Skip to main content

Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. Where Gumbo was #68

 WITW 68c

Gumbo was visiting Krumlov Castle in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage medieval city of Český Krumlov.  The historic core of Český Krumlov has 300 protected medieval era buildings, but its biggest landmark is its amazing castle complex, the second largest in the Czech Republic (only Prague's is larger).  The puzzle photo focuses on the base of the Castle's 180 ft tall tower and an adjoining medieval building.  Congratulations to Roderick Stimpson who very accurately nailed the location of this photo.

 

Cesky Krumlov. Town overview including castle and River Vltava


The Castle is not only the town's most prominent visual landmark, but it's epicenter.  Český Krumlov was built around this castle, founded by the Lords of Krumlov (VÍtkovci family) around 1253 AD.  This family was a branch of the powerful Witingonen family, which had a five-petaled rose in its coat-of-arms (which you can see on the small banner in the puzzle photo); the Witingonens were later replaced by the Rosenberg family who inherited the castle and under whose rule the town prospered. 

 

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Tower

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Tower

 

The Castle was built over several centuries and consists of some 40 buildings.  As you might expect, its architecture a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.  It has a beautiful gardens and a popular Baroque Theater whose history dates to the 17th century.   Entry to the castle complex is free, but you need to pay for guided tours of the castle, which we took part in and enjoyed.  It's most definitely worth going out of your way to see Krumlov Castle and the town of Český Krumlov.

 

Hold your mouse over any photo to see its legend.

  

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Tower

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Tower

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Tower

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Garden, fountain

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Garden

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Overpass

Cesky Krumlov. View of town from castle

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Interior courtyard

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Interior courtyard

Cesky Krumlov. Castle Interior courtyard, sundial

 

Attachments

Images (14)
  • WITW 68c
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Town overview including castle and River Vltava
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Tower
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Tower
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Tower
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Tower
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Tower
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Garden, fountain
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Garden
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Overpass
  • Cesky Krumlov.  View of town from castle
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Interior courtyard
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Interior courtyard
  • Cesky Krumlov.  Castle Interior courtyard, sundial

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

Add Comment

Comments (2)

Newest · Oldest · Popular

Cesky Krumlov like many of the cities behind the old "iron Curtain" seem to be frozen in time. I'm glad I visited eastern Europe before the arrival of McRonalds appeared on street corners. The Czech Republic has produced excellent cars for 50 years but was starved of cash by Moscow for many years. But it's just now become one of the top producers in Europe.  

I first visited Cesky Krumlov in 1995, when it was still being restored and the tower repainted, as it had deteriorated during the communist period. I would also advise anyone visiting the area also to see nearby Rozmberk, which is a pretty village with a quite impressive castle, but with far fewer tourists (First 2 pictures).

Prague is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but there is much more to see in the Czech Republic including Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia. I would also recommend a visit to Kutna Hora (impressive cathedral) and Mikulov and nearby castles in the wine-growing region of South Moravia.

IMG_2601

IMG_2614

IMG_5410 Centre of Mikulov 22.06.2013

IMG_5422 Wine farm, South Moravia 22.06.2013

Attachments

Images (4)
  • IMG_2601: Rozmberk Castle
  • IMG_2614: Village of Rozmberk and River Vlatava
  • IMG_5410 Centre of Mikulov 22.06.2013
  • IMG_5422 Wine farm, South Moravia 22.06.2013
Last edited by DrFumblefinger
Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×