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Litomy�l is a charming town situated about 150 km from Prague. The characteristic feature of the town is its long street-like square surrounded by rows of middle-class town houses, the most important of which is the Renaissance house U Ryt��� (At Knights’) with a precious stonework decoration. The main landmark of the town is the chateau, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The chateau is a remarkable example of an original Italian arcade building adapted to the Czech environment and represents a stately residence in the Middle-Europe Renaissance Period and its later development influenced by the new trends of art. In spite of interior adaptations carried out especially at the end of the 18th century, the chateau retained its almost unchanged appearance from the time of Renaissance including the unique graffiti decoration of facades and gables. Another important sight of the town is the 18th century Piarist church of the Discovery of the Holy Cross.

The town of Litomy�l is also the birth place of Bed�ich Smetana, an important Czech composer, whose name is born by a traditional music festival today. Every year at the turn of June and July, the second courtyard of the Litomy�l chateau resounds with the music of renowned composers. The Smetanova Litomy�l International Opera Festival bringing this exceptional enjoyment of art is a recognized music festival both in the Czech Republic and abroad. In Litomy�l, you may also visit Bed�ich Smetana’s native house with permanent exhibition dedicated to the composer’s life and work.