Krumlov Castle, Czech Republic: description, history, sights and interesting facts

In the very south of the Czech Republic lies the picturesque town of Český Krumlov, which is famous far beyond the country for its unusually beautiful castle. The city attracts admirers of music festivals and fans of outdoor activities. They like to be married and romantic couples.

Český Krumlov is a small ancient authentic town that can be reached in a few minutes. It is under the protection of UNESCO and is well deservedly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Despite the small size and not very convenient location of the sights, an excursion to Krumlov Castle (Czech Republic) is very attractive for foreigners. In this article we will tell you about this amazing place.

Description of the city

Almost all tourists who come to the Czech Republic visit Krumlov Castle (Cesky Krumlov). A small, like a fairytale town located in South Bohemia, 170 km from Prague, on the banks of the Vltava. Its historical center is a large pedestrian zone, which has hardly changed since the XVIII century. Krumlov is famous for its unique sights: the ancient city square, the castle complex.

The old part of the city was erected around the castle, which for its long history was replaced by several owners. During the reign of the Communists, the city came to a complete decline and desolation and tourists were almost never visited. Revived Krumlov Castle after the velvet revolution and regime change. Very soon it became one of the most popular and visited tourist objects of the country.

Krumlov Castle: history

The construction of the castle and the city began almost simultaneously. The castle was founded by a representative of the ancient feudal family of Vitkovich. The founder of the unique structure is considered to be Witek II. It was first mentioned in the annals of 1240. In 1253, it was carried out a large-scale reconstruction. In 1274 the suburbs surrounding the castle were united. So the city of Český Krumlov appeared.

The castle became the residence of the numerous and powerful family of the Witkowicz. During their reign, the Castle Tower and the Hradek Palace were built. These buildings are still the main sights of Cesky Krumlov, despite the appearance of later changes in the Renaissance style.

In the early 14th century, the town and the castle (Cesky Krumlov) became the property of the Rožmberk family. Here was founded a family residence, which the ancient family owned for three centuries. A red rose on a silver background became the coat of arms of the family. At Rožmberká, the gothic appearance of the castle was changed. It features elements of Renaissance architecture.

During this period, the territory of the castle expanded considerably: new estates were added to it. At about the same time, bears were placed in the moat of the castle. Interestingly, even today in the Bear moat live brown giants, continuing the four-hundred-year tradition.

The last owner of the castle of the Rožmberk family, due to debts, sold it at the beginning of the 17th century to Emperor Rudolf II, but already in the middle of the 17th century the castle and the city moved to the new owners - the Eggenberg family. During their reign Krumlov Castle (Cesky Krumlov) was rebuilt in the style of rococo. And this was not the last reconstruction.

And at the end of the XVIII century Krumlov Castle once again acquired new owners. They are representatives of the Schwarzenberg family. They belong to the tradition of holding luxurious palace balls in the Masquerade Hall. With the Schwarzenbergs, the Summer Palace was built in the Castle Garden. But the most important achievement of the Schwarzenbergs was the restoration of the unique baroque theater, which was built at the time of the Eggenbergs and in which original decorations and interiors still exist.

At the end of the XIX century Krumlov Castle (Cesky Krumlov) lost its importance of the patrimonial residence. Some of its facilities have become accessible to tourists, and in the middle of the last century the castle and the bulk of the property of the Schwarzenbergs passed to the state.

Cesky Krumlov: attractions of the castle

The complex, which occupies an area of more than ten hectares, consists of a castle and a garden, which is connected to the rest of the territory by a wide bridge over the cleft in the rock. The castle has five courtyards with palatial and economic buildings, which were erected in different epochs and, accordingly, executed in different architectural styles.

The central entrance is on Latran Street. Passing the Red Gate, tourists enter the first courtyard, where today there is an information tourist center and souvenir shops. Approaching the castle, the guests cross the Bear moat, where brown bears of Cesky Krumlov walk leisurely. An ancient castle has a new kind tradition - all those who wish can put a few coins in a piggy bank located at the moat. These donations go for the maintenance of bears, which look well-groomed and well-groomed.

Castle Tower

Krumlov Castle (Cesky Krumlov Castle) has many interesting sights. One of them was the Castle Tower, which turned into a symbol of this city. The tower was built in the XIII century, and at the end of the XVI century it was reconstructed and rebuilt in the Renaissance style. In the course of these works, its facades were adorned with magnificent paintings of Bartholomew Beranek. Until now, its fragments have been preserved, which were carefully restored at the end of the 20th century.

Inside the tower you can wander through the mysterious underground, climb the spiral staircase, enjoy an amazing view of Cesky Krumlov from the gallery and see the bells of the XV and XVII centuries.

Baroque Theater

This is one of the first baroque theaters in Europe and one of the main attractions of the castle. It was built at the end of the 17th century and has survived to the present day in almost its original form: theatrical scenery, actors' costumes, props and even a huge archive of repertoire.

The auditorium with artificial lighting simulates a twilight. The dome is painted with pictures of the night and day sky with gods and mythical characters. Above the shops for ordinary citizens hangs a balcony. Here the comfortable places could only occupy the nobility. Nearby is a separate princely bed.

Under the stage is the machine room. From here, the curtain and the curtain are controlled. Orchestra pit is built for two groups of orchestra, which are located face to face. Some musicians played for actors of the palace theater, others for spectators. In 1966, theater buildings and inventory came to an emergency condition and in connection with this, restoration work began, which continues today. The restoration process is now completed by 95%, so tourists visit the Baroque theater, which is now used as a museum.

On the stage of this theater, performances can be seen only three times a year. Moreover, each production turns into a real holiday, which causes great interest of the audience. Just see this castle attraction can only be a part of the excursion group.

Floating bridge

This building was built in the late 18th century. He replaced the former, broken-down wooden bridge. Several floors rest on huge stone pillars, which are decorated with sculptures. The bridge connects the residential part of the castle with the theaters and the garden with transitions.

Castle Garden

It appeared on the territory of the complex in the XVII century. In the beginning Krumlov Castle decorated the garden in the Baroque style, then it acquired characteristic features of the Rococo style, and already in the XIX century it acquired its present form of the classical English park.

True, in recent years much work has been done to return the garden to the garden in the rococo style. The dominant of the garden is a magnificent cascading fountain, the construction of which was completed in the 18th century. The fountain is decorated with baroque statues of gods and goddesses, sculptures that symbolize the seasons. All these sculptures are copies, and the originals can be seen in the Castle Lapidary.

Summer Palace

Krumlov Castle is famous for another remarkable structure. The summer palace, distinguished by its refined architecture, was built in the middle of the XVIII century in the Rococo style. The interiors of the palace are decorated with exquisite stucco and unique frescoes.

Otacive hlediste auditorium

The rotating unique auditorium was built in the middle of the last century by the famous scenographer Joan Brems. Today the hall seats six hundred and forty-four spectators. The scene of this open-air theater is the Castle Garden. There are musical and dramatic performances, ballets. Representations here suit only in the spring and summer.

Recently, this auditorium causes a lot of controversy between his admirers and opponents who believe that the hall does not correspond to the ancient Castle Garden from an aesthetic point of view, and his supporters claim that its uniqueness enhances the magical atmosphere of the castle's night garden.

The magnificent complex of Krumlov can be viewed for free. Tickets are only needed for an inspection of the Baroque theater, the Castle Tower and the interiors of the castle.