Publications
New Smetana Hall ‐ Moving Temporary Roof above the Courtyard of the Litomyšl Castle
A novel temporary roof structure, the 'SmetaNOVÝ sál,' has been successfully implemented to protect and enhance the courtyard of Litomyšl Castle. This innovative design merges audiovisual performances with historic scenery without compromising the integrity of the original frescoes and arcades. The 31x29m steel roof, positioned 18.5 meters above ground, features two lattice columns supporting a fixed lower section and a mobile upper section, ensuring stability through prestressed tendons anchored to foundations below courtyard level. The assembly process involves erecting columns followed by lifting pre-assembled roof sections using motor hoists, with the entire structure designed for full demountability at the end of the concert season. This approach ensures minimal visual impact on the historic site during off-seasons while providing a versatile performance space.
Dispoziční fond T. G. Masaryka v pavučině klientelistických sítí a peněžních toků meziválečného Hradu
Litomyšl Castle's interwar clientelism was sustained by a network of monetary funds, with the Discretionary Fund of President T. G. Masaryk serving as its backbone. This fund facilitated financial transfers to support media, civic, scientific, and cultural institutions, as well as political allies, journalists, and organizations tied to memory and legionnaires' causes. The study reveals how these monetary flows enabled influential actors to shape public discourse and maintain control over various sectors through clientelistic ties. By analyzing institutional and personnel axes, the research sheds light on the mechanisms of power and patronage that defined the Castle's operations during this period.
The 1618 Reconstruction Plan of the Weimar Residenzschloss by Costantino de’ Servi
A ground plan for the 1618 reconstruction of Weimar Residenzschloss, previously attributed to Giovanni Bonalino, has been reattributed to Costantino de’ Servi, a Florentine polymath. This study identifies de’ Servi’s sources of inspiration, including Palazzo Marino in Milan, Litomyšl Castle in Bohemia, Richmond Palace in England, and local Saxon architectural traditions. By comparing archival records from Weimar and Florence, the research places the Residenzschloss reconstruction within a broader transnational European context, highlighting its Italianate style and cross-cultural influences.
Litomyšl. Das Potenzial der kleinen Stadt – Litomyšl. The Potential of the Small City
Litomyšl Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bohemia, exemplifies the transformative potential of architectural ambition and urban planning. Since 1989, the town has undergone significant development through a range of interventions—spanning new construction, reconstruction, urban space redesign, and street furniture—demonstrating how architecture can reshape a city's identity and political dimension. The study highlights Litomyšl as a case where small-scale projects and bold statements have collectively revitalized the urban fabric while adhering to heritage preservation principles. It also explores trends in contemporary Czech architecture, offering insights into the interplay between conservation, innovation, and public-private collaboration.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Litomyšl Castle