Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov
After Prague, Cesky Krumlov is the Czech Republic's second most-visited and popular tourist destination. The entire heart of Cesky Krumlov is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popularly nicknamed "CK" for short and situated in Southern Bohemia, it's referred to as one of the world's most beautiful cities and famous for its uncommon but rapidly endearing fairytale-like appearance. A tour here is like traveling back hundreds of years while you walk along a beautifully preserved maze of avenues packed with many Renaissance houses and structures.
Top tourist attractions range from the enchanting Church of St. Vitus, the Minorite Monastery, museums to intriguing art galleries. Also, the city offers plentiful of other pursuits such as dining at its several excellent restaurants, browsing through shopping centers, hiking the close by Mount Klet to kayaking along the River Vltava.
To enhance your overall experience, review this list of 10 best-rated must-see tourist attractions in Cesky Krumlov. I have left the best one for last.
1) Cesky Krumlov Castle
The vast castle complex, Eastern Europe's biggest, not only dominates the old town but also provides historical insights into the lives of many aristocratic personalities ruling throughout the ages. Despite its roots go back to 1240, a lot of what's observed now was erected in the 17th century such as the Royal Apartments, the Renaissance Hall, chapel of St. George, and the splendid Rosenberg Ballroom.
Do not dare miss viewing significant collections of tapestries, paintings, and superb period furnishings. All said, the whole site comprises 40 structures and palaces, 5 castle courts, and the pleasant 27-acre castle garden.
2) Cesky Krumlov Regional Museum
It showcases fine exhibits regarding the history of the Bohemian region and the city itself. Situated in a previous schoolhouse, worthy highlights range from many archaeological artifacts and displays, folk arts, furnishings, weaponry to some ethnographic exhibits. Others include a large ceramic model of the city built in amazing detail and a great collection of Gothic sculptures.
3) Wax Museum
Cesky Krumlov's wax museum exists in a completely restored Renaissance house. The museum sports several fascinating wax figures dressed in costumes and even situations characteristic of medieval Europe. For example, look for replicas of a medieval tavern, blacksmith's workshop, and a neat re-production of Emperor Rudolf ll's royal courts. In addition, you'll see wax figurines of renowned people of later times.
4) Minorite Monastery
Its construction, one of the city's oldest surviving structures, began back in 14th century and resumed off and on till the Baroque period's end. Yet in operation, it's ideal to visit the monastery during its recitals or religious concerts. Beguine Convent is part of this huge estate. Be sure to notice the elaborately carved entrance, along with a tall early Baroque altar, stunning saintly statues, and some old organs.
In addition, you can participate in any number of interesting workshops that teach skills for shoemaking, glassmaking, tailoring, and blacksmithing.
If there's time left over, check out the monastery gardens. Then, drop by the nearby cafe to treat yourself to a baked dessert created from genuine traditional monastery recipes. You won't be disappointed.
5. Cathedral of St. Vitus
The beautiful 15th-century Cathedral of St. Vitus, which stands beside the castle on top of a promontory, hosts the renowned tower with a clock at the top and 14th-century-stained glass and mosaics by artist Alfons Mucha.
The exterior and interior are equally impressive. It's the best example of Gothic architecture featuring frescoes, the gravestones of Wiihelm von Rosenberg, his third wife Anna Maria, and a 17th century altar. The cathedral is also the final home of several saints, archbishops, kings, and princes.
Today, you can stop by and visit inside the cathedral free of charge when there's no mass taking place at the time. Do remove your caps and hats as you enter.
6. International Music Festival
Attend the Czech Republic's longest running music festival which goes on for around 5 weeks beginning in mid-July. In addition, it's one of the world's few festivals that includes a broad selection of musical genres such as from leading soloists, tenors, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra to international personalities like Maynard Ferugson and Jim Morrison. If you are visiting while the festival is happening, make sure to catch part of it.
7. Moldavite Museum
A long time ago, an incredibly huge meteorite struck the earth in the area of today's modern Germany. The impact proved so powerful that remnants of the moldavite rock broke and spread, flying everywhere and some ending up where Cesky Krumlov stands. The museum not only showcases quite large boulder-sized pieces of moldavite but also presents futuristic interactive displays, brief films, and provides audiovisual sections.
8. Underground Mine
Cesky Krumlov boasts a graphite mine as well as a rich history of conducting mining operations that ranges from graphite to precious minerals and metals.
Just book a guided tour, wear protective gear, and then go underground to begin to understand what 18th century mining might have been like and even how the so-called "graphite rush" of the year 1846 shaped the town significantly.
9. Five Petaled Rose Festival
If you arrive at Cesky Krumlov during the weekend nearest to the summer solstice, more precisely, June 21, you'll see the whole town turned into a medieval wonderland. While musicians and craftsmen bring their instruments and tools to the Old Town's corners, jousters clad in medieval costumes monumentally set the tone for the exciting festivities. Everything from folk theater performances, Middle Age food to fireworks displays only add to the overall experience.
10. Museum of Torture
Although surely not for all people, this museum offers an intriguing overview of the barbaric ways in which law-breakers were abused ruthlessly throughout the centuries. Situated in the old Town Hall's medieval cellars on the main square, this unusual museum showcases over 100 instruments of torture and gruesome artifacts, even an alarming display exhibiting details of the notorious witch burning practices which revealed Europe's prevailing ignorance at the time.
Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Czech Republic
