Perched high on a cliff above the Old Town is the imposing Český Krumlov Castle, constructed to control an important river crossing on the Vltava below.  The Round Tower pierces the sky with its pastel-colored Renaissance façade.  Cross the draw bridge over the bear pits at the entrance, and walk steadily uphill through a sequence of courtyards until you cross a multi-leveled bridge and reach a Baroque theater.  Pleasant English and French style gardens add one additional layer of sophistication to the experience.

The Round Tower from the Courtyard

The Round Tower from the Courtyard

If you find yourself in Český Krumlov, this Castle and the complimenting beauty of its surroundings is likely what brought you here.  The best word I can find for this UNESCO World Heritage Site is picturesque!  There are no words, no pictures that can accurately capture the splendor of this small town in the southwest corner of the Czech Republic.

Well, now that I have set myself up with an impossible task, let me tell you more about this place…with words and pictures. Continue reading