Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
parting of the roses
A five-petal rose is not just the distinctive mark of Český
Krumlov and the Rožmberk rulers (literally, “Lords from the
Rose Mountain”). You'll find it, in five-color combinations, all
over South Bohemia.
A medieval legend, depicted inside Český Krumlov's
castle, explains the division of the roses in the following way:
A respected nobleman named Vítek split the property he had
accumulated during his lifetime among five sons. Each son
was also assigned his own coat of arms, all of which shared the
motif of a five-petal rose. The oldest son, Jindřich, received
a golden rose in a blue field, along with the lands of Hradec
and Telč. Vilém received a silver rose in a red field, with the
lands of Landštejn and Třeboň. Smil was given a blue rose in a
golden field, and the lands of Stráž and Bystřice. Vok kept his
father's coat of arms, a red rose in a white field, and became
the lord in Rožmberk and Český Krumlov. Finally, the out-of-
wedlock Sezima had to make do with a black rose and the tiny
land of Ústí.
Over generations, the legend—which is corroborated
by historical sources—served as a constant warning to the
ambitious Rožmberks not to further split up their land. The
Lords from the Rose Mountain were the rare Czech noble
family that, for 300 years, strictly adhered to the principle of
primogeniture (the oldest son gets all, and younger sons are
subservient to him). Unlike Vítek, the patriarch, each succes-
sive ruler of the Rožmberk estates made sure to consolidate
his possessions, handing more to his eldest son than he had
received. As a result, the enterprising Rožmberks grew into
the most powerful family in Bohemia. In 1501, their position as
“first in the country after the king” became law.
a quick look at regional costumes, tools, and traditions. When you
pay, pick up the English translation of the displays (it also includes
a lengthy history of Krumlov). Start on the top floor, where you'll
see a Bronze Age exhibit, old paintings, a glimpse of noble life,
and a look at how the locals rafted lumber from Krumlov all the
way to Vienna (partly via canal). Don't miss the fun-to-study
ceramic model of Český Krumlov in 1800 (note the extravagant
gardens high above the town). The lower floor comes with fine folk
costumes and domestic art (50 Kč, daily 10:00-17:00, July-Aug
until 18:00, Horní 152, tel. 380-711-674).
• Below the museum, a little garden overlook affords a fine castle view.
Immediately across the street, notice the Renaissance facade of...
Hotel Růže:
This former Jesuit college hides a beautiful
courtyard. Pop inside to see a couple of bronze busts that stand
like a shrine to the founders of Czechoslovakia. The one on the
