Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is set on a winding stretch of the Vltava River. It is a gorgeous, small medieval town in the southern Czech Republic, not far from the Sumava Hills and the border with Austria. Its magnificent Gothic castle was built in the thirteenth century, and revamped as a Renaissance chateau in the sixteenth century.

The chateau stands on the west bank of the river, opposite the old town center, and is entered through the Red Gate. Crossing a bridge over a moated bearpit you reach the oldest part of the castle, which has round towers and Renaissance frescoes. The complex is so large, with more than 40 separate buildings, that there are three separate tours.

The tours include the older, Renaissance rooms, as well as the Masquerade Hall with its superb eighteenth-century murals. You can learn about the history of those who lived here: the Rosenberg family, who ruled the town for 300 years from 1302 and were followed by the Eggenbergs, and finally the Schwarzenbergs, who lived here from 1719 until 1945. You will see the extraordinary Rococo theatre, complete with original scenery and props - a Baroque opera is performed here once a year. Among the highlights are the seventeenth-century coach, made of 24-carat gold and only used once, and the Rococo marble Chapel of St George. The beautiful gardens are also well worth exploring.

The pretty old town center lies within a horseshoe bend of the river and dates from between the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries, and is in an excellent state of preservation.

To get to Cesky Krumlov, travel by train or bus from Prague.