Český Krumlov State Castle and Château
The second-largest castle and chateau complex in the Czech Republic is one of the most significant historic monuments in Central Europe and a veritable textbook of architectural styles. Originally a Gothic castle dating back to the 13th century, it was expanded in the 14th century, remodelled in the Renaissance style under the rule of the Rosenbergs in the 16th century, and subsequently given Baroque and Rococo additions over the following two centuries.
The Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau complex comprises forty buildings and palace structures centred around five castle courtyards and seven hectares of castle gardens. In 1989, it was declared a National Cultural Monument, and in 1992, the entire historic complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Basic tour I.
Original historic castle interiors from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The tour route includes among other room the Castle Chapel of St. George and Masquerade Hall.
Open from 1 April to 31 October, daily except Mondays.
Basic tour II.
The second tour route introduces visitors to the history of the Schwarzenberg family. It begins with a visit to the Schwarzenberg portrait gallery with paintings of the most important members of the family from the 15th to the early 20th century, passes through the original historic interiors from the 1st and 2nd half of the 19th century and ends with a tour of the unique connecting corridors of the shell bridge.
Open from 1 May to 30 September, daily except Mondays.
Castle Baroque Theatre
The Baroque Theatre at Český Krumlov Castle represents the advanced Baroque scene. It is one of the most comprehensively preserved Baroque theatres in the world, with its original theatre building, orchestra pit, stage and machinery, hundreds of theatre costumes and costume accessories, sets and scenic accessories, lighting fixtures, librettos, etc. Thanks to sensitive restoration, the Baroque Theatre has become a unique monument of world importance.
Open from 1 May to 31 October
Castle Museum and Tower
The Castle Museum will take you back to the times of the Lords of Krumlov, the Rožmberks and other important noblemen who lived in Český Krumlov and changed its face over the centuries. There are many valuable exhibits from the castle's depositories. A climb up 162 steps to the observation gallery of the castle tower rewards visitors with a view of the entire town and its surroundings.
Open all year round
Stables and saddlery
The exhibition in the 5th courtyard includes carriages, preserved chaps, halters, smokers, baroque saddles and other parts of equestrian equipment. The most eye-catching artefact is the Schwarzenberg carriage for the coronation of Empress Maria Theresa in Prague, pulled by a ceremoniously dressed six-carriage team. The princely stables were built between 1750 and 1752 to house the half-breeds used by the nobility for rides around the area.
Open in July and August
Bellaria Summer Mansion
A rarely preserved Rococo garden mansion, the only one of its kind in the Czech Republic, underwent extensive renovation between 2023 and 2024. In the underground floor of Bellaria, you can visit a Baroque kitchen and food preparation area with 18th-century lifts. The larger lift allowed food to be transported from the kitchen through three floors to the Upper Hall, while the smaller one, known as the 'magic table,' lifted food to the preparation area and then to the dining room after arrangement. Also of interest is the grotto, whose walls are decorated with stucco, thousands of shell fragments, pieces of glass, and mirrors. The walls of the halls in both upper floors are covered with murals by František Jakub Prokyš from the 18th century.
Baroque Castle Garden
The Baroque garden from the second half of the 17th century is situated on the hill and slope southwest of the castle. It consists of four parts: the terrace of the so-called "Steppe Garden", the terrace of the so-called "Summer Riding Hall" lined with a backdrop of mature lime trees, the Lower parterre with a hint of reconstructed rococo decoration and a cascading fountain, and the Upper Garden with its open garden, music pavilion, rococo Bellarie summerhouse and square castle pond.
Open from 1 April to 31 October
Study Centre
Part of the château complex is the reconstructed building of the Study Centre in the first château courtyard. It offers the possibility of long-term study stays, accommodation, but also facilities for workshops, concerts and other social gatherings.