Český Krumlov

On my trip to WordCamp Europe, via Prague, I got to go on a tour to Český Krumlov. It was fantastic!

Český Krumlov is a town to the South-West of Czech Republic, which is famous for its castle. The castle began being built by the Lords of Krumlov in 1253, giving the oldest parts of the complex a gothic style. It was taken over by the Rosenberg family in the 14th Century, who added their renaissance flare. Later the castle was taken over by the Eggenberg family (of Czech beer fame) and they brought a Baroque style to portions of the castle.

The tour involved a bus trip from Prague to CK; about two and a half hours. During the ride in and out of Prague we got the see and hear about the history of Prague, and on the way to the castle, we were told about the history of the Czech Republic(s). It was very interesting, and I’m so glad I got to go… I snagged the last seat on the bus right before it was going to leave!

The Palace

Towards the end of our trip, we were given a tour of the palace building. It turns out castles are large complexes of multiple buildings, with just one part of it being the royal residence (palace). I suppose I could have gleaned that from television, but actually, I had no idea; we don’t have castles in our baby country (a mere two centuries old, of western residents anyway). We were not allowed to take photos inside the palace, so I found a few online.

Other people’s photos

Chapel in Cesky Krumlov palace (image from visitceskykrumlov.cz)

Anteroom to Eggenberg hall containing golden carriage, image from visitceskykrumlov.cz

Baroque-style masquerade hall, image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

The wallpaper and chairs in this room are amazing! Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

Bedroom of Princess Eleanor Amalie Schwarzenberg, photo by: Archiv Vydavatelství MCU s.r.o., from visitceskykrumlov.cz

I loved this baroque-cross-oriental cabinet room. Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

Portable organ and rug in a renaissance-style hall. Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

Detail from Masquerade Hall: the one looking in the mirror is one of the artists. Image from flyicarusfly.com

I wish I could find a better photo of these gorgeous carved wooden ceilings! Image from yogoyo.com

Nobody paints walls like that anymore! Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

I want that fabric for my dining chairs! Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

Tea, please! Image from zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu

A favourite place

People have been asking me what my highlights on the trip were, and as I think about it, Český Krumlov was one. I love how the different time periods come through in the buildings and decor of this place.

My photos

Building across the road from the castle’s driveway

That’s a sundial

Was expecting to see a didgeridoo? in the Czech Republic!

Check out the real and painted stonework on those buildings

There’s a bear!

The stone-work on the palace is painted on! Apparently a renaissance thing.

A painted window

A real window

A sneaky shot out the window of the palace

Path leading away from the castle

A couple of the buildings at across the road from the castle