The story of Český Krumlov Castle

After Prague Castle, this is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, spread along a long, steep rocky headland above a bend of the Vltava. The first castle here is recorded in 1253, built by the Vítkovci family, and from 1302 it belonged to the powerful Rosenbergs, who gave it a grand Renaissance makeover under William of Rosenberg.

When the Rosenbergs died out, the emperor gave Krumau to the Eggenbergs, who added Baroque wings and the castle theatre; in 1717 it passed to the Schwarzenbergs. You enter over the bridge across the Bear Moat into the Lower Castle.

On the left is the oldest part, with a thirteenth-century tower and paintings from 1580; climb it for a wonderful view over the town. In the courtyard stands a stone fountain from 1641. Legend says a White Lady haunts the castle, the ghost of Perchta of Rosenberg, whose portrait hangs inside.