PRAGUE GUIDE

Located 180 km from Prague, it is one of a few towns that have still retained its own medieval nature. Cesky Krumlov is in the charming South Bohemian countryside nestles in a bend of the Vltava River.

The town is called the pearl of Bohemia. Its historic centre was listed in the 1992 UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. The town is dominated by two national cultural landmarks - the castle and the Gothic church of St.Vitus. The castle is part medieval fortress, part château, magnificently set on a clifftop overlooking the town. By the way, it is the second largest one in the Czech Lands (after the Prague Castle). The mighty renaissance castle- once the seat of powerful Lords of the Rozmberks and the Schwarzenbergs - houses a rich collection of period furniture, Flamish tapestries, and historical weapons and a picture gallery. You must see the interior of this splendid castle as well as the old town with its romantic lanes and reconstructed medieval houses. Castle was built around a 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Guided tours include a visit to the Hall of Masks, a ballroom painted in 1748 (figures of guests attending a masquerade). The houses of the Latrán, the area around the castle, were originally occupied by servants and court scribes. Buildings here include a 14th-century Minorite Monastery and the Eggenberg Brewery, which still makes its deliveries by horse and cart. Below the castle steps is the medieval former hospice and Church of St Jošt, now converted into private apartments.

Prominent on the main square is the Town Hall, with attractive arcades and vaulting. Vilém of Rožmberk is buried in the Gothic Church of St Vitus, which dates from 1439. The Latin School, now a music school and the former Jesuit College, now the Hotel Růže, are also worth a look. It is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town. Town architectural heritage have remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries. In 1993, the Egon Schiele International Cultural Centre was opened here.

Where to eat

Český Krumlov is full of medieval inns known for their dark wooden furniture and selection of spit-fired meats. For fresh trout by the river and cups of cinnamon or almond mead (hot or cold) served in a rustic, intimate atmosphere try Krčma U Dvou Marií. Visit the 13th-century candlelit catacombs of the Old Inn Hotel for traditional Czech cuisine with a side of Gothic charm. At Cikánská Jizba (Gypsy Tavern) your meal will likely be accompanied by live folk music. Cafe Laibon is a vegetarian oasis in a sea of carnivorous competitors. Delicious soups, a staggering list of teas, and innovative entrees make it a winning choice for lunch.

Music festivals held in Český Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov offers a series of music festivals throughout the year: The Chamber Music Festival, The Early Music Festival, The Jazz Festival and the large International Music Festival. Lovers of opera and ballet can visit performances in the open-air revolving theatre, in the Castle gardens.

Other Places of Interest

- The Cesky Krumlov Regional Museum has a wonderful, detailed model of old Cesky Krumlov.

- Another place worth a visit is The Wax Museum of Cesky Krumlov.

Tourist Information

Address: Rooseveltova 28, phone (+420) 380 712 853

Opening hours: Tours of the castle are given from April through October, though you can stroll the castle grounds year round. Castle: Apr—May, Sep—Oct Tue—Sun 9-12, 1-4; Jul—Aug Tue—Sun 9-12, 1-5; Tower: Apr—Oct Tue—Sun 9-9

What’s on Mid-Jun: Five-Petal Rose Festival; Aug: International Music Festival

Getting there: Bus from Station Na Knizeci.Bus from Florenc or Na Knížecí; two hours 30 minutes. Train from Hlavní nádraží; three to four hours (change at České Budějovice). Distance: over 180 km south of Prague.

Tip: Book excrusion to the Cesky Krumlov online.