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Czech towns and villages can surprise. Even the lesser-known ones, upon closer acquaintance, turn out to hold many curiosities. Svitavy was such a place for me, as before my visit, it did not exist in my awareness, but it turned out to be a very interesting location!
My stay there was short, but I got to know it enough to inspire myself and you to explore it! Svitavy invites you!
Svitavy – location
Svitavy is a city in the Czech Republic located in the Pardubice region. It is situated 78 kilometers from Olomouc and 69 kilometers from Pardubice. It has a population of over 17,000 people, and the most interesting sites in the center are within walking distance, so a car is not necessary.
Svitavy lies in the Eastern Bohemia (Východní Čechy) region and serves as a good base for trips to the Orlické Mountains or the Czech-Moravian Highlands.
Svitavy
The city was founded in the 12th century due to important trade routes in the area. In the 13th century, the Bishop of Olomouc, Bruno of Schauenburk, brought German settlers to the region. It was besieged during the Hussite Wars. After wartime destruction, the city began to rebuild, and its driving force was the textile industry.
In 1781, Svitavy was almost completely destroyed by fire. However, it was quickly rebuilt. A little over 100 years later, the Valentin Oswald Ottendorfer Library was established in the city, which I will write more about. In 1938, Svitavy was incorporated into the Third Reich, and after the war, the Germans living in the area were expelled.
Municipal Museum
One of the unique places I had the pleasure of visiting was undoubtedly the Municipal Museum. The building of the museum is an architectural work deserving special attention – it was designed and erected at the initiative of the then mayor of Svitavy, Johana Budiga, and its opening took place in 1892.
The architecture of the building captures the attention of visitors from the first glance, being an excellent example of the style of the era in which it was built. The museum is surrounded by a historical atmosphere that allows you to pause in time and feel the spirit of history.
The Municipal Museum welcomes guests from Tuesday to Friday, maintaining visitor-friendly opening hours. Morning hours from 9:00 to 12:00 are the perfect time for a calm exploration of the exhibits without rush and crowds. After a break, in the afternoon hours from 13:00 to 17:00, the museum reopens its doors, allowing visits for those who prefer afternoon tours.
What pleasantly surprises in the context of the Municipal Museum is the affordability of ticket prices. A standard entrance ticket priced at just 20 CZK provides access to the museum’s rich cultural, educational, and historical offerings. Meanwhile, the concession ticket, priced at 10 CZK, is an attractive proposition for those entitled to discounts.
Washing Machine Exhibition
A unique exhibition within the museum’s interiors is the “Great Laundry of Our Grandmothers” display. It is one of the largest exhibitions in the Czech Republic dedicated to the history of laundry and the devices used for this purpose over the years.
Established in 1995, it presents over 150 devices used for laundry. Opened to the public in 2000, it is continuously enriched with new exhibits.
Temporary exhibitions
The Municipal Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. During my visit, there was an exhibition on the prehistory of the Earth. It includes minerals and fossils, along with information about different areas of the region’s geological past. Most of the exhibits are in display cases, but special tour scripts are also prepared for the youngest visitors.
Nativity Scene
The moving nativity scene located in Svitavy is the pride of the city. Nativity scene traditions in the Czech Republic were once very strong. Today, local communities fight to bring this craft back. Svitavy was once called the “City of Nativity Scenes,” and the one you will see in the museum is impressive. It is not made by a single author but is a collection of works by many. It is soon to have its place in a new facility – the Nativity Museum, which will be very close to the Municipal Museum.
Oskar Schindler
Svitavy is the city from which Oskar Schindler originated. As we have learned, among the local residents, both in the past and today, there is some controversy. Some of them treat Schindler as a hero, while others emphasize that despite his actions, he was still part of the “Nazi machine.”
Two places in the city remind us of the figure of Oskar Schindler. The first is an exhibition at the Municipal Museum. In 2008, the exhibition “In Search of the Star of David – Oskar Schindler – Righteous Among the Nations” was opened, which presents the fate of Oskar Schindler. It is not large, but it describes in detail the stages of Schindler’s life and various places where he stayed. You will also find various Jewish memorabilia and many photographs.
The second place is a monument located near the house where Oskar Schindler lived. It is located on the other side of the street, and looking from the park side, in the cut-out shape of the Star of David is the mentioned building.
If you are interested in this person, be sure to visit the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum in Kraków – it is one of the most interesting museums I have been to, and I hold it in high regard. It not only tells the story of the factory itself but also of Kraków before WWII and during the occupation.
Main Square
The heart of Svitavy, like many Czech towns, is the Market Square. It is a long square surrounded by arcaded houses. It is reputed to be one of the longest market squares in the Czech Republic. The houses surrounding it come from different periods. The oldest are Renaissance, and the newest date from the 20th century. Among the styles, you will also find Gothic, Baroque, and Classicism.
On the Market Square (náměstí Míru 50) is the Old Town Hall. It underwent reconstruction in 1590, but the most significant changes in its appearance occurred after the city fire in 1781. It underwent comprehensive reconstruction in 1849. Right next to it is the Dům U Mouřenína. Until 1927 there was an inn, and over the years mayors of the city lived there.
What Else to See?
In Svitavy, there is the Esperanto Museum. This time I did not manage to visit it, but it is located in the former house of Valentin Oswald Ottendorfer. He created a huge library, a significant portion of which was in this language. It was established in 1892 and was one of the largest German libraries in the Czech Republic.
In the city, it is worth visiting the previously described Municipal Museum and churches, including St. Giles, the Visitation of the Most Holy Mary, and St. Joseph.
Worth a Visit?
Svitavy is a small city, but it has a lot of charm. If, like me, you like to discover places not fully explored, take a look here. The interesting surroundings mean you won’t be bored, and Svitavy can be visited on the way to Pardubice or the recently popular mountain resort of Dolni Morava.
