Bedřich Smetana's birthplace in Litomyšl
One of our most famous composers, Bedřich Smetana, was born on March 2, 1824 at 10 am in the ground floor of the castle brewery in Litomyšl, where the carnival was just culminating. His father, Mr. František Smetana, worked here as a brewer, so the future composer was born into a wealthy family, in addition to both musically gifted parents. Bedřich Smetana was the first son of his parents, and his father allegedly had a keg of beer rolled out in the courtyard out of the joy of his birth.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Bedřich Smetana's birthplace in Litomyšl
The chateau brewery, where Bedřich Smetana was born, is located to the south, just a few meters from the Litomyšl chateau. Its construction began immediately after the completion of the construction of the castle building, ie during the 1980s. However, it was not completed until 1630, when it was still decorated with envelope sgraffito, thanks to which it formed a similar counterpart to the local chateau. In 1730, the baroque appearance was imprinted on him by František Maxmilián Kaňka.
The exposition of Bedřich Smetana's Birthplace, which is currently open to the public during the season (April - October), tries to recall the childhood of this important composer, the atmosphere of the household in which he grew up, their family life and living style.
A substantial part of the exhibits was borrowed from the National Museum - Museum of Czech Music in Prague, and part then belongs to the Regional Museum in Litomyšl. On the occasion of the Smetana's Litomyšl music festival, which takes place every year in the castle courtyard, the permanent exhibition is enriched by an accompanying exhibition.
A memorial plaque by František Metyš, created in 1880, is placed on the façade of Smetana's birth house and on the façade in 1949. From 1924, only Bedřich Smetana's birth room was opened in the ground floor of the chateau brewery, and it was not until June 1949 that the entire apartment became accessible.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová