Originally, regarding the renowned town of Český Krumlov
We didn't have overly high expectations, assuming it might be very touristy.
Therefore, we only arranged one night as an intermediate rest stop on our way from Prague to Salzburg.
However, when we see the picturesque little town embraced by the Vltava River, emitting a warm and charming glow under the night sky
Our hearts were instantly captured 😍
The level of affection Taiwanese people have for CK Town far exceeded my expectations 😲
The familiar and friendly Taiwanese accent always surrounds my ears during my travels.
However, it also instantly added a sense of familiarity to the journey.
🗺️ Český Krumlov Official Map
The entire town area is small and can be easily explored on foot.
Fortunately, I visited in winter, so it wasn't as crowded as during peak season.
The whole town is filled with unique and personalized shops.
The Christmas reindeer are soliciting business, making me want to go in for a drink.
In a small, cozy Christmas market, sniffing the scent of mulled wine
We only have 63 CZK cash in our pockets, we can't afford a drink 😂
Strolling through the market feels very comfortable and relaxed.
Český Krumlov Castle 📍State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov
In Český Krumlov, the most captivating thing is doubtless the massive castle complex, which is the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, after Prague.
🎟️ Castle Visit: Guided Tour vs. Self-Guided Options
To thoroughly visit the castle, there are two payment options:
| Mode | Attraction Name | Do you need a tour guide? | Visit elasticity |
| Free admission | Castle Museum | 否 | You can stroll at your own pace and on your own schedule. |
| 2. Painted Tower | 否 | Tickets to ascend the tower can be purchased at any time, with no time restrictions. | |
| Guided tour | Route 1, Route 2 (Noble Apartments) | 是 | You must follow the guide and enter at fixed times and sessions. |
| Baroque Theatre | 是 | You must follow the guide and enter at fixed times and sessions. |
The guided tour of the castle's interior highlights (Noble Apartments, Theatre) is generally open only from April to October.
If you visit in winter, you can choose to visit freelyPainted Tower and Museumand free admission to all courtyards and cloister walks
Computer Český Krumlov Castle Official Website
Sgraffito
At first, I really didn't notice!
Especially since our first visit to the castle was at night, it was a real surprise.
Window frames, stone carvings, and brick patterns on castle walls
It looks so three-dimensional and lifelike, making one think it's exquisitely crafted.
Only when I got closer and looked carefully did I realize it was all painted!
This was popular during the Renaissance. Sgraffito techniques, making the architecture perform a brilliant visual magic trick
Scratch coating is an affordable alternative for high-end walls, mainly used to imitate the effect of expensive and labor-intensive stonework (such as brick or ashlar).
Apply two layers of different colored plaster to the wall, then scrape off the top layer to reveal the underlying color, creating three-dimensional bricks or sculptures.
Painted PagodaČeský Krumlov Castle Tower
especially among the castles, the one that towered into the cloudsPainted Pagoda(Castle Tower) is also a representative of sgraffito art.
It mixes Gothic and Renaissance styles, and it looks quite exquisite.
The living coat of arms of the Rosenberg family:Castle bear
At Český Krumlov Castle, there's a charming and unique tradition: keeping bears in the moat.
According to legend, the House of Rosenberg is related by blood to the Orsini family of Italy.
The name "Orsini" in Italian has roots related to "bear" (Orso).
To highlight the nobility and heritage of their family lineage, the Rosenberg family began raising bears in the castle's moat.
As a living symbol of their family crest and status to this day, in the moat at the castle entrance
You can still see these furry "guardians," but we didn't see any bears when we visited.
🌉 Cloak Bridge: A Lifeline Connecting History and Art
The Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) is the most striking feature of the castle's silhouette.
This three-tiered arched bridge spanning the deep valley offers more than just a scenic view:
- It's an elevated walkway inside the castle, connecting the core administrative residential area to the other end.Baroque Theatreand garden.
- It ensured that nobles could move from their sleeping quarters to the theater or gardens safely and discreetly.
Although the Cloak Bridge has three levels, the uppermost and lowermost corridors were once passages exclusively for nobles.
Only the open-air corridor on the middle level is open to general tourists.
This floor is also the best platform for shooting panoramic views of the classic town.
🎭 Baroque Theatre: A Stage Where Time Stands Still
Across the Cloak Bridge lies one of the castle's most precious treasures:Baroque Theatre Baroque Theatre
It is one of the few surviving pure Baroque theaters in the world and is hailed as a "living fossil."
The most astonishing aspect of the theater is that it has completely preserved the original 18th-century wooden stage machinery.
The theater houses a collection of over 13 complete sets, hundreds of props, and costumes.
These are made of wood and canvas and depict various themes such as forests, cities, and seaports, showcasing the theatrical aesthetics of the Baroque era.
Conclusion
Since we are visiting in winter and our itinerary is plannedToo hasty(Only the time of "half evening, early morning")
This left us with insufficient time to explore the castle's interior in depth, and we also missed the opportunity to linger in those unique shops.
We feel quite regretful and hope to have the opportunity to visit again in better weather 😭
