Cesky Krumlov - UNESCO WH

Czech Youth Hostel Association

Přístavní 2, 170 00 Praha 7, e-mail: info@czechhostels.com, tel.: +420 220 805 684, fax: +420 220 806 912

Cesky Krumlov

Location

District: Jihocesky kraj
South Bohemia, 180 km far from Prague

The historical town Cesky Krumlov is situated south-west of Ceske Budejovice (within 25 km) lying on the river Vltava.

Transportation

Ceský Krumlov - Praha: by car - cca 2,5 hod, by bus - cca 3,5 hod
Ceský Krumlov - Ceske Budejovice: by car - 20 min, by bus/train - 40 min

History

Cesky Krumlov started to develop from the half of the 13th century around the gothic castle (dates back to 1253). At that time the town was called "Chrumbenowe" and the name was derived from German "Krumme Aue" which means "curved grass-land". Cesky Krumlov is connected with the noble family Rozmberk's. The town is developing rapidly under the reign of William of Rozmberk in the second half of the 16th century. At the beginning of the 17th century the town was taken over by the Habsburk's and from the half of the 18th century it became the permanent residence of the Schwarzenberk's.

In 1963 Cesky Krumlov was declared a historical town reserve and in 1992 Cesky Krumlov was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sights

The castle situated on the steep rocky meander neck by-passed by the river Vltava from the south is the greatest dominant of Cesky Krumlov. The castle rises over the Renaissance and Baroque burgher's architecture of the adjacent town. The premises of the castle is one of the largest in the central Europe. It covers 40 buildings centred around 5 courtyards with unique Baroque theatre from the 18th century. We can find more than 300 historical buildings, e.g. The Church of St. Vitus or The Crosshill Chapel.

Cesky Krumlov is well-known for its unique open air theatre with revolting auditorium and bear's moat in the castle. The town became also the International Cultural Centre of the painter Egon Schiele with the exposition of his original paintings.

Cesky Krumlov has not become only a historical open-air museum, however, it is a living town offering all kinds of entertainment to its visitors. Apart from visiting Sights and museums you can rent a canoe or bike dine out in many beautiful small restaurants or buy nice presents and souvenirs in the local shops. Altogether it makes unique and unforgetable atmopsphere and Cesky Krumlov is a town really worth visiting!