When
people ask, “Where do you want to go in Europe?”, my friend, Ann, and I’s
answer will be Český Krumlov. We love travelling and even make a list, the top
ten places we must go in our lives. Český Krumlov is on our list beyond
question. It is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.
Vltava wanders through this city and it forms a beautiful scene. More
importantly, fine architecture makes it become the most fascinating old town in
Eurpoe.
We can sum up the art of architecture in Český
Krumlov in four categories. Gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical. It
seems very difficult to distinguish these architectural features so we are
going to tell you some simple ways to tell them. Here are explanations:
The Gothic architecture
is easy to distinguish by the tall and pointed arches. You can see that in the
following picture.
Next is the renaissance-style.
Renaissance was boosted in the 16th century and it happened in Florence, Italy.
Some Czeches studied there. When they went back to their country, they brought
the idea of Renaissance. The traits of the renaissance buildings were grace,
symmetry and decoration. Then, they combined the renaissance-style with the local
style and created a special “Bohemian Renaissance.” The most special feature of
the renaissance-style they learned from Italy is to “scrape.” They use this
skill on the facade of the building. It appears that there are a great number
of envelopes on it.
How to distinguish the
baroque-style? The easiest way to distinguish the baroque building is that when
you see the symbol of “@” at the corner of the building, this building would be
baroque. This special symbol was often used on the buildings in the Baroque age.
“@” is like the identity of the baroque-style.
Lots of faux columns
and rows of windows are the characteristics of the neoclassical building. The
classical Greece and Roman architecture inspired the neoclassical architects so
that was how they got their idea. The protruding
windows on the facade of the building is also a characteristic of the neoclassical
building.
Český Krumlov is appealing on account of the
art of architecture. That is also why this town attracts us a lot. How can we
miss the chance to see its beauty with our own eyes? Someday, we will stand on
the land of Czech Republic and gasp at the wonderful view. We deeply hope to
visit the most beautiful ancient town in Europe at least once in our lifetime.
