Czech Castles, Chateaux and Villas

The pretty Český Krumlov Castle is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after the majestic Prague Castle.

Located in southern Bohemia this large complex that consists of forty palaces and buildings, five castle courts, and a seven hectare garden sits high above the whimsical small town of Český Krumlov and the winding Vltava River, keeping a watchful eye on its inhabitants. This is a wonderful place to visit in the Czech Republic – the castle complex is home to various treasures that you can witness on several walking tours where history comes alive. When you first enter the complex you will notice the castle guards in the form of three furry bears that live in the castle moat, protecting their home and fortress. The main tower of the castle is a pretty pastel decorated number that is sure to captivate your imagination; take a slow walk up it's spiral staircase for unforgettable amazing views of the labyrinth-like town below. The tours offered are varied; the first tour concentrates on the royal Rosenberg family and the castle's original interiors from the Renaissance and Baroque time periods – on this tour you can see St. George’s Chapel, Eggenberg Hall and the mysterious Masquerade Hall, complete with a mural that features a colorful and playful masked ball that is exaggerated by the room's mirrors and candles – the effect is memorable. The second tour is about the castle under the ownership of the Schwarzenberg family and includes a tour of the royal family's Portrait Gallery and the corridors of the Cloak Bridge. Perhaps the most intriguing tour is the one that has you exploring the castle's Baroque Theater, which is one of the most complete and preserved Baroque theaters in Europe – the theater, housed in its original building features an auditorium, orchestra pit, stage, machinery, costumes and props. Český Krumlov Castle also features large Baroque formal gardens where you will find a large cascading fountain with stone allegories of the four seasons and water deities, manicured lawns and flowerbeds, a rotating theater, pond and forested area.