Český KrumlovSights

Sights in Český Krumlov

  1. A

    Krumlov Chateau

    Perched atop a soaring cliff, and capped by its proto-psychedelic Round tower, Krumlov Chateau is one of the most audaciously located sights in South Bohemia.

    Český Krumlov was first documented in 1253, when the local ruling barons, the Vítkovecs, built their castle here. In 1302 it was acquired by the lords of Rožmberks, the biggest land owners in Bohemia, and in the late 16th century Vilém Rožmberk ordered a Renaissance-style makeover. When their line expired it was handed to the Eggenbergs in 1622. The Schwarzenbergs took the castle over in 1719, and owned it until 1945.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Egon Schiele Centrum

    Below the square, in a former brewery, is Egon Schiele Centrum . Established in 1993, this excellent private gallery has a respectable retrospective of Viennese painter Egon Schiele (1890-1918), who lived briefly in Krumlov in 1911, and raised the ire of townsfolk by hiring young girls as nude models. For this and other sins he was eventually driven out. It also houses temporary exhibitions of other A-list artists.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Budějovická Gate

    To approach Krumlov Chateau from the north, go via the Budějovická Gate (1598); pass the post office and go through the Red gate (Červená brána) into the chateau's first courtyard. Below the entrance bridge are two brown (and pretty unhappy) bears, traditional residents since the 16th century.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Chateau Theatre

    Just across the bridge behind Krumlov Chateau is the rococo Chateau Theatre, which can only be seen on Krumlov Chateau Tour III. This amazing theatre is one of the only two left in the world that still has all its original decorated stage set and working wooden machinery.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Convent of the Poor Clares

    The Convent of the Poor Clares, down the hill from Krumlov Chateau, has pretty gardens that provide an escape from the tourist hordes. At the time of writing the convent was closed for refurbishment. Check with Infocentrum for the current status.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Round Tower

    From the second courtyard of Krumlov Chateau, you can climb the multi-hued Round Tower, painted in 1590 by Bartholomew Beránek. Another passageway leads into courtyards three and four, their walls covered in trompe l'oeil painting.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Marian Plague Column

    The Marian Plague Column in náměstí Svornosti dates from from 1716. Several buildings here feature valuable stucco and painted decorations. See the hotel at No 13 and the house at No 14.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Regional Museum

    The Regional Museum features folk art from the Šumava region, archaeology, history, fine arts, furnishings and weapons. The highlight is a room-sized model of Český Krumlov (c 1800).

    reviewed

  9. I

    Minorite Monastery

    Down the hill from Krumlov Chateau is the Minorite Monastery. At the time of writing it was closed for refurbishment. Check with Infocentrum for the current status.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Lazebnický Bridge

    To approach Krumlov Chateau from the south, cross the wooden Lazebnický Bridge and climb to the courtyard via the Chateau steps (Zámecké schody).

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Eggenberg Brewery

    The former armoury is now the Eggenberg Brewery, built in 1630, and the source of the town's freshest (and cheapest) beer. Book tours at Infocentrum or Unios.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Church of St Jošt

    South from the chateau along Latrán you pass the former Church of St Jošt on the way to Lazebnický bridge, from where the Inner Town opens up.

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  14. M

    Museum of Torture

    Near Infocentrum you will find the Museum of Torture displaying ghoulish implements, and a heavy metal 'iron maiden' in the foyer.

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  15. N

    Church of St Vitus

    From náměstí Svornosti, follow Horní uphill and past Kostelní to the 14th-century Church of St Vitus.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Town Hall

    On Na ostrově, a tiny island with views across the river to the chateau, sits the 16th-century Town Hall.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Former Riding School

    Behind the Chateau Theatre, a ramp to the right leads up to the former riding school, now a restaurant.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    Jesuit College

    Check out the 1588 Jesuit College, now housing the plush Hotel Růže.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Chateau Gardens

    Above Krumlov Chateau's former riding school are the serene Chateau Gardens.

    reviewed

  20. S

    Marionette Museum

    The Church of St Jošt houses a small Marionette Museum.

    reviewed