Friday, 4 October 2024

In the The city of Český Krumlov, in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic

 The Historic Center of Český Krumlov is a property of high authenticity. Its present form and appearance closely reflect the type of a town linked to the noble residence since the Middle Ages.

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(in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic) The city of Český Krumlov is situated Situated about 15 miles (25 km) southwest of the larger city of České Budějovice; it lies on the Vltava River. The town grew up around a Gothic castle, built on the cliffs above the Vltava by Bohemian nobles in the mid-13th century. In the succeeding centuries, aristocratic occupants, including members of the house of Schwarzenberg, expanded the castle, incorporating Renaissance and Baroque elements and ultimately creating one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe. The medieval character of Český Krumlov has been preserved, and it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992. From the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, the city was populated by a mixture of Czechs and Germans. After the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the Czechoslovak government rejected the German form of the city’s name in favour of the present Czech version, and after WWII the government expelled the German-speaking population Today, tourism is a major economic activity; in addition to hundreds of historic buildings, attractions include local museums, art galleries, theaters and festivals.

+ The Historic Center of Český Krumlov is a great example of a small Central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact, due to its peaceful evolution over more than several centuries. This feudal town, a former center of a large estate owned by powerful noble families who played an important role in the political, economic and cultural history of Central Europe, was founded in the Middle Ages and underwent Renaissance and Baroque transformations. As it remained almost intact, it has retained its street layout, which is typical of planned medieval towns, as well as many historic buildings including their details such as the roof shapes, the decoration of Renaissance and Baroque facades, vaulted spaces, as well as original layouts and interiors.

The castle features Gothic, Late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. It is dominated by the Gothic Hrádek with its round tower; this was subsequently converted into a Baroque residence with the addition of a garden, the Bellaire summer pavilion, a winter riding school, and a unique Baroque theater in 1766. Latrán (a settlement developed to the east) and the town proper contain undisturbed ensembles of burgher houses, the oldest being in High Gothic style. They are notable for their facades, internal layouts, and decorative detail, and especially carved wooden Renaissance ceilings.

+ There are also plenty of lively bars and riverside picnic spots; in summer it is a popular hangout for backpackers though it can be quite a magical place in winter, when the crowds are gone and the castle is blanketed in snow.



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At the Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle), in southeastern Germany

 There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds. --Gilbert K. Chesterton ====================================================...