“This castle hides one of the only Baroque theatres on Earth still complete with its original 1766 stage machinery and scenery.”
About State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov's castle was founded in the 13th century and expanded over the centuries by the Rosenberg, Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg noble families, who shaped the town below. The Baroque theatre, completed in 1766, survived almost untouched, a rarity in the world. The town and castle, beautifully preserved, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their outstanding medieval and Renaissance character.
The castle and chateau of Cesky Krumlov is one of the most magnificent castle complexes in Central Europe, rising above a tight loop of the Vltava River in a beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance town in the south of the Czech Republic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its painted tower, sprawling grounds and a rare, perfectly preserved Baroque theatre.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its painted tower, sprawling grounds and a rare, perfectly preserved Baroque theatre.
A Baroque Theatre Frozen in Time
The vast castle, second in size in the country only to Prague Castle, grew from the 13th century under powerful noble families who ruled the town. Among its treasures is the Castle Theatre of 1766, one of the very few Baroque theatres in the world to survive complete with its original stage machinery, painted scenery, costumes and lighting equipment, allowing an almost unique glimpse of 18th-century stagecraft. The painted Renaissance tower and tiered gardens crown the river loop.
The Experience
You climb through the castle's courtyards past the colourful painted tower, visit the state rooms and the extraordinary Baroque theatre, and walk the terraced gardens for views over the red rooftops and the river loop. Below, the medieval town's winding lanes, river and squares invite exploration, with rafting on the Vltava in summer. The fairytale setting and the unique theatre make it unforgettable.
Why It Matters
Cesky Krumlov castle is one of the finest castle complexes in Central Europe and the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage town, preserving a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque heritage. Its rare original theatre makes it especially significant for the history of European performance.
Cesky Krumlov castle is one of the finest castle complexes in Central Europe and the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage town, preserving a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque heritage.
Why Visit
A magnificent castle above a river-loop town in the Czech Republic, with a painted tower and one of the world's best-preserved Baroque theatres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
See the rare complete Baroque theatre of 1766.
- 2
Climb the painted Renaissance tower for views.
- 3
Walk the terraced gardens over the river loop.
