- Address: Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 380 704 721
In the south of the Czech Republic there is a small town of Cesky Krumlov , the main attraction of which is the castle of 1240. It consists of many buildings, decorated in the Renaissance and Baroque style and connected through bridges. Among them is the picturesque Castle Bridge.
History of the Cloak Bridge
The first mention of the castle complex dates back to the year 1204. His history is closely connected with the representatives of the ancient family of Vitkovich from Rozmberk (Rosenberg). They were the owners of the castle in Krumlov for 300 years and were engaged in the reconstruction and expansion of its buildings. Directly the Castle Bridge was built in 1764 on the site of a similar design of the 15th century. At the beginning of the XVII century the entire architectural complex was sold to the German king Rudolf II.
In the second half of the 20th century, the Floating Bridge, like all other constructions of the castle in Cesky Krumlov, became the property of the state. In 1992, the castle complex became an object of the World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
The uniqueness of the Castle Bridge
This architectural structure is a five-tier arch structure, standing on massive stone pillars. At a length of 30 m, the height of the Cloak Bridge of the castle in Ceský Krumlov is 40 m. The uppermost floor is covered, and elongated arches pass through the lower tiers.
The castle bridge is laid over a deep terrace moat between the structure called Upper Town and the building in which the theater and gardens are located. The two upper spans are used to move from the palace's masquerade hall to the theatrical stage. During the Middle Ages, a descending bridge was used for the same purpose.
Straight through the castle's Castle Bridge in Cesky Krumlov you can get to the baroque theater. It is an audience with a deep scene, a row of tall wooden benches and a balcony for spectators from the nobility. Here you can still see the old stage equipment, which in the Middle Ages was used to change the scenery.
The Parapet of the Castle Bridge is decorated with sculptures of saints:
- Anthony of Padua;
- Felix of Cantalacia;
- Yana of Nepomuk;
- Wenceslas.
Due to its difficult location, Krumlov Castle is still not equipped with electricity, therefore it is better to go on excursions here during the daytime. This will allow to consider in detail not only the Castle Bridge, but also the school, the baroque park with a fountain and 18th-century frescoes, numerous sculptures and the summer palace of Bellaria in 1757, built in the Rococo style.
How to get to the Cloak Bridge?
The castle complex, which includes this landmark , is located in the south of the Czech Republic in the town of Cesky Krumlov. From the city center to the castle bridge and the palace itself can be reached on foot in a few minutes or by bus. To do this, go in the south-west direction along the road Zámek. There are also buses of companies RegioJet and Leo Express. They can be reached in 15-20 minutes by the Cloak Bridge in Cesky Krumlov .