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.
