ATTRACTIONS CESKY KRUMLOV REGION

Ceský Krumlov - Attractions Ceský Krumlov

Zlata Koruna
Ceské Budejovice

Zlata Koruna

At Zlata Koruna (Gold Crown) above the Vltava River is located one of the country's best preserved Gothic structures; a Cistercian Monastery, founded in 1263 by Premysl Otakar II to demonstrate his power in the region.

The village's main square is actually built inside the monastery. Originally called the Saintly Crown of Thorns, in later wealthier days the monastery was renamed the Gold Crown (hence the town's name). In 1420 it was damaged by the Hussites, and later restored.

The Monastery Cathedral, completed at the end of the 13th century, is clearly Gothic despite its face lift for literary types, the mostly Gothic frescoed walled complex also houses a Museum of South Bohemian Literature, but equally interesting is the oldest part of the monastery, the vaulted chapterhouse and the Gothic church.

Ceské Budejovice

The city is also known as Budweis; the name in German, used in the 19th century. Ceské Budejovice is famous for its Renaissance and Baroque buildings, for the biggest and one of the most beautiful squares in the Czech Republic and for its local beer: Budvar. This local beer inspired the name of the American Beer Budweiser, but they taste completely different.

The city was founded by the King Premysl Otakar II in 1265. In the 16th century the town underwent a growth period as a result of the powerful economy. The money made from several industries like silver mining, beer brewing and salt trade made it possible to construct all the beautiful Renaissance buildings.

The 30-Year's War (1618 - 1648) and a major fire in 1641 ravaged most of the town, leaving few buildings unscathed. But the Habsburg Empire came to the town's rescue in the 18th century, building baroque-style edifices that stand to this day.

In the 19th century the city underwent another expansion period, when it became the industrial capital of South Bohemia. Nowadays the city has almost 100,000 inhabitants.

The Baroque Town hall was built in 1727-1730 in the place of the old Renaissance Town Hall. It is a colorful building, which shows the good economy and political situation in the 18th century. The 4 statues on top of the building resemble Fairness, Wisdom, Caution and Bravery. In front of the Town Hall is a fountain, which was constructed in 1721 - 1726 to supply the town with water from the river Vltava. Nowadays it only has a decorative purpose.

One of the most distinctive buildings in the town centre is the Black Tower; it was constructed in 1550-1577 and was used as a bell and watch tower.

One other beautiful sight near the city (10 km north) is the Hluboka nad Vltavou castle. This is a monumental romantic chateau; originally a Gothic castle, remodeled in the Baroque style. It underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century when it was remodeled in the English Windsor-style Gothic into the official seat of the Schwarzenberg dynasty. The castle is now a museum.

There are more than 140 rooms and halls rich in collection of pictures (especially Dutch painting), porcelain, tapestries by Badouin von Beveren, weapons, glass, furniture with woodcarvings, hunting trophies and much else besides.

The complex includes a glassed-in winter garden, a riding hall, an English park (190 hectares), and a chapel. Nearby is the Ohrada Zoo, which although quite small, is nicely located on the shores of a lake and provides a very welcome interlude for the whole family after visiting the chateau.