The is a genuine Bohemian village with a castle that is the second largest in Czech (just behind Prague Castle). For around 300 years it was the home to the Rozenberk dynasty that ruled southern Bohemia from 1316 to the 16th century. And really, it is a spectacular, gorgeous, beautiful town.
You can see the castle tower from pretty much everywhere in town. This means that you cannot really get too lost which is good news for the directionally impaired, like me. Every time I wandered away from the main path the town eventually wound me back to the bridge that leads to the castle.
From far away you marvel at the stone work on the castle tower. As you get closer you realize IT IS PAINTED!
If you enter through the red gate you have to climb, and climb, and climb up the hill. If you keep climbing you are rewarded with spectacular views.
Oh wait! Before we get to the views I forgot the most important part. The moat. Or more specifically the BEAR moat. Yes, there are bears in the moat and have been for hundreds of years.
Ok the view...
And then you climb some more...and finally come to the royal gardens.
Painted sun dial. It was not sunny enough to work (another rainy, overcast day in Czech).
This bird was loving the sunflower seeds. He didn't even fly away when I got close enough for photos.
High water mark
See the first level of the blue building? That is where the scenic pictures were taken.
Random fresco on a store.
This town is full of little archways and alleys.
Although sometimes you walk down an alley and find this:
Or this...
Or these:
(This one reminded me of Spoon Mountain)
Sometimes you walk down an alley and find a music/wine store...
No really a vinoteka
Do you need to find a really old CD? Do you also need a glass of wine? This is your place!
You can buy pot make-up; or beer make-up!
You can own this weird bird sculpture.
Yes, you can still find working telephone booths. You just have to go to Europe to find them.
Seriously, it's a requirement for a town square to have something like this.
There were always musicians on this bridge.
If you ever have the chance to spend a day in Cesky Krumlov, do it!
