Gumbo was visiting Krumlov Castle in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage medieval city of Český Krumlov. The historic core of Český Krumlov has 300 protected medieval era buildings, but its biggest landmark is its amazing castle complex, the second largest in the Czech Republic (only Prague’s is larger). The puzzle photo focuses on the base of the Castle’s 180 ft tall tower and an adjoining medieval building. Congratulations to Roderick Stimpson who very accurately nailed the location of this photo.
The Castle is not only the town’s most prominent visual landmark, but it’s epicenter. Český Krumlov was built around this castle, founded by the Lords of Krumlov (VÍtkovci family) around 1253 AD. This family was a branch of the powerful Witingonen family, which had a five-petaled rose in its coat-of-arms (which you can see on the small banner in the puzzle photo); the Witingonens were later replaced by the Rosenberg family who inherited the castle and under whose rule the town prospered.
The Castle was built over several centuries and consists of some 40 buildings. As you might expect, its architecture a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It has a beautiful gardens and a popular Baroque Theater whose history dates to the 17th century. Entry to the castle complex is free, but you need to pay for guided tours of the castle, which we took part in and enjoyed. It’s most definitely worth going out of your way to see Krumlov Castle and the town of Český Krumlov.
Hold your mouse over any photo to see its legend.
Cesky Krumlov like many of the cities behind the old “iron Curtain” seem to be frozen in time. I’m glad I visited eastern Europe before the arrival of McRonalds appeared on street corners. The Czech Republic has produced excellent cars for 50 years but was starved of cash by Moscow for many years. But it’s just now become one of the top producers in Europe.
I first visited Cesky Krumlov in 1995, when it was still being restored and the tower repainted, as it had deteriorated during the communist period. I would also advise anyone visiting the area also to see nearby Rozmberk, which is a pretty village with a quite impressive castle, but with far fewer tourists (First 2 pictures).
Prague is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but there is much more to see in the Czech Republic including Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia. I would also recommend a visit to Kutna Hora (impressive cathedral) and Mikulov and nearby castles in the wine-growing region of South Moravia.