The Český Krumlov Castle - Castles, fortresses and chateaux in the Czech Republic 6.

Location: Český Krumlov, South Bohemia

The Český Krumlov Castle is the second largest castle in the Czech Republic following the Prague Castle. The mighty complex of the castle is erected on the rock promontory which has been sculpted by the Vltava river from the southern side and by Polečnice stream from the northern side.

This place was an important guard point on the old trade route leading from the Alpine region and Podunají to the heart of Bohemia that used the valley of the Vltava river as early as the Bronze Age. The original Gothic castle was founded by the Lords of Krumlov, family of Witigonen before 1250. In 1302, their relatives the Rosenbergs inherited the castle and had their seat here till 1602. This period was the greatest era of the town and castle, because the Rosenbergs established a mighty and splendid Renaissance residence with a vibrant cultural and political life. They were followed by the Eggenberg family. Johann Christian I. von Eggenberg developed of farming, building activities and arts, and converted Český Krumlov to an impressive Baroque seat.

In 1719, a new dynasty, the Schwarzenbergs inherited Krumlov. In this period the city and the Castle became European importance because of the enrichment of building innovations, social and cultural life. Towards the end of the 18th century, and especially in the 19th century, the stagnation of art and economy became evident, and after the middle of the 19th century the Český Krumlov Castle lost its role. In 1947, the Schwarzenberg property, including Český Krumlov, was transferred to the Czech provincial properties and in 1950 it became the property of the Czechoslovak State.

In the Castle complex there are forty buildings and palaces, situated around five castle courts and a castle park spanning an area of seven hectares. We can visit here some guided tours, the Castle Theater, Castle Museum and Lapidarium. Those who likes the steps, they can climb up to the colorful Tower, which is the symbol of the town. After the 162 steps the visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the old town and Český Krumlov surroundings. The Castle is the main attraction of the medieval and mystical atmosphere town, Český Krumlov. The town's appearance has been slightly changed since the 18th century and the buildings have been beautifully restored.

In 1992, Český Krumlov was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tábor – Historical Main Squares in the Czech Republic 3.

Location: South Bohemia, about 90 kilometers of Prague.

The old town square of Tábor is one of the most attractive squares in the country. This main square called Žižkovo náměsti, is named after the great military genius Jan Žižka, who was responsible for all the Hussite victories. His statue occupies a prominent place on one side of the square. The main building of the square is the Gotich Dean Church (Děkanský kostel), which dates from the early 16th century, when Tábor become a royal town. The church is situated on the highest point of the town. In the building of the late-Gotich Town Hall is located the Hussite Museum. 

The Žižka Square is encircled with architecturally precious houses, like Škoch House (No. 22.), Lichvic House (No. 5.), Ctibor House (No. 6.). On the central part of the square a Renaissance fountain can be seen. The tower of Dean Church offers spectacular views over the square and the surrounding countryside.

Charles Bridge (Karlův most) - Prague - Technical sights and industrial monuments in the Czech Republic 1.

The Charles Bridge is one of the Prague's finest attractions. This stone bridge is linking the two sides of Prague, the Vltava River flows beneath it. Protected national monument. Its construction started in 1357 in the place of the former Judita bridge originated from the 12^th century, under the auspices of King Charles IV., based on plans by architect Peter Plat. The construction finished in the beginning of the 15^th century, from 16^th to 20^th century completed with a collection of 31 statues and statuaries. The most interesting statue, as well as the oldest, is that of John of Nepomuk. The entrance to Charles Bridge is marked at both ends by towers: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Bridge Tower.

Touristic attractions in the Giant Mountains region 1.

Královtsví water dam

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