CESKY KRUMLOV INFO . . .

This picturesque town lies in the deep, meandering valley of the Vltava in Southern Bohemia. Cesky Krumlov became the centre of a large estate of the Rožmberk, Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg families.

With it's Old Town almost encircled by the River Vltava, Cesky Krumlov is a jewel of historical architecture in Southern Bohemia. Known as Krumau in German, the name of the town comes from the German for a place on a crooked meadow, and the first written reference to the town in 1253 refers to it as Chrumbenouwe. The Cesky (Czech for Czech) part was added in the 15th century. Lying close to the German and Austrian, the town was always a mix of German and Czech residents, until 1938, when the Germans occupied the area, and then 1945, when the German residents were forced to leave.The year 1302 was to be a major turning point for the town. This was the year that the Rozmberk family of nobility came into possession of the town, and bestowed upon it the benefits only a powerful family could bring. The town received certain privileges, building were built, commerce and culture flourished, and the town grew in importance. The town's architecture still reflects this period of affluence, especially in its Renaissance buildings. In 1494, the town was even granted Royal status. The Latran quarter, which includes the castle, and the inner Old Town, were joined together in 1555 by Vilem of Rozmberk. But this period would come to an end in 1602, when the aging Peter Vok of the Rozmberks was forced to sell off the Cesky Krumlov estate to the Emperor, Rudolph II. This meant that the town was no longer the seat of its overlord, and it fell into the status of backwater again. Soon after, in 1613, the town was taken when troops from nearby Passau in Germany invaded Bohemia, and then, of course, came the Thirty Years' War. The town was occupied first by Imperial forces, then Bavarian, and then in 1648, Swedish, and all the money spent to keep the town from being razed to the ground over the years left it financially ruined. The town passed to the Eggenberk family in 1622, and then to the more powerful Schwarzenberks in 1719, who also made the town their seat. Though the town didn't prosper as much under their rule, but there was still some construction completed. Much of this took place in the castle, which was built into the second largest in Bohemia, behind only that in Prague.

The castle contains five courtyards and features an excellent collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, though some has been moved to nearby Hlobouka castle. Across a bridge that offers a wonderful view of the town is the Rococo Theater, a one of the most well-preserved Baroque theaters in Europe, and then further up are the castle gardens with their revolving, open-air theater.

However, Cesky Krumlov means more than only an exceptional complex of three hundred years of historical buildings. For its visitors the town is also a cultural, congress and tourist centre. The International Music Festival, The Renaissance Music Festival, and theatre performances take place in the chateau garden, there are the summer Festivities of the Cinquefoil Rose, and the Egon Schiele Centre has been founded.

The old medieval town center with its narrow winding streets free of cars is very inviting. The tourist is tempted by stands and stores selling crafts and souvenirs and by indoor and outdoor restaurants.

Cesky Krumlov is the second best-preserved historical town in Bohemia after Prague and is designated as one of UNESCO's World Monuments. Although it was seriously neglected under communism, it is currently being renovated. It was built in the protection of a curve of the Vltava River, which makes almost a complete circle. It was the official residence of the Rosenbergs for 300 years. Situated at the foot of the castle, Cesky Krumlov retains its ancient beauty despite past neglect.