Moravská Třebová Crowned Historical Town of the Year 2024

Moravská Třebová was established around 1257 by Boreš of Rýzmburk as a typical colonial town with a structured layout. It experienced its peak during the time of the Lords of Boskovice and Ladislav Velen of Žerotín (1486-1622), when it became known as the centre of humanistic education and earned the title “Moravian Athens.” Among the treasures from this era that have survived is the castle portal, which dates back to the year 1492. Over the years, Moravská Třebová has gone through various changes in its territorial and administrative divisions. Until the 18th century, it was part of northern Moravia, and afterward, especially after 1945, it became a part of the Brno Region. A significant change occurred in 1960 when the existing Moravská Třebová district was dissolved, and the town became part of the newly formed Svitavy district in the East Bohemia Region. In that same year, the nearby villages of Udánky and Sušice were incorporated into the town. Later, in 1976, the villages of Gruna, Žipotín, Radkov, Útěchov, and Boršov also became part of the town, and in 1981, the settlement of Malíkov was added. Currently, Moravská Třebová is situated within the Pardubice Region.

The competition known as the Historical Town of the Year is organized collaboratively by the Association of Historic Settlements of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Regional Development. This prize is awarded to recognize the best implementation of the Programme for the Regeneration of Urban Conservation Areas and Zones.

The best in Moravská Třebová

At the center of Moravská Třebová is the main square featuring the plague column along with the Renaissance town hall. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and especially the stunning Renaissance castle adorned with beautiful arcades. The croissant circuits allow you to discover the Treasures of Moravská Třebová, which showcase the history, lifestyle, and customs of the nobility, along with the fascinating Medieval torture chamber and the alchemical laboratory. Additionally, there is an exhibition in the Tower. The castle garden offers an ideal space for relaxation and rejuvenation, seamlessly connecting to the castle courtyard. A major draw is the City Museum, currently undergoing renovations, which houses the remarkable collections of Ludwig Holzmaister (1849-1923), a patron and explorer. Among its treasures are an Egyptian princess’s mummy and samurai swords.

For those interested in exploring the greater surroundings of the town, one can visit, for instance, the Shepherd’s Tower, which provides breathtaking views of the Orlické Mountains, Beech Mountain, the Jeseníky Mountains, the Králický Sněžník massif, and the Zábřežská Hills. Adventurers can also enjoy hiking or biking trails along the Hřebečský Ridge. Hikers and cyclists have access to about 70 kilometers of trails that capture the essence of roughly 200 years of mining history in the area. Some of the most captivating spots include a heap of grey tailings, eroded over time by rainfall, creating fascinating gullies and ridges that evoke images of lunar landscapes or scenes from the Wild West. This area is located near the Hřebeč-doly narrow-gauge railway station, close to the former Emil and Václav mines.

Moravská Třebová: Historic Town of the Year 2024

A Storied Foundation
Moravská Třebová was established around 1257 by Boreš of Rýzmburk. From 1486 to 1622 it flourished as a center of humanistic learning—earning the nickname “Moravian Athens.”

Renaissance Splendor

• Castle Portal (1492): One of the oldest Renaissance monuments in the region, still standing at the town’s historic castle.

• Renaissance Castle & Arcades: Wander the elegant arcaded courtyard and imagine courtly life of centuries past.

• Baroque Church of the Assumption: Marvel at its ornate interior and striking façade, a later complement to the town’s Renaissance core.

Immersive Guided Tours

• Medieval Torture Chamber: Confront the darker side of history in authentic period surroundings.

• Alchemist’s Laboratory: Peek into the secret experiments of early modern science and mysticism.

Museum Collections (Temporarily Closed)
The city museum—currently under renovation—houses prized donations from traveler and patron Ludwig Holzmeister, including:

• An Egyptian princess’s mummy

• Historic samurai swords

Outdoor & Adventure
Just beyond the old town, the local bike resort offers:

• A pumptrack for skill-building

• 13 km of singletrack winding through Lower Moravia’s forests

• A multi-sport complex for adrenaline‑fuelled fun

Discover why Moravská Třebová’s rich blend of Renaissance architecture, scholarly heritage and outdoor adventure crowned it Czech Historic Town of the Year 2024.