Discover Úsov: Castle, Culture and Landscape

Úsov is a destination for travelers who want to combine historic buildings, Jewish history and a distinctive landscape. The castle complex, Jewish quarter, Lovecko-lesnické muzeum and Chapel of St. Roch offer different ways to experience the town. For trip planning, Úsov thus provides cultural discoveries as well as a landscape dimension on the edge of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area.

Castle, Palace and Exceptional Collections

Úsov Castle was originally built as a Gothic castle in the style of a French castle and was first mentioned in 1260. Between 1688 and 1699, a Baroque palace was incorporated into the complex. This Baroque Martinelli Palace houses the Lovecko-lesnické muzeum. It displays a unique collection of trophies and taxidermied animals from the Czech lands, Poland, Italy, India and Africa.

The historic surroundings also include St. Giles Church and the fortifications. The church contains paintings by Jan Kryštof Handke, a five-sided, six-ribbed chancel apse and a massive western tower. The circular Hladomorna Tower is part of the fortifications; to the southwest lie the foundations of the former Bílá Tower. The Baroque granary belongs to the castle grounds and has large painted sundials on its southern side. Úsovská sýpka is also a cultural monument and is under the patronage of the association Úsovská sýpka – Spolek přátel regionální kultury a historie.

Jewish Quarter and Synagogue

In the northwest of the town, the Jewish quarter forms a distinctive urban ensemble. Úsov Jewish Cemetery lies on the edge of the quarter. It was established after 1643; the oldest surviving gravestones date from the late 17th century. The synagogue houses a permanent exhibition and is open to the public. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. This part of Úsov adds an independent historical perspective to the town’s castle history.

Chapel of St. Roch and Landscape

The distinctive Mannerist Chapel of St. Roch stands above Úsov and was built in 1624. A pilgrimage takes place there every August. From the chapel, a lime-tree avenue leads to the water reservoir and continues there onto a farm track toward the center of Úsov. The site also offers views of the surrounding area and the Morava Valley.

The southern tip of Úsov’s cadastral area extends into the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, specifically into the Doubrava forest complex. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore weigh whether the historical highlights of the town or the connection between local history and landscape should be the main focus of your trip. Úsov lies at the junction of roads 315 and 444 on the route between Zábřeh na Moravě and Uničov.

More destinations for your orientation

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Úsov, you can find Stavenice, Bohutín Nad Moravou, Ruda Nad Moravou, Krchleby, Zvole U Zábřeha, Potůčník, Bušín and Postřelmůvek here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Šumperk District.