Cesky Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov Castle dates back to 1240 when the first castle was built by the Witigonen family, the main branch of the powerful Rosenberg family.

By the 17th century the Rosenbergs had died out and the dominion of Krumau was given to Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg by Emperor Ferdinand II and Eggenberg was named Duke of Krumau. After the death of Hans Ulrich's son, Johann Anton I von Eggenberg, the castle was administrated for the period between 1649 and 1664 by his widow Anna Maria.

One of her two sons, Johann Christian I von Eggenberg, was responsible for the Baroque renovations and expansions to the castle including the castle theatre now called the Eggenberg Theatre. When the male line of the Eggenbergs died out in 1717 the castle and duchy passed into the possession of the Schwarzenbergs. In 1947, the Schwarzenberg property, including Český Krumlov, was transferred to the Czech provincial properties and in 1950 it became the property of the Czechoslovak State. The entire area was declared a national monument in 1989 and in 1992 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The castle houses the Český Krumlov Baroque Theatre, which is situated on the castle courtyard. It is one of the world's most completely preserved Baroque theatres with its original theatre building, auditorium, orchestra pit, stage, stage technology, machinery, coulisses (stage curtains), librettos, costumes etc.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Huong Pham (5 months ago)
This charming town has a rich character and is filled with plenty of sights and activities to enjoy. It's a perfect destination for families with children. ?

Dan C (5 months ago)
Absolutely beautiful. Easier to manage and less crowded than Prague. Felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Kids loved strolling the narrow streets, ice cream, funnel cakes, and mirror maze. Highly recommend. Great day trip. Many restaurant options. 6 stars!!!

John M (6 months ago)
Amazing baroque castle that is a must if (when) you visit the Czech Republic, there are 20.000 plus reviews so i am not going to add much of anything to it. That said spend some time in this great town; it is much more than just the castle.

ShawnCZek (6 months ago)
The castle is gorgeous, and the view from the top of the tower is amazing. You can grasp the beauty of the old town and its architecture. However, when it comes to the staff and prices, it is an atrocious place. It has been living of success from the past and is being abused to the maximum. Let's start with tickets. If you want to get only to the top of the tower, you must buy it together with a ticket for the museum of the house of Schwarzenberg. If you are interested in that family, it is a fair deal. But in any other case, you get an expensive ticket for a cheap museum; you have to read everything off a paper as they did not bother to make and put any signs next to the exposition. This makes the entire exhibition (which is quite short) boring. Toilets are a story on its own. They are managed by rude ladies who knock on your door if you take a few minutes for your business. Not mentioning that when I asked for paying by card, I got told off in an unfriendly manner. And yes, you can't pay by card to go to the toilet. This is clearly a tourist place where they just want your money, nothing else. The castle is worth wandering around and seeing from the outside. Otherwise, it is a horrible place and one of the worst experiences I have had.

Shannon E (6 months ago)
Fantastic video from the top of the tower. There’s a small historical museum within, but the best part is the views. I bet it’s amazing to here at sunset!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

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Saint-Émilion Old Town

Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vineyards. The town and surrounding vineyards was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, owing to its long, living history of wine-making, Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.

An oppidum was built on the hill overlooking the present-day city in Gaulish times, before the regions was annexed by Augustus in 27 BC. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.

Because the region was located on the route of the Camino de Santiago, many monasteries and churches were built during the Middle Ages, and in 1199, while under Plantagenet rule, the town was granted full rights.

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