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Urban conservation area in Svitavy

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Czech name Městská památková zóna ve Svitavách
Address náměstí Míru
GPS 49°45'22"N 16°28'12"E (xx km)
443 m above sea level
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You would hardly find a better place to walk through the centuries than in the historical centre of Svitavy. A flourishing settlement on the border between Bohemia and Moravia became a town in the mid-13th century. Since then, its core has grown until these days when Svitavy boasts one of the longest double-sided arcaded squares in the Czech Republic.

A tour of the unique architecture is worth starting at the oldest building on the square - the House At the Moor's. Today, this originally Renaissance building from 1554 houses the information centre. Right next door, you can admire the bright-red building of the former town hall and then walk along the burgher houses of many styles and colors up to the dominant of the square - the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. From its tower you can see the whole town and the surrounding landscape from a bird's eye view.

You will reach the impressive building of the Ottendofer's House by walking down the square while admiring the variety of architectural styles. Perhaps the most beautiful building in the town which was built in the late 19th century used to be the largest German library in Moravia. Its educational mission has remained till these days as it houses the Museum of Esperanto which is the only one in our country being devoted to the development and history of the world's universal language.

The opposite building of the Municipal Museum, also known as the Budig's Villa, ranks among the buildings that were created as family residences of local industrialists at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Inside the museum you will find an exhibition of washing and laundry technology as well as an exhibition dedicated to the local world-famous native Oskar Schindler. Not only children will surely be interested in the precious mechanical nativity scene of Svitavy which reflects the local wood-carving tradition.

To see the most interesting buildings of Svitavy let yourself be guided by the route of the town sightseeing circuit. Walk along it and get acquainted with the rich history of the town.


Category town monument zone
Certificates and memberships Tourist stamp
Films, which were shot here