Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gustav Klimt and an important figure in the Secessionist move-
ment in Vienna, Schiele lived a short life, from 1890-1918. His
cutting-edge lifestyle and harsh art of graphic nudes didn't always
fit the conservative, small-town style of Český Krumlov, but
townsfolk are happy enough today to charge you to see this rela-
tively paltry collection (180 Kč, daily 10:00-18:00, Široká 70, tel.
380-704-011). The Schiele collection in Vienna's Belvedere Palace
is far better.
• From the main square, walk up Radničí street and cross the...
Barber's Bridge (Lazebnicky Most):
This wooden bridge,
decorated with two 19th-century statues, connects the Old Town
and the Castle Town. In the center stands a statue of St. John of
Nepomuk, who's also depicted by a prominent statue on Prague's
Charles Bridge (see page 67). Among other responsibilities, he's
the protector against floods. In the great floods of August 2002,
the angry river submerged the bridge (but removable banisters
minimized the damage). Stains just above the windows of the
adjacent building show how high the water rose.
• After crossing the bridge, hike on up the hill. Your next stop is Krumlov
Castle.
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Krumlov Castle (Krumlovský Zámek)
No Czech town is complete without a castle—and now that the
nobles are gone, their mansions are open to us common folk. The
Krumlov Castle complex includes bear pits, the castle itself, a rare
Baroque theater, and groomed gardens (www.castle.ckrumlov.cz).
Round Tower (Zâmecká Věž)
—T he
strikingly colorful round tower marks the
location of the f irst castle, built here to
guard the medieval river crossing. With its
16th-century Renaissance paint job color-
fully restored, it looks exotic, featuring
fancy astrological decor, terra-cotta sym-
bols of the zodiac, and a fine arcade. Climb
its 162 steps for a great view (30 Kč, daily
9:00-18:00, last entry 17:30).
Bear Pits
—At the site of the cast le
drawbridge, the bear pits hold a family of
European brown bears, as they have since
the Rožmberks added bears to their coat of arms in the 16th cen-
tury to demonstrate their (fake) blood relation to the distinguished
Italian family of Orsini (the name means “bear-like”). Featured on
countless coats of arms, bears have long been totemic animals for
Europeans. Pronouncing the animal's real name was taboo in many
