CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Ceský Krumlov is the second best-preserved historical town in the Czech Republic after Prague, and is designated as one of UNESCO's World Monuments. This picturesque town lies in the deep, meandering valley of the Lava River in Southern Bohemia – 180 km south of Prague near the border with Austria.

Although it may appear to be out-of-the-way today, Ceský Krumlov was situated on the main trading route between Bavaria and Italy, which explains its splendor. This historic town is a fascinating blend of the natural beauty of steep, rocky river banks and monumental medieval buildings. The Castle of Ceský Krumlov, the second biggest in Bohemia, towers proudly above the refined Renaissance and Baroque burgher architecture of the town below. The old town unfolds in a maze of narrow winding streets, centuries-old houses, shops, and taverns. Very famous are also the castle gardens, complete with an open-air theatre and its peculiarity – the revolving auditorium.

However, Ceský Krumlov means more than only an exceptional complex of three hundred years of historical buildings. For its visitors the town is also a cultural, social, and tourist center. Every year Ceský Krumlov hosts a number of international music festivals, art exhibitions, and the history-scented Five-leafed Rose Festival. The city is also the home of the Egon Schiele Centre.

POINTS OF INTEREST

The State Castle of Ceský Krumlov, with its architectural standard, cultural tradition, and expanse, ranks among the most important historic sights in the central European region. Building development from the 14th to 19th centuries is well-preserved in the original groundplan layout, material structure, interior installation and architectural detail.

At the present time the District Museum of National History administers 25 500 registered items of the collection fund, i.e. over 36,000 objects.

St.Vitus Church - The landmark castle tower symbolizes the secular ruling power and the region of its influence; the church tower of St. Vitus then personifies the might of the holy Christendom which from medieval times functioned both as a counterpart and complement of the wordly powers. The church shares with the castle the promontory created by the river Vltava, thus creating an impressive architectural feature that characterizes the town.

The Egon Schiele Art Centre is a picture gallery housed in the former municipal brewery, displaying watercolours and drawings by Egon Schiele, documents related to his life and work, and hosting international travelling exhibitions of classical and contemporary art.