Dear participants of the IWOP2021 conference, we are sorry that we cannot welcome you in person in České Budějovice. Due to the persistent global epidemiological situation of COVID 19, we have chosen at least the possibility of a virtual tour of places that are worth visiting, if you ever visit the Czech Republic.
SOUTH BOHEMIA
The region, for centuries managed by people in accordance with the demands of nature, will surprise every visitor with its beauty. Whoever arrives to see historic heritage will understand how enlightened and rich the noble families must have been and how brilliant the artists and artisans were. They left for future generations countless cultural and historic heritage sites as proof of the rich and multifaceted history: ancient cities full of life and culture, majestic Gothic churches, dreamy Renaissance chateaux, monasteries, vernacular architecture sites, interesting technical structures, including sophisticated fishpond systems.
However, South Bohemia has a high landscape value as well due to the absence of large industrial facilities. Proof of this is the great number of protected areas. South Bohemia is a region of countless fishponds, pine forests and extensive peat bogs, enhanced by outlines of cities and rural churches that harmonize beautifully with the snow-white marshland farmsteads. This is the typical South Bohemian scenery around České Budějovice, Třeboň and Veselí nad Lužnicí. However, South Bohemia also includes the rugged mountain landscape of the majestic Šumava Mts., Novohradské Mountains and Blanský les. Countless beautiful places are also found in the area east of Jindřichův Hradec: thanks to the little-disturbed wild country, abundant free-standing granite blocks, tall hills and large ponds, it is rightfully dubbed the Bohemian Canada.
In the north, the region is flanked by the picturesque Písek district in the basins of the Vltava and Otava rivers, and the Tábor district, renowned primarily thanks to its Hussite epoch. The present-day borders between South Bohemia, Austria and Germany divide a landscape whose history was frequently bound to one noble family and identical power interests. The Region’s location predestines its cultural wealth as well: the cultural influences of the rugged Teutonic and Anglo-Saxon north clashed here with the refined arts of Italian Renaissance masters. Nevertheless, the cities are not historic open-air museums; to the contrary – they are vibrant with everyday life in a unique atmosphere.
ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
Sights and monuments
Český Krumlov is an outstanding architectonic gem; its significance was highlighted by the 1992 inscription of the town on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Moreover, the year 1963 marked the historic centre of Český Krumlov, spanning over 519,089 square metres, becoming an urban reservation. Over the meanders of the Vltava River, there arose a unique collection of an urban environment – in particular from the 16th century – together with a vast area of a castle and a chateau which includes a number of chateau buildings, a famous masquerade hall, a unique Baroque theatre and a chateau garden. Another significant monument of the town is the St. Vitus Church, a valuable piece of the South-Bohemian Gothic. There are also other interesting sights in the town and in its close surroundings that are certainly worth paying a visit.
www.ckrumlov.info/en/sightseeings/
REVOLVING THEATER
Visit the grounds of Český Krumlov chateau for a unique artistic experience at the open-air revolving auditorium!
Nestled beside the splendid Baroque theatre at the chateau in Český Krumlov is yet another surprise: an open-air theatre with a rotating stage, situated in the middle of the grounds of the chateau, not far from the Bellarie Rococo summer palace, which serves a backdrop to the auditorium. The idea to utilise the summer palace and surrounding park for an open-air stage originated in 1958 with artists from the South Bohemian Theatre in České Budějovice.