old town in Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov

Český Krumlov (Bohemian Krumlov, Krumau) is a small town in South Bohemia located on the Vltava river. It has population of 14,000 habitants. The town is well known for its historic heritage and architectural masterpieces. It can be proud of its medieval center preserved in better condition than in any other place in the region.

Český Krumlov was founded in the middle of the 13th century on the important trade route that crossed Bohemia. It was first mentioned in 1253 under the name Crhumbenowe, which originates from German words "krumben ouwe" - bumpy meadow. Construction of the castle started in the end of the 13th century.

The buildings and constructions of the old town and castle were mostly built between the 14th and 17th centuries. The architecture belongs to in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The Castle of Český Krumlov, the second biggest in the Czech Republic after the Hradčany castle complex of Prague, attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world. The district surrounding the Castle, which is located on the opposite bank near the horseshoe bend of the river, is named Latrán.

Among the main tourist attractions in Český Krumlov are the Baroque theatre (located in the Castle) where the original stage machinery, scenery and props still remain, a museum dedicated to the famous for his eccentricity Austrian painter Egon Schiele who used to live in the town, the church of St. Vitus dated back to the 15th century.

Since 1989 Czech government has been making its best to preserve and renovate the historic city and make the town one of the best promoted and most interesting tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. In 1992 UNESCO named the old town of Český Krumlov a World Heritage Site.