Cesky Krumlov – One of Czech’s Oldest Villages
Located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov happens to be one of Czech’s oldest villages – and one of its most beautiful. What it lacks in size and youth, it more than makes up for in charm and personality. Cesky Krumlov is home to a number of fascinating and memorable sites, from an ancient castle to exquisitely designed churches that feature some of the most incredible architectural designs in the world. There’s plenty to see and do in this friendly little town, and it’s definitely a destination for your travel to-do list.
With a long, rich history that dates back to the late 13th century, Cesky Krumlov is probably best known for its “Old Town”. This quaint village features some 300 protected medieval buildings and an awe-inspiring castle complex. The Cesky Krumlov Castle is impressively large in comparison to the size of the town itself. In fact, it’s the second largest castle in the entire Czech Republic. The castle grounds feature a large garden, an extensive bridge, and the castle structure itself, which consists of a variety of parts and sections that date back to several different periods of time. Today, the garden features a beautiful functioning central fountain that was recently reconstructed for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike.
Cesky is the center of cultural richness, and is home to an impressive number of festivals, events and celebrations that are held there throughout the year. One of the most famous and noteworthy is the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, which is celebrated annually in June during the weekend of summer solstice. During this time, the downtown area is transformed to resemble what it looked like in medieval times. Local people dress in traditional garb and participate in ancient activities such as fencing, jousting, historical dancing and folk theatre performances. The end of the festival is marked by an incredible fireworks display that can be seen above the mighty castle.
Cesky Krumlov is also home to the annual International Music Festival, which typically runs from July through August and features music from a variety of international musicians representing a wide range of genres. The event attracts music lovers from across the globe and is widely celebrated as one of the best festivals of its kind in the world. The town is also home to more than a dozen museums and galleries, as well as both historic and modern theatres, including the Castle Baroque theatre, which was built in the 1600’s. With all of this culture, it’s no surprise that Cesky is a favorite among artists, musicians and writers and historians.
During the communist error, Cesky Krumlov sadly fell into disrepair, but its age-old beauty was fortunately restored in the late 1980’s, during what was called the “Velvet Revolution”. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hidden gem among travelers. Surrounded by rolling hills and the flowing Vltava River, its unassuming cobblestone streets make their way through centuries-old homes, friendly inns, and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you busy during your stay.
If history, culture and picturesque scenery are among your travel preferences, a visit to Cesky Krumlov is certain to please. Stroll along the ancient cobblestone streets, canoe the beautiful Vltava River, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along its banks as you bask in your breathtaking surroundings. Friendly locals and unforgettable experiences await you in this charming little town.