Lower Castle, Cesky Krumlov

The Lower Castle, often referred to as Little Castle, is situated within the Castle complex. It is accessible via a bridge over the Bear Moat, and a passage leads visitors to this historical gem.

The oldest part of the Lower Castle dates back to the 13th century when it served as an old palace with a tower.
This tower was later enhanced with a Renaissance superstructure and adorned with paintings in 1580. The tower balcony offers a breathtaking panoramic view of both the castle complex and the city of Český Krumlov.

The castle of Krumlov was mentioned in the 13th-century poem of Austrian knight and minstrel Ulrich of Lichtenstein, reflecting its early historical roots. Initially, the Little Castle was part of the fortifications and used as storage space. It was Wilhelm von Rosenberg who transformed the Little Castle into a Renaissance-style residence while still utilizing the building as a storehouse. Over the centuries, it served various purposes, including as a residence, offices, and more.

The Lower Castle features an irregular large courtyard with distinct wings: Eastern and northern wings house the burgrave, which dates back to 1578. The southern wing is known as the "mint." The western corner boasts the Gothic tower of Buttermilk. The facades of these wings are adorned with Renaissance paintings and sgraffitos, adding to the architectural beauty of the castle.

In the center of the courtyard, there is a stone fountain dating back to 1641, enhancing the courtyard's charm and ambiance.