Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits on a double bend in the Vlatava (Moldau) River and boasts a magnificent castle that perches on a high ridge overlooking the town. The castle tower can be seen from all over the valley. It is interesting to note that much of the detail on the tower is painted. As you walk along the ridge, from one part of the castle to another, this view can be seen through a low wall.

We were there on a warm, sunny August weekend, and the Bohemians were having a grand time splashing and boating in the river.

At the highest end of the palace grounds is this beautiful fountain.

Here are more examples of the faux painting found everywhere in this castle. The huge "stones" in the bear's moat (another signature feature of the castle), are not real.

Can you tell what's real and what's painted in this picture of a window?

The sundial is interesting and an accurate timekeeper. But compare the two windows.

This courtyard is entirely faux painted.

The slight difference in color indicates where restoration was recently completed. The camera shows a great difference, but to the eye, it may have been just a trick of lighting.