Cesky Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov Castle dates back to 1240 when the first castle was built by the Witigonen family, the main branch of the powerful Rosenberg family.

By the 17th century the Rosenbergs had died out and the dominion of Krumau was given to Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg by Emperor Ferdinand II and Eggenberg was named Duke of Krumau. After the death of Hans Ulrich's son, Johann Anton I von Eggenberg, the castle was administrated for the period between 1649 and 1664 by his widow Anna Maria.

One of her two sons, Johann Christian I von Eggenberg, was responsible for the Baroque renovations and expansions to the castle including the castle theatre now called the Eggenberg Theatre. When the male line of the Eggenbergs died out in 1717 the castle and duchy passed into the possession of the Schwarzenbergs. In 1947, the Schwarzenberg property, including Český Krumlov, was transferred to the Czech provincial properties and in 1950 it became the property of the Czechoslovak State. The entire area was declared a national monument in 1989 and in 1992 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The castle houses the Český Krumlov Baroque Theatre, which is situated on the castle courtyard. It is one of the world's most completely preserved Baroque theatres with its original theatre building, auditorium, orchestra pit, stage, stage technology, machinery, coulisses (stage curtains), librettos, costumes etc.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

J.David Hwang (2 months ago)
A fabulous fairytale castle like a paradise. Came here second time in 2017 and still want to visit again. Gorgeous views with magnificent architecture to let you feel like you are in 15 or 16 centuries. A must visit (at least once) spot in East Europe in our life time.

Jean V. (5 months ago)
The tower is a really nice place, however staff isn’t polite (got ignored at the ticket store, as well as it really looks like they don’t like their job..). The museum is also quite small (4 rooms), not worth it. a disapointment.

Michał Hellwing (5 months ago)
The castle, the tower, the landscapes and a city itself is just amazing. Breathtaking. The amount of staff in museum is also interesting and worth to recommend. In fact that was one of the best museums placed in a castle that I've seen so far. This place should have 5 stars. However! It's XXI century! Can someone explain to me what on earth are you guys doing with this bear, closed on a small run, almost without daytime sun? Is it really necessary to torture an animal just to please small people? Shame on you.

Steve Dyke (8 months ago)
Lovely place to visit and very friendly locals i could have stayed longer

Danijela Stamenkovic (9 months ago)
Go and hear a fairy tale,you would love to move there

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In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

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