Czesky Krumlov

Czesky Krumlov
(Český Krumlov)


The lovely Český Krumlov was founded in the 13th Century in southern Bohemia on the Vltava River (the same river Prague is on). Its Renaissance-style castle (on the left) is second only to Prague Castle in the Czech Republic.		Český Krumlov was the seat of the powerful Rosenberg, Eggenberg, and Schwarzenberg families. An interesting touch: The castle moat houses a collection of bears.


The castle is built on a rock outcropping overlooking the river.		A wide-angle shot from below.


Castles don't get any prettier than this. Distinctly Renaissance.		Twilight on the castle grounds.


The castle at night.		A quiet corner of the castle grounds.


These shots were taken in mid March. While chilly, we were able to enjoy an espresso outdoors in a protected alcove.		It's hard to not find a dramatic shot!


The castle tower has a very different look in the evening light.		The tower dominates the town.


Český Krumlov is the home of one of the Czech Republic's famous beers, Eggenberg. A brewery tour is a must.		An open fermentation vat. Have you ever smelled beer fermenting? It's not pleasant.


Beer straight from the fermentation vats. Would you believe this is an honors student? His mother would be so proud.		The town archivist, who was pressed into service by the mayor to be our guide at the brewery. He was so good, some of us talked him into giving us a tour of the town.


A copper brew vat.		In the center of town is this large square with buildings that illustrate elements of styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance.


The large archways are Gothic, as in the white building at the right. These details are original -- thus the buildings date back to the 13th Century.		There's nothing like a river to add charm to a medieval town. Saint Vitus Church is a major monument in this town. Built in the 15th Century, it is clearly Gothic in style, with a Neo-Gothic (19th Century) spire.


I have a thing for red-clay roofs, as well.		The yellow building on the right is probably from around the 14th Century. Note the typical Gothic arches on the ground level and the decorative building blocks.


This colorful chap lures customers into a shop. Better than a plastic sign.		European merchants just seem to be more creative than our own. The words at the top mean "Heavenly Pastures." What a "horor bar" is is anyone's guess.


These details add so much.		I suppose this was once a town gate.


Rooftop view showing the surrounding hills. Note how the Saint Vitus Church dominates the scene.		These Czech towns are so colorful.

Gothic to Renaissance

Český Krumlov was established during the 13th Century, when the Gothic style was in vogue. Thus, we see a lot of Gothic architectural elements, such as large arches and the distinctive building blocks below. These building blocks take on Renaissance details as that architectural period develops.


Blocks such as these, which are without decoration, were used in the Gothic period. Thus, this building probably dates back to the 14th Century.		Builders later started decorating the blocks, starting with simple geometric designs, characteristic of early Renaissance. This is probably from the mid-15th Century.


Later still, the designs started to get more intricate. This is probably from the late 15th Century.		This building demonstrates the use of the archway and decorative building blocks. Notice that you can see from the blocks that the portion of the building on the left was early, while the portion with the archway was a later, Renaissance addition.

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Maintained by William N. Trumbull. Updated 9/1/05