More Outdoor Art/chitecture

Sgraffito : Near Letenské sady (Letna Park) : Prague, CZ

Beautiful art on the side of a building : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Castle Krumlov

Krumlov Castle Tower and surrounding wall : Český Krumlov, CZ

Tromp l'oeil in the castle grounds : Castle Krumlov : Český Krumlov, CZ

The must-see site in Krumlov is its castle. Built in the 13th century, the castle has been beautifully preserved and maintained. Ticket prices for tours inside the castle seemed a bit steep, so we didn't go inside, but the frescoes, sgraffito, and tromp l'oeil on the outside walls, as well as the gardens and courtyards, were lovely enough. For a few Czech crowns, you can go up to the top of the castle's dominant tower and enjoy a beautiful view of Krumlov and the surrounding countryside, complete with Soviet-style block housing on the outskirts! The weather wasn't that great while we were there, so these pictures are a little dull.

Jar-Jar Binx a la Krumlov?! : Český Krumlov, CZ

Sgraffito and tromp l'oeil : Castle Krumlov : Český Krumlov, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Mosaics and Frescoes, Oh My!

Walking around Staré Město and Old Town, you have to look up, because the buildings are so beautiful. When you do, your eye is treated to beautiful mosaics and stunning frescoes. Here are just a few examples of some of the beauty to be enjoyed.

This last photo features the Minute House, which is decorated by a Renaissance art form called sgraffitoes and is the predecessor to what is today called graffiti. The Czech writer, Franz Kafka, lived here as a child from 1889-1896.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11