About Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is the pearl among towns of South Bohemia. It was built on the rock massif rising above the Vltava river. Its majesty will recall you the history and the fame of families who managed this gem.

Whatever part of the town you will visit, you will be charmed by its antiquity. During a castle tour you will discover stirring destinies of people connected with this place. Listen to those stories about true love, misery and a murder.

Český Krumlov was founded in 1253 by the family of Witigonens (Vítkovci), also known as The Lords of Krumlov. In 1302 Witigonens died out and Rosenbergs (Rožmberkové) became owners of Český Krumlov. Their crest, a five-petalled rose on the green background, has become the part of town’s emblem. Rosenbergs were ruling Č. Krumlov for three centuries until 1602 and they were the people who have given its unique Renaissance spirit as well as the appearance of rich noble residence to the town. Rosenbergs were representatives of the highest aristocracy and they significantly participated in government and nurturing of Czech kingdom. The most famous among Rosenbergs is the last descendant Peter Wok von Rosenberg. He was lover of the Arts and women.

In 1602 Peter Wok von Rosenberg sold the Krumlov castle to the Emperor Rudolf II of Habsburg. For next three years don Julius d’Austria, Rudolf’s illegitimate son, had lived in Český Krumlov. He has been known for his insane mind. In a fit of madness he brutally killed Markéta Pichlerová, a barber’s daughter.

In 1622 Rudolf II gave Český Krumlov to Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg for rendered services. The biggest person of Eggenberg family who had lived in Krumlov was definitely Johann Christian von Eggenberg, who was as well as Peter Wok von Rosenberg great lover of the art and the entertainment. In those days he hosted every day a number of powerful and important people at the castle for whom hunts, balls, concerts and carnivals were organized. Music, opera and ballet belonged to his favourite interest. On the 5th courtyard he had the magnificent baroque theatre built which we recommend you to visit. Imagine Johann Ulrich as your host and exceptional founder of this baroque theatre there.

When the last Eggenberg died the heritage passed to Schwarzenberg’s family possesion. Exactly the new owner of Krumlov was Adam Franz zu Schwarzenberg. It was he who entrusted Josef Lederer to decorate the well known Masqurade Hall with paintings. Schwarzenbergs had managed the Krumlov castle until 1947 when the castle and all the other Schwarzenberg’s property were transferred to state. In 1963 the town was declared as the Town Preserve.

Český Krumlov is among the largest castle complexes in Czech Republic. Since 1992 it has been included onto the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments.

Do not miss the Renaissance Five-petalled Rose festival carried over three days. Come to feel the Renaissance spirit in the streets full of knights, nobles on horses, beautiful ladies, jugglers, clowns, troubadours and the others. This year the festival goes on from 16 to 18 June.