Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov grew in a bend of the Vltava beneath a castle founded by the Vítkovci family before 1250. The settlement of Latrán developed below the fortress, while the Old Town was founded separately across the river. In 1302 the estate passed to the Rosenbergs, who made Krumlov their principal residence and encouraged trade and crafts. Czech and German inhabitants shared the town, and a Jewish community was recorded from 1334.

Gold discovered nearby in the late fifteenth century attracted German miners. In 1555 William of Rosenberg united Latrán and the Old Town, and later rebuilt the castle in Renaissance style. His brother Peter Vok sold the estate to Emperor Rudolf II in 1602. After the Bohemian revolt, Ferdinand II gave Krumlov to the Eggenbergs, making it the seat of a duchy; in 1719 the castle passed to the Schwarzenberg family.