Český Krumlov Castle

Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic is an outstanding example of a small, central European, medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries. It’s a place that is easy to fall in love with, as I certainly did. The town is situated on the banks of the Vltava river and its fortified castle built with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, is the focal point of town.

The Český Krumlov Castle is the second largest in the Czech Republic, second only to the Prague Castle. This exceptional architectural treasure is a fascinating place to explore with a variety of tour options to choose from. Since I was with a group of travel journalists, we got a bit of a hybrid tour, a collection of several tours rolled into one. This opportunity allowed me to obtain a variety of footage for the video below.

Room after room, the sheer opulence of the castle was stunning. The two highlights for me were the masquerade room and the golden chariot. When I saw the Masquerade Room, I marveled at the detail. I was even more impressed when I discovered that Josef Lederer, the painter, managed to complete the decorations in less than six months…without any assistance. The golden chariot gilded in 24-ct gold was built in 1638 and was a present for Pope Urban VIII, who used the Chariot but a single time.

The castle also showcases a theater fit for royalty…it actually ranks as one of the most well preserved Baroque theaters in the world. Contained within the preserved theater building is the auditorium, orchestra pit, stage, stage technology and machinery…including the sound effects.

A pleasant conclusion to the castle tour was a walk through the gardens, with its flower beds, manicured hedges and cascading fountain.