Česky Krumlov is an inviting medieval village. The 13th century castle dominates the old town and offers a glimpse into the lives of Bohemian rulers through the centuries. The castle consists of 40 buildings and palaces, five castle courts and a park, so be prepared to walk. From the heights of the castle walls, you observe the Vltava River meandering through the village with cafes and restaurants lining the banks.

Slow down as you walk through the village and look carefully. Next to the cafes and restaurants you will find interesting shops with unique leather, glass and metal goods. These craftspeople are delighted to create a custom belt or glass necklace for you at a price you might like.

Castles

If you enjoy touring well maintained and preserved castles, palaces, chateaus and churches, a road trip around the countryside is a must. The Czech Republic is known for its impressive architectural sights, the majority of which are well preserved for the centuries. Here are a few.

Český Krumlov (Rugged Meadow) is one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe and is more of a village containing 5 palaces or castles as well as 40 additional structures with large courtyards and Baroque-style gardens. The village hosts Renaissance fairs, music, theatre and art festivals throughout the year. There are many places to stay inside the castle complex.

Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle is located in South Bohemia and boasts 140 rooms and 11 towers. Locals claim it is the country's most beautiful castle. Tour on your own or choose from several tours including one of the castle kitchen with well preserved kitchen equipment from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Lednice Chateau is one of those rare places in the world that is elegantly maintained. "An absolutely unique park has been created here over the centuries, full of rare tree species, romantic little buildings, fishponds and beautiful little corners."

Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague dating from the 9th century. It is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. The castle was the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors and presidents of the former Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are "under lock and key, and without exaggerating it is the place least accessible at Prague Castle. The door, and likewise the iron safe, has seven locks." The jewels go on display every 5 years.

Lobkowicz Palace inside the Prague Castle complex provides an excellent audio tour which details their personal family history in relation to world events. The Lobkowicz family played an important role in building the Czech nation. In addition, and on display are original hand written musical scores of Beethoven, Mozart and Hayden. Due to this family's patronage, Beethoven lovers have the Lobkowicz family to thank. However, the family lost everything ... twice ... under the Nazi and the communist regimes. Their moving story is told personally by the Lobcowicz family in the audio guided tour.

Kroměříž Chateau is the former summer residence of the Archbishops of Olomouc and contains a picture gallery and an extensive library. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk is a stunning example of an 18th century architectural peculiarity – the Baroque Gothic style, which is a blending of Gothic and Baroque styles.

The imposing 13th century Spilberk castle and gardens first served as a fortress and later as a prison for common criminals and opponents of the Habsburg monarchy.

A Little Background on the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe with about 10 million inhabitants. Prague is the largest city with 10% of the population. The Czech Republic includes the historical territories of Bohemia, Moravia and Czech Silesia. It ranks as the 6th safest or most peaceful country on the Global Peace Index and is one of the most non-religious countries in the world even though the country has an abundance of churches and religious monuments. Bohemia has existed for well over 1000 years and is the westernmost and largest historical region of the Czech lands. "In a broader meaning, Bohemia sometimes refers to the entire Czech territory, including Moravia and Czech Silesia, especially in a historical context, such as the Lands of the Bohemian Crown ruled by Bohemian kings.” The most famous of the Bohemian Kings was Charles (Charles Bridge). He was the first Bohemian King to be the Holy Roman Emperor.

Jan Hus and the Hussite War

It is impossible to spend any time in the Czech Republic without an awareness of Jan Hus. Our first exposure to Jan Hus was our first night at the Hostinec. So who is Jan and why is he such a big deal in the Czech Republic?

Jan was a religious reformer living in the 1400s about 100 years before Martin Luther. Jan was a priest in the Catholic church and believed some of the Protestant ideas of John Wycliff. Hus's issues with the Catholicism were similar to Luthers. In fact, Martin Luther corresponded with the Hussites to help form his Protestant Reformation platform. Ideas like being against indulgences, wanting the bible in the local language and having secular power rather than papal political power. This last idea got Hus in trouble.