Tag Archives: Castle District

Explore Český Krumlov and it’s Castle

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Český Krumlov and its castle

Floating down the river on a luxurious AMA Waterways ship, you hear about the possibility of a Linz excursion to Český Krumlov. “Český Krumlov?” you think to yourself. “What a funny little name. Should I take an excursion there?” The answer is a resounding yes. Český Krumlov’s castle sits in a bend of the Vltava River like a pearl still on the half-shell. Take a trip to this beautiful castle and discover the beauty of this UNESCO Site.

 Historic Český Krumlov

Castle medievalOnce the seat of the House of Rosenberg, Český Krumlov’s roots stretch back to the 13th century. South Bohemian rulers, the Rosenbergs became enchanted by the Italian Renaissance style while building up their castle residence. Of all the castles in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov’s is the second-largest. Its medieval core, uniquely preserved in its bend of the Vltava River, earns a place as a UNESCO Site.

Harmonious Renaissance Castle

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Český Krumlov is a woven tapestry of harmonious styles. Gaze at the sumptuous Renaissance castle. Get delightfully lost in the maze of medieval streets. Stroll in colorfully-designed gardens. Lift a pint in a pub or ale-house where knights of the Middle Ages once quenched their thirst. Tour the remarkably preserved Baroque theater with stage equipment dating back almost three centuries – and marvel that it still works. An excursion to this sight awards you the opportunity to view a tiny town with big history all stitched together in harmony with the beautiful countryside.

Danube River Cruise Experience

DanubeRiver cruises offer guests the relaxing experience of meandering down a scenic waterway. Look over the railing at green vineyards rolling across the countryside, castles perched atop hills and cities rich in history and culture. AMA Waterways ships feature luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas. The ships dock in the heart of historic cities such as Linz, affording guests the opportunity to step right into the heart of towns rich in culture.

Český Krumlov Castle is one of many Linz excursions. Contact us to book an Danube River cruise and accept a Linz excursion. This is experience is not to be missed.

The Royal Castle of Budapest

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A Site Rich in Budapest History

The Royal Castle of Budapest is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. This is also known as Budapest Royal Palace. It was first completed in 1265 and has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to wars and revolutions. The castle was declared part of the Budapest World Heritage Site in 1987.

Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Budapest Castle District, famous for its Medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century houses, churches, and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular.

The Gothic Hall of Buda Castle is one of the most significant surviving examples of secular Gothic architecture in Central Europe and a must see in Budapest. It was built by King Sigismund Luxemburg in the early 15th century as an extension of the earlier Anjou Palace.

Three interconnected barrel-vaulted rooms of the castle belong to the oldest part of the palace known as the Stephen’s Castle, which was built by Prince Stephen, Duke of Slavonia, in the 14th century. The northern room is covered by an east-west axial vault while the southern rooms have north-south axial vaults.

To the north of the barrel-vaulted rooms, there is a medieval cellar, later called Albrecht pince (Albrecht Cellar) covered with a Gothic brick barrel vault. The walls of the cellar are blackened from burning. The cellar was probably built by King Sigismund of Luxemburg as the Cisterna Regia, i.e. the great underground cistern of the palace.

Historical Museum of Budapest

The Historical Museum of Budapest is located in the southern wing of Buda Castle in Building E and covers four floors. This museum presents the history of Budapest from its beginning to the modern era. The restored part of the medieval castle, including the Royal Chapel and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall, belongs to the exhibition. The Gothic statues of Buda Castle and a 14th-century silk tapestry decorated with the Angevin coats of arms- are the highlights of the exhibition. Small gardens have been recreated in the medieval Zwingers around the oldest parts of the building.

Our Danube River Cruises and Hungary Cruises offer excursions in Budapest. Book your trip on one of these cruises and visit the enchanting Buda Castle!