Český Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, best known for the fine architecture and art of the historic old town and Krumlov Castle. It was known as Krumau until after World War II when the German-speaking population was evicted; Český Krumlov literally means 'Czech Krumlov'.
Construction of the town and castle began in the late 13th century at a ford in the Vltava river which was important in trade routes. Most of the architecture of the old town and castle region dates from the 14th century through 17th century, structures are in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The core of the old town is within a horseshoe bend of the river, with the old Latran neighborhood and castle on the other side of the Vltava.
During the communist era, Krumlov fell into disrepair, but since the Velvet Revolution much of the town's former beauty has been restored.