Český Krumlov is located in the south-west of the Czech Republic, in the region of South Bohemia. This fabulous Czech town is renowned for its medieval churches, castles and a variety of recreational activities in the riverside area. Here is a short summary of the best sights in Cesky Krumlov to see when visiting the city.
Krumlov Castle
The huge architectural ensemble of Cesky Krumlov rises above the ancient city and invites visitors to plunge into the atmosphere of the life of the medieval aristocracy that ruled Bohemia for centuries. The history of the construction of the castle goes back to 1240 years.
However, much of what visitors see today dates back to the 17th century, including the beautiful Rosenberg Masquerade Hall, the marvelous chapel of St. George, the Renaissance rooms and the royal chambers. Another striking attraction of the castle is the magnificent Baroque theater, built in 1682.
The operating stage equipment and old theatrical props of the 18th century are still preserved here. The Krumlov architectural ensemble, consisting of 40 buildings and castles, five courtyards, and a park, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors have the opportunity to see a range of valuable collections of paintings, tapestries and exquisite antique furniture.
Address: Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, Chateau, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
St. Vitus Church
This is another building overlooking the cityscape of Cesky Krumlov – the Roman Catholic Church of St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest of the old city cathedrals. Its origins date back to the 13th century – it was built on the site of the first wooden parish church.
In addition to its peculiar construction, the church stands out for its stunning facade, a 19th century spire and an incredibly high roof (it is impressive not only from the outside, but also from the inside – if you look at it from the richly decorated nave). The church is also notable for the fact that it is the burial place of members of the influential dynasties of Bohemia, including the Rosenbergs and Schwarzenbergs. You will have an unforgettable experience if you are lucky enough to enter the cathedral during classical music concerts.
Address: Kostel svatého Víta, Kostelní, Чески-Крумлов, Чехия.
Egon Schiele Art Center
Works of art are everywhere – you can see them just walking along the old streets of Cesky Krumlov. The city is famous for its frescoes – traditional wall paintings with a long history. It also houses the Egon Schiele Art Center, founded in 1993.
It is a large private gallery, and its temporary exhibitions often include works by renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Another feature of the gallery is the permanent exhibition of works by the Viennese artist Egon Schiele, as well as exhibits on display related to the artist’s life and the time he spent in Cesky Krumlov. The premises of the art center regularly host conferences, seminars and concerts.
Address: Egon Schiele Art Centrum, Široká, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Minorite monastery
This is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Cesky Krumlov. Its construction began in the middle of the 14th century and continued until the end of the Baroque era. An indelible impression is made by visiting the monastery while performing chamber church music and reading prayers dedicated to significant religious holidays.
One of the most interesting features of this monastery complex is the harmonious combination of different architectural styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Other attractions include the gateway, decorated with intricate carvings; beautiful statues of saints; a high early baroque altar and several old organs.
Address: Minorite Monastery, Latrán 50, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Museum-Estate “Seidel Photo Studio”
This attraction will interest those who are fond of photography. Using the example of exhibits, the museum traces the history of the development of photography, starting from its origins in the 19th century. It is housed in the studios of two generations of Seidel photographers – Josef and his son František.
The museum exposition provides a wealth of information about the early stages of the development of European photography, numerous historical photographs and postcards, glass negatives, as well as many old artifacts, including cameras and darkroom equipment. In addition, the display of the estate museum includes personal artifacts, belongings and original furniture from the Seidel dynasty of photographers.
Address: Seidel Fotoatelier Museum, Linecká, Plešivec, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Puppet museum
The best of the city’s two museums dedicated to the art of puppetry and marionettes. It is a branch of the National Puppet Theater in Prague and is located in the building of the former St. Yoshta.
The museum exhibits all varieties of Czech puppets and puppets that have been used in theater performances for centuries. In addition, ancient decorations and stage props can be seen here.
Address: Marionette Museum, No.6, Latrán, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Museum of local lore
This small museum displays works of artisans from the Sumava region; exhibitions devoted to archeology, history and fine arts; as well as pieces of furniture and weapons. Of particular interest is the huge, unique model of the historical center of Cesky Krumlov from 1800, which occupies an entire hall.
There is a green grassy area not far from the museum, which offers a stunning view of the castle.
Address: Regional Museum in Český Krumlov, Horní, -ески-Крумлов, Чехия.
Concord square
Concorde Square is located in the very center of the old city. The main attractions of the square are the 16th century Town Hall and the Mariana Plague Column dating from 1716. Here you can also see several beautiful buildings decorated with rich stucco and painting.
Address: Namesti Svornosti, 381 01 Cesky Krumlov Czech Republic.
Graphite mine
This mine is located 1.5 km northwest of the city center. Visitors are given the opportunity to ride 2 km in a special carriage through the underground workings of the last, recently abandoned graphite mine in the Czech Republic.
Address: Grafitový důl, Chvalšinská, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Cultural Center Synagogue
The restored Cesky Krumlov synagogue was built in 1909. This neo-Gothic architectural building with Art Nouveau elements survived the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. Shortly after the war, American soldiers began to use the building as a Christian church. Various photography exhibitions are currently held here.
Address: Synagoga Český Krumlov – Cafe Synagoga, Za Soudem, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
The Wax Museum
This museum is housed in a completely renovated historic Renaissance building. Here you can see many interesting wax figures that appear in costumes and genre scenes typical of medieval Europe.
You can visit an old blacksmith’s workshop, an alchemist’s shop, a medieval tavern, as well as see beautifully recreated scenes from the life of the royal court under Emperor Rudolf II. In addition, the museum displays wax figures of famous people of the 20th and 21st centuries, including rock stars, movie stars, and members of royal families.
Address: Museum of Torture, Náměstí Svornosti, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Torture museum
This museum is clearly not for the faint of heart (and squeamish) visitors. It is located in the main square, in the medieval cellars of the old Town Hall. In the dark halls of the museum, there are more than 100 eerie exhibits – devices with the help of which criminals, and sometimes mistakenly convicted people, have been cruelly tortured for centuries.
Here you can also see a frightening exhibition that recreates the details of the terrible ritual of burning witches.
Address: The Museum of Torture, cnr, nám. Svornosti, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Mount Klet
In the vicinity of Český Krumlov, there is the Kle mountain with a height of 1084 m. If you want to escape from excursions in the historic Old Town, make a fascinating ascent to this mountain. You can get to the top on foot, following a serpentine road, or on a chairlift.
Not far from the summit there is an observatory, and at the very top is the Josef Tower, built in 1885. Now it is used as an observation deck from which a beautiful panorama of the Alps opens up. Mount Klet is a protected area, so descending on foot is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna.
Address: Kleť, 381 01 Kájov, Czech Republic.
