In the Footsteps of the Rosenbergs

Budějovická Gate

The Budějovická Gate is the only one of nine city gates that has survived to this day. It was built between 1598 and 1602 by the Italian architect Domenico Benedetto Cometta of Eckthurn, commissioned by Peter Vok of Rosenberg. This two-story, square tower shows characteristics of North Italian fortress architecture on its outer side, with a massive defensive wall topped by battlements. The inner side is decorated with frescoes, including a sundial on the second floor. Nearby, towards the brewery, stands a remaining bastion from the early 16th century, the only surviving structure of its kind in the town.

Minorite Monastery in Český Krumlov

The Minorite Monastery complex is accessed through a Baroque gate on Klášterní Street, leading to a courtyard known as Tramín. From here, all the main parts of the complex are accessible: the Church of the Body of God, the larger Minorite convent, the adjacent smaller Beguine convent to the south, and the monastic garden enclosed by a wall along Pivovarská Street, the Renaissance brewery building, and another wall leading to the church chancel.

Castle Tower

The cylindrical tower, originally Gothic and later extended in Renaissance style, reflects its architectural evolution in its exterior. The tower likely dates back to the mid-13th century, along with the adjoining wing. The base and first floor are the oldest parts, with the second floor added in the 14th century. The third floor serves as a Renaissance belfry, though its Gothic origin is possible, as a bell dated 1406 survives. The current form of the tower was completed in 1581, probably based on designs by Baldassare Maggi of Arogno. In 1590, the tower and Hrádek were decorated by painter Bartoloměj Beránek-Jelínek. Major repairs and reinforcement were done in 1947. Between 1994–1996, the murals were restored and partially reconstructed.

Castle and Château Český Krumlov

The original Gothic castle was founded before 1250 by the Lords of Krumlov, a branch of the powerful Vítkovci family, whose coat of arms bore a five-petalled rose. After their extinction in 1302, the castle passed to their relatives, the Rosenbergs, who resided there until 1602. Their three-century-long rule marked the peak of prosperity for both the castle and the town. In the late 16th century, the castle was transformed into a grand Renaissance residence. At that time, the Rosenbergs were leading figures among the Czech nobility – educated humanists, patrons of the arts and culture, and skilled politicians holding the highest offices in the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Church of St. Jošt in Český Krumlov

Originally, a chapel or small church dedicated to St. Jošt stood here, founded before 1334 by Peter I of Rosenberg as part of the Rosenberg noble hospital (Latrán No. 13). Gothic structures and details from the original building are still preserved.

Church of St. Vitus in Český Krumlov

The Church of St. Vitus is a Gothic three-aisled building constructed between 1407 and 1439, on the foundations of an earlier structure from 1309. It was expanded and modified in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Gothic entrance portal dates from 1410. The height of the side aisles matches that of the main nave, making it a hall church. The church measures 44 meters in length (125 feet), with a width and height of 20 meters.

Jesuit College

This four-winged, one-to-three-story building with a central layout around a slightly trapezoidal courtyard connects on the west via a narrow corridor to the prelate’s oratory in the Church of St. Vitus, and on the east to the former Jesuit college (Horní No. 154). It stands atop a rocky promontory overlooking a bend in the Vltava River.