Český Krumlov Old Town, map

Český Krumlov: Old Town in a Day or for an Entire Holiday

Whether you choose to visit Český Krumlov’s Old Town in a day or stay for a longer holiday, it will surely captivate you.

Historic Centre

Visiting the historic centre of Český Krumlov is like stepping back in time.

Wander through its streets and immerse yourself in a medieval landscape where all the buildings are perfectly preserved.
The colourful facades, countless small shops, restaurants, and taverns offer Czech culinary specialities, where you can enjoy traditional dishes in a truly picturesque atmosphere.

Get lost in the narrow streets until you reach the heart of the historic centre, Náměstí Svornosti, the old town square. This charming square is surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
St. Vitus Church is another must-see.
The interior of the church is rich in architectural and decorative details.

Český Krumlov hosts various museums and galleries that tell the story of the city and the region, including the Regional Museum, the Egon Schiele Gallery, and the Moldavite Museum.

Is also known for its cultural events, such as the International Music Festival and the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, which bring the city to life with performances, concerts, and historical reenactments.

Visiting the Old Town of Český Krumlov is like taking a journey back in time, immersing oneself in an environment that has preserved its ancient charm.

This Italian ice cream parlour is probably the oldest building in this small town. On the right side, you can still see the remains of the old city walls, of which it was an integral part.

The entire historic centre of the town, including the castle, was declared a national monument in 1989 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

The castle

The castle of Český Krumlov, situated on an elongated rocky promontory, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.
For its architectural and historical value, it is considered one of the most important monuments in Central Europe and represents the second largest historic building in the Czech Republic, after Prague Castle.

Mura del castello

The construction of the castle dates back to the 13th century, initiated by the Witigonen family, a branch of the powerful Rosenberg family.
The latter family significantly contributed to the renovation works that gave the castle its Baroque style and extensions.
The last owners were the Schwarzenbergs.
In 1947, all their properties came under provincial custody, and in 1950, they were nationalised.

Český Krumlov Tours >>>

Within the complex, there are valuable Renaissance and Baroque halls that house artworks from the last five centuries.
Of particular note are the collection of Flemish tapestries and the extensive art gallery.
The Rococo chapel and the large masquerade hall, decorated with illusionistic paintings by Josef Lederer dating from 1748, are equally noteworthy.
The castle also preserves a gilded carriage from 1638, used by Johann Anton I of Eggenberg during an audience with Pope Urban VIII.
In the fifth courtyard is one of the best-preserved Baroque theatres in the world, complete with building, auditorium, orchestra pit, stage, and original scenery.
Some of these attractions can be visited on guided tours.

In the place where the moat once stood, there is an extremely sad “tourist attraction” that houses live bears.

The castle gardens

Continuing the visit of the castle, a visit to its large park is a must.
Here you can admire, in addition to the artfully arranged and well-maintained low hedges, a cascading fountain and a tribune for summer theatrical and musical performances.

Graphite mine

Are you curious to discover the profession of a miner? Then the graphite mine, located not far from the historic centre, is the place for you!

Before starting the tour, you will be provided with boots, a protective helmet, and, for adults, a miner’s lamp.
It is recommended to bring spare socks and warm clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Then, a mining train will take you underground, just as the miners used to travel to work. At the first stop, you will disembark and continue on foot.

During the visit, you will experience firsthand the working conditions of the miners and see the machinery they used.
The guide will explain how graphite was extracted, processed, and the products that were derived from it.
An experience for both young and old.

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