A Renaissance Jewel in South Bohemia
Český Krumlov Castle is a monumental complex located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. Standing on a massive rock promontory carved by the meandering Vltava River, it overlooks the picturesque Renaissance town below. It is the second largest castle complex in the country, surpassed only by Prague Castle. The entire historic center of Český Krumlov, including the castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional architectural integrity. The town layout has remained virtually unchanged since the 16th century.
A Walk Through History
Founded by the Lords of Krumlov in the 13th century, the castle later passed to the powerful Rosenberg family (Rožmberk), who held it for 300 years (1302–1602). Under their rule, the castle was transformed from a Gothic fortress into a magnificent Renaissance residence. The Rosenbergs were the 'uncrowned kings' of South Bohemia, and their red five-petaled rose emblem can be seen everywhere in the castle and town. It was a time of immense prosperity, artistic development, and political influence. After the Rosenbergs, it was owned by the Habsburgs, the Eggenbergs, and finally the Schwarzenbergs. Each family left its mark, resulting in a fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
The Castle Complex
The complex comprises 40 buildings and palaces, situated around five courtyards and a park. Key highlights include:
- The Castle Tower: The symbol of the town. This round, colorful tower is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It was originally Gothic but was given its current festive appearance in the 1580s by the Italian architect Baldassare Maggi. Visitors can climb the 162 steps for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the town's red roofs and the serpentine river.
- The Masquerade Hall: A Rococo masterpiece painted in 1748 with life-size figures of carnival characters (Harlequins, Columbines, Turks) and aristocrats, creating an illusion of a crowded ball. The paintings are so realistic that they seem to blend with the real visitors in the room. The hall is still used for concerts and balls today, maintaining its original function of entertainment.
- The Cloak Bridge: A spectacular multi-story arched bridge that connects the upper castle with the theatre and gardens. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel, defying gravity as it spans the deep moat. Its name comes from the fortifications (cloak) that used to protect the western side of the castle.
The Baroque Theatre
The jewel of the castle is the Baroque Theatre. Completed in 1766, it is one of the most completely preserved Baroque theatres in the world. Everything is original: the building, the auditorium, the orchestra pit, the stage, the machinery, the costumes, and the scenery. It even retains the original lighting equipment and sound effect machines (like thunder sheets and rain drums). Because of its fragility, it is only used for performances a few times a year and can be visited only on a special guided tour. It offers a rare glimpse into the theatrical magic of the 18th century.
The Bear Moat
A unique tradition at Český Krumlov is the keeping of bears in the moat between the first and second courtyards. Bears have been kept here since the 16th century, likely because the Rosenbergs claimed relation to the noble Italian Orsini family ('Orsa' means bear). Today, the bears—named Maria Theresa, Meyer, and Arnulf—are well-cared for and are a favorite attraction for children. The moat provides a natural habitat for them, and their presence adds a touch of life to the stone fortress. Every Christmas and birthday, the bears are treated to a special feast of fruits and honey.
The Castle Gardens
Beyond the Cloak Bridge lies the vast Baroque castle garden, covering 11 hectares. It features a cascade fountain, a summer house (Bellarie), and a unique Revolving Auditorium. The auditorium, built in the 1950s, allows the audience to rotate inside the open-air theatre, following the action of the play as it moves around the garden. While controversial among heritage preservationists due to its modern intrusion into the historic park, it remains a popular cultural venue. The garden itself is divided into a French formal garden with geometric hedges and an English landscape park with winding paths. It is a peaceful place to relax after exploring the extensive castle interiors.
Visitor Information
Český Krumlov is about 170 km south of Prague and is a popular day trip, though staying overnight allows you to experience the castle after the day-trippers have left. Walking through the courtyards and the garden is free. However, entering the castle interiors, climbing the tower, or visiting the Baroque Theatre requires a ticket. There are two main tour routes: one focusing on the Renaissance and Baroque periods (including the Masquerade Hall) and the other on the 19th-century history of the Schwarzenberg family. In June, the 'Five-Petalled Rose Festival' transforms the town back to the Renaissance era, with costumes, jousting, and historical markets.