Picture above: panoramic view of Cesky Krumlov and Vltava River, from a lookout point past the Castle Gardens.
Besides its Cesky Krumlov Castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Cesky Krumlov is also known for its fairytale-esque cityscape. This medieval town is infused with a relaxing ambience of Czech expression for Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
Picture above: entrance to the town
Picture above: the famous Cesky Krumlov Castle Tower
Upon a close-up look at the Castle Tower, you can easily spot the trompe l'oeil painted on the bottom facade to mimic brickwork and windows. The huge panels of what-appear-to-be murals are actually canvas paintings hung along the tower.
Picture above: Castle map
Picture above: Trompe-l'œil on the walls inside the Castle courtyards
Picture above: Trompe-l'œil onthe walls inside the Castle courtyards
The Cesky Krumlov Castle was undoubtedly spectacular, but I found the best part was to wander aimlessly and get lost on the cobblestone alleyways inside the old town. Main streets are lined with shops mostly selling amber and garnet jewelry which didn't pique our interest. Marionette is huge in Cesky Krumlov (they even have a museum for it), but since they freak me out the same way clown does, we took a pass. I would spend an hour at the Egon Schiele Art Centrum to complete your Cesky Krumlov experience. It's funny that Schiele was once driven out of CK by the residents who strongly disapproved of his lifestyle, but now they created a museum to worship his art.
Picture above: the MLS Creperie inside a humble but unique adobe with vaulted ceiling, great for a quick coffee break
Picture above: Trdelnik, a traditional Slovak pastry
A typical shop facade on main street Cesky Krumlov.
Picture above: view from Castle promenade
