Úsov: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

History and architecture

Úsov Castle was originally built as a Gothic castle in the style of a French château fort and was first mentioned in 1260. A Baroque palace was incorporated into the complex between 1688 and 1699. The Baroque granary, Úsovská sýpka, is part of the castle grounds and features large painted sundials on its south side. As a cultural monument, it is under the patronage of the Úsovská sýpka – Association of Friends of Regional Culture and History.

The fortifications include the Hladomorna round tower. The foundation of the former Bílá Tower is located in the southwest of the complex. The castle’s Baroque Martinelli Palace houses the Lovecko-lesnické muzeum. It displays a unique collection of trophies and taxidermied animals from the Bohemian lands, Poland, Italy, India and Africa.

Town history and religious buildings

In the northwest of the town, the Jewish quarter forms a distinctive urban ensemble. Úsov Jewish Cemetery lies on the edge of this quarter. It was established after 1643; the oldest surviving gravestones date from the late 17th century. Úsov Synagogue houses a permanent exhibition and is open to the public. Visits are possible by prior arrangement.

The Church of St. Giles contains paintings by Jan Kryštof Handke as well as a five-sided, six-ribbed chancel and a massive western tower.

Nature and trails

The southern tip of the Úsov cadastral area extends into the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, specifically into the Doubrava forest complex.

The distinctive Mannerist Chapel of St. Roch stands above Úsov; it was built in 1624. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel every year in August. From the chapel, a lime-tree avenue leads to the water reservoir; there, the avenue joins a field path towards the centre of Úsov. The chapel offers views of the surrounding area and the Morava Valley.

Location

Úsov lies at the intersection of roads 315 and 444 on the route between Zábřeh na Moravě and Uničov.

Other places

Other places to explore: Kolšov, Horní Studénky, Rapotín, Staré Město Pod Sněžníkem, Kamenná, Bohdíkov, Postřelmůvek, Svébohov.

To the higher-level travel overview: Šumperk District.