Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/236

202 and which has been converted into a very comfortable hotel—„The Rose“ where travellers can count upon having all their wants supplied promptly and at reasonable charges.

To those who care to view nature’s beauties from the heights and do not object to the labour involved in the climb, can ascend Klet (Schöninger) which rises to a height of 1080 m, where on clear day an enchanting view of the southern part of the Šumava can be enjoyed.

As it is well to reserve one’s strength for the operation of climbing, it is best to take a carriage to a point near to the place selected for the ascent.

A nice four mile’s walk can be taken from Krumlov to Zlatá koruna („Golden crown“).

The splendid church was founded in 1263 by Přemysl Otokar II., as a thanksgiving for the great victory over the Magyars near to Kressenbrunn in 1260. Attached to the church was a monastery of the Cistercian order. The structure was allowed to get into a ruinous condition and was rebuilt in 1315 by the Bohemian lord Bavor z Bavorova. The monastery was destroyed by the Hussites in 1420, but the monks having acquired some wealth in the 17th. century, when the damaged church was thoroughly repaired. The monastery was abolished in 1785, and its land passed into the possession of the Princes of Schwarzenberg. The building is now the parish church. Worthy of observation are the gothic architectural relics and the monuments erected in memory of the founder Přemysl Otakar II., and lord Bavor.

Another enjoyable drive can be taken along the Vltava by a road leading through shady forests to the old town of Rožmberk 20 km, distant from Krumlov. In addition to the Gothic church of St. Nicolas’ founded in the 13th.century, there is the great castle towering above on its steep and rocky site. On the entrance gates are the heads of the last three bears shot in the neighbouring forests. In the court there is a statue of Peter Vok z Rožmberka. The halls and rooms throughout the castle contain a valuable collection of archaeological and artistic interest. The new