Sights of Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
According to Health-Beauty-Guides.com, Český Krumlov is without a doubt the most beautiful town in the South Bohemian Region. It is the second largest tourist attraction in the whole of the Czech Republic after Prague. The city, which dates back to the thirteenth century, has its origins in the Krumlov Castle, which was named after the first owner. In the three centuries that followed, Český Krumlov experienced its heyday under the Rosenberg dynasty. After World War II, the city fell into serious decline during the communist era. Almost immediately after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the restoration of the historic city center started, resulting in a beautiful center that has been proudly on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992.
Top 10 things to do in Cesky Krumlov
#1. Castle
The very dominant castle of the historic town of Český Krumlov is definitely worth a visit. Built in the 13th century, this residence of the noble Krumlov family was later renovated and adapted several times. Very special are the bears in their enclosure under the entrance gate of the castle. The spacious castle also has a historical museum with traditional costumes, old objects, coins and furniture, castle gardens, theater, gallery, cellars and a tower. The old beautiful Eggenbergs theater still has the allure as it was once intended. Today, this impressive estate and appurtenances are open to the public. After a reasonable climb of dozens of steps, you have a spectacular view of this old city from the tower. Keep in mind that not everything on the estate is accessible during the winter months.
#2. St. Vitus Church
Another important building of this historic city is the St. Vitus Church. Although the church is not next to the castle, it still towers high above the city. It is located on the Vltava River, which meanders through the city. The church has a fairly austere appearance. It has two chapels, a number of frescoes and an old baroque altar from around 1680. What is special is that the entrance is unusually on the side.
#3. Český Krumlov Regional Museum
At the entrance gate of the town’s castle is the museum of Český Krumlov. In this oldest baroque building in the city, you can learn more about the city itself and its history during a walk through more than 34,000 objects. There are various changing exhibitions to admire, a library and a model of the city.
#4. Museum for architecture and handicrafts
This museum mainly tells about how the building history of the city went. Different periods of history are highlighted. Special are the many reused old parts of houses, doors and windows that have been incorporated into an original in the museum.
#5. Marionette Museum
If you take a walk through the center of Český Krumlov, you will notice how many shops with wooden toys and puppets there are. There are quite a lot of these. There is even a puppet museum. Here you can admire old to very old dolls, some of which are used in performances. You can also see the artistic craftsmanship and the creation of the dolls. Of course it is also possible to purchase a doll here.
#6. Torture Museum
On the beautiful village square of the city is the museum about the torture and objects that were used for it. There are reconstructions of cellars from the 15th century that are decorated to that time. The mysterious history comes to life through wax dolls and sound effects. This is not recommended for small children.
#7. Eggenberg Brewery
The history of the beer brewery goes back as far as the city exists. The brewery was taken over by several influential families, including castle owner Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg. There are various tours that can be booked, including some that include a tasting.
#8. Graphite Mines
It is a very special experience to visit the underground graphite mines of Český Krumlov. Complete with equipment such as a helmet with light and special clothing, you leave by train into the darkness. During the tour you will continue to explore on foot. You get a clear picture of how the miners lived and worked at the time. Time is also spent explaining the processing of this raw material.
#9. Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
The well-known landscape photographer Joseph Seidel has left behind many beautiful snapshots. This striking photographer excelled for his high quality photo and his courage to carry out experiments with, among other things, panoramic photos and the technique for color photos. This was very special around 1900. Much of his work and that of his son František Seidel has been brought together in the Seidel Photo Museum.
#10. Fairytale House
Under the roof of this dollhouse are beautiful showpieces from puppet theaters and the National Museum of Prague. Many famous people from different fairy tales can be found here. There is a real puppet theater where children can learn to use the puppets and maybe put on a small show.
