Writing Assignment 3 (with Ann): Český Krumlov Known as the Most Beauteous Ancient Town in Europe

       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.