The Castle
The castle in Krumlov is the second largest in the country, after the Hradcany complex in Prague. It has never been attacked and destroyed, rather it has been almost continuously occupied and remodelled over the centuries, so it remains in remarkable condition. Both the interior and exterior are well preserved, and you can even go into the catecombs under the castle itself.
Bears
As you cross the bridge leading to the first court yard, look down on either side. Three bears live in the moat under the outer walls of the castle. The lords and ladies of Krumlov have long been proud of their bears. As you tour the castle, you’ll see the hides of various inhabitants of the moat over the last four centuries. Currently, there are three bears that are cared for by a fulltime town “medvedar”, or bear keeper. Sometimes the bears hide under the bridge, so a few minutes’ patience may be rewarded with a view of feeding time under the tower.
The Tower
The tower stands on the spot that the first inhabitants probably used to defend themselves from attack. Entrance sometimes includes entry to small exhibitions, and you can see the bells close up. The view from the top of the tower is, of course, stunning. Bring your camera. You can also get a different perspective on the bears from the windows of the passage leading to the tower.
The Court Yards
The ticket center in the first (lowest) courtyard sells tickets to the castle and theater tours, which are priced based on language. They will tell you where and when to gather for your tour.
The castle court yards are decorated with frescoes and graffito. There are various faces, fruits, animals, and scenes of warfare if you look up and around as you walk through. The cannons, and the side view portal halfway up the wooden sloped passage draw lots of picture takers.
The entry to the catecombs is between the second and third courtyard and includes a fantastic sculpture exhibition.
After the three court yards, you stroll along the high stone bridge with its statues and (again) breathtaking views.
Keep going up hill and you’ll find the huge castle gardens.
The Castle Gardens
A large rectangular garden awaits you at the top of the hill behind the castle. The first section features an assembly of statuary in a fountain. Don’t miss the frogs. This is followed by a formal garden with fluer de lilles and topiary.
Then you’ll find the controversial rotating theater. Built during communist times, this tall circular rank of seats completely spins on its axis, so that the audience is shifted to face different scenes. UNESCO has demanded at it be removed, but the locals are fond of it, and have petitioned to keep it where it is. As the matter has continued to be the subject of arguments and ultimatums for several years now, you can confidently reserve advance tickets to performances and enjoy it for yourself.
Continuing on the main path in the middle of the garden, you’ll walk in the shade of stately oak trees until you finally arrive at a large square artificial lake with a small island in the middle.
There is no exit at the far end near the lake, so you’ll have to walk at least half way back again to get out, but you won’t mind a bit. Try one of the side paths, where you stroll between towering hedges stretching away to a point in the distance.
The Baroque Theater
The eighteenth century theater still hosts plays today. It is regarded by many to be one of the finest baroque theater buildings in the world. Viennese painters and carpenters created the unique stage and decorations. You can go on a tour to see the inside. Tickets are available in the first castle court yard.
The Saint Clara Convent
Outside the Castle, dominating Latran is the Saint Clara Convent is part of the 14th century Minorite Monastary building complex. You enter the convent at the end of Klasterni Ulice which conects to Latran. Inside, you’ll find the gardens and the Convent itself which is open for sight seers during the season.
The Town Square
The old town is centered on the square, which was the site of a water well as far back at the twelth century. Today well preserved buildings from the gothic, renaisance and baroque periods completely surround the square. The Plague Tower commemorates the victims of the 1714-1716 bubonic plague.
The town square has the friendly and professional infocentrum, which gives out information about accomodation, services, transport, and any thing else you can imagine.
Special events, such as the Festival of the Five Petaled Rose, are centered here, with a stage and live music.
Eggenberg Brewery
You can’t have an old town without an old beer. The Eggenbergs were among the most powerful nobles to claim Krumlov as their home, and the brewery they established is still in business. A tour with a complimentary beer tasting is available. Ask at the infocentrum on the town square.
Regional Museum
The Museum is located near the top of Horni, near the stone bridge. It displays natural and historic objects from the area, and has an interesting ceramic model of the town. Like most museums in the Czech Republic, it is closed Mondays.
St Vitus Church
Towering over the old town square, this church was built in the 14th century. When it’s bells chime, listen for the underlying harmonics. Vilem of Rozmberk, an important early noble, is buried here. On the far side of the church, you’ll find a romantic and quiet view of the town.
