furnished in a way that aims to give as authentic an experience as possible of how people lived in the castle back in the day. The second tour takes visitors through the underground rooms, which feature a stylish torture chamber and a Gothic-Renaissance armourers’ house where historical-themed exhibitions are held. Additionally, the early Gothic cellar hosts an exhibition highlighting castle legends and folklore. This tour also includes special areas like the House of the Armourers, which contains two spacious halls stacked on top of each other and valuable attic spaces. Popular events at the castle include the annual Castle Fair in May, the Fairy Festival and Royal Festival in June, the Theatre Fair in August, and night tours all season long.
