Český Krumlov is one of the most charming cities in the Czech Republic, with its winding streets, historical buildings, and a castle surrounded by the river, making it unique.
The city is located in South Bohemia, on the banks of a double bend in the Vltava River. It’s one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. Its historic quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Many consider it one of the most beautiful old towns because its buildings almost evoke a medieval atmosphere. It’s no surprise that the inner city area between the meandering river often appears in photographs.
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Český Krumlov attractions
Castle
After Prague‘s Hradčany, it’s the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic. It consists of five courtyards and forty buildings, along with a seven-hectare castle park.
It was continuously built and expanded from the 14th century until the 19th century, but it gained its current layout during the major renovation in the Renaissance period, at the beginning of the 16th century. It comprises four main parts: the lower and upper castle, the baroque theater section, and the castle park. The moat between the upper castle and the baroque theater is filled by a multi-story, vaulted bridge.
The city’s symbol is the circular tower. The 54-meter tall, six-story tower is located in the inner courtyard of the lower castle. A unique attraction is the well-preserved and since renovated baroque castle theater, of which only a few exist in the world.
St. Vitus Church
Another iconic building of Krumlov, visible from many points of the city.
The three-nave church was built in the 14th century, then transformed at the beginning of the 15th century. From this period come its Gothic fresco remnants. The main altar is particularly noteworthy, decorated with fine carvings and depictions of saints.
In the nave stands the Renaissance mausoleum of Wilhelm von Rosenberg and his wife. The castle was the property of the Rosenberg family, which was their main residence.
Svornosti Square
Krumlov’s central square, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings.
A fountain stands in the center of the square, as well as a plague column, which was built in the 17th century in memory of the victims of the plague. Markets, cultural events, concerts, and festive events are also usually held in the square.
Český Krumlov Monasteries
Visitors can learn about monastic life, the development of Czech religious art, as well as the history and architecture of the monasteries.
The complex includes two significant monasteries: the Minorite (Lesser Brothers) and the Convent of St. Clare (Sisters of St. Clare) Monastery.
The Minorite Monastery was built in the 14th century and served as a home for members of the Minorite order. The monastery buildings reflect the Gothic architectural style, although they have undergone several modifications and renovations over the centuries.
The Convent of St. Clare was also established in the 14th century and was the home of the Clarissan nuns.
Eggenberg Brewery
Krumlov attracts visitors not only with its beauty but also with its beer.
Brewing in the city dates back to the 13th century, with a brewery operating continuously in the city since then. Between 1625 and 1630, the Eggenberg family converted a riverside building into a brewery. It has been operating continuously as a brewery since then. It was nationalized during communism, but since 1991, the Eggenberg brewery has been in private ownership again.
Naturally, there is the possibility of guided tours in the brewery, where visitors can also taste fresh beer.
Five-Petaled Rose Festival
Krumlov’s most significant celebration is held every June. The name comes from the Rosenberg family, whose coat of arms featured a five-petaled rose.
The festival evokes the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, where craftsmen display their traditional crafts, archers and knights hold demonstrations, and medieval music plays.
One of the festival’s highlights is the grand parade, in which participants march through the city in faithfully reconstructed medieval costumes.
Český Krumlov museums
Český Krumlov Regional Museum
This museum showcases the history, culture, traditions, and natural heritage of the town and the surrounding South Bohemian region.
The museum’s collections include historical relics, art pieces, ethnographic objects, natural science exhibits, as well as features of the region’s characteristic industries and crafts.
Egon Schiele Art Center
A modern art gallery and museum dedicated to the work and life of Egon Schiele, an early 20th-century Austrian expressionist painter.
Schiele, who lived and worked in Český Krumlov for a short period, had a significant impact on the town’s art scene. The center not only displays Schiele’s works but also showcases a wide spectrum of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic works.
Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
This museum presents the world of early 20th-century photography, focusing particularly on the work of Josef Seidel and his son, František Seidel.
Located in the original Seidel photo studio, which was the scene of over a century of photographic activity, visitors can admire the original workshop, darkroom, and the photographic equipment and cameras used by the Seidel family. The exhibition details the process of photography, the techniques of developing pictures, and the contemporary photographic technologies.
The museum’s exhibits include numerous original photographs that depict the landscapes, towns, everyday life of people, and social changes of the area.
Film Legends Experience Museum
Offers a special experience for movie fans, showcasing the iconic figures and legendary films of the cinema world.
The museum is an interactive exhibition where visitors can get a closer look at the history of the film industry, famous movie relics, costumes, sets, and the art behind visual effects.
House of Mirrors
A fun little museum where mirrors create various reflections of ourselves and our surroundings.
Consisting of just two mirror mazes and a mirror room, it is particularly worth visiting with children.
