Locating the Town Hall on Svornosti Square

The Town Hall is one of the most prominent Svornosti Square landmarks in the city. You will find it on the northern side of the main square. It stands out because of its bright white facade and wide arches. The building was created by joining several smaller Gothic houses together in the late 1500s.

Look closely at the upper part of the building. You will see four distinct coats of arms. These represent the city, the Czech kingdom, and the Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg families. These families played a huge role in the city's long history. The building still serves as the seat of the municipal government today.

Because it is a working government building, you cannot wander through all the rooms. However, the ground floor is open to everyone. It is a great starting point for seeing other Český Krumlov highlights. Most visitors stop here to get maps or book local tours.

• Checklist for your visit:
• A camera for the Renaissance facade.
• Comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones.
• Small change (CZK) for the basement museum.
• A digital or paper map of the Old Town.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Visit

Visiting the Town Hall in Český Krumlov is simple if you follow these steps. The building is accessible from the main square and is easy to spot. Use this guide to make the most of your time at this historic site.

1. Step 1: Arrive at Svornosti Square. Walk to the center of the Old Town. This takes about 10 minutes from the main bus station. (Time: 10 mins; Cost: Free; Location: City Center; Mistake: Trying to drive into the pedestrian zone).
2. Step 2: Identify the Building. Look for the white Renaissance building with the large arches on the north side. It is right next to the police station. (Time: 2 mins; Cost: Free; Location: North Square; Mistake: Confusing it with the nearby hotels).
3. Step 3: Enter the Tourist Info Center. Walk through the main stone portal into the ground floor. Here you can find English-speaking staff and free brochures. (Time: 15 mins; Cost: Free; Location: Ground Floor; Mistake: Not asking about current festival schedules).
4. Step 4: Admire the Gothic Vaults. Look up while you are in the entrance hall. You will see beautiful stone rib vaulting from the 14th century. (Time: 5 mins; Cost: Free; Location: Entrance Hall; Mistake: Rushing past the ceiling to the desk).
5. Step 5: Visit the Basement Museum. If you enjoy dark history, head down to the Museum of Torture. It is located in the old prison cellars. (Time: 30 mins; Cost: ~100-150 CZK; Location: Basement; Mistake: Taking young children who might be scared).

If you have extra time, consider visiting Český Krumlov Castle afterward. It is only a five-minute walk from the square. This allows you to compare the town's civic power with its royal past. Both sites are essential for understanding the region.

What to See at the Town Hall

The exterior of the Town Hall is a masterpiece of Renaissance design. The high attic wall hides the roof and makes the building look taller. This was a popular style in the 16th century. You can see how the city wanted to show off its wealth. The building is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside, the main attraction is the architectural transition. You can see where the original Gothic walls meet the newer Renaissance additions. The stone doorway is particularly impressive. It has survived centuries of use by city officials and locals. It is a great spot for a quick photo.

The Tourist Information Center inside is very helpful. They provide official maps and can help with train or bus tickets. You can also find information on the official tourism portal. They often have displays about local events or history. It is the most practical part of the building for travelers.

Troubleshooting Your Visit to the Town Hall

While visiting the Town Hall in Český Krumlov is usually easy, some issues can arise. The square can get very crowded in the middle of the day. This is especially true during the summer months. Planning for these small problems will make your trip much smoother.

• Crowded Spaces: The Info Center gets busy when tour buses arrive. Visit before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM for a quieter experience.
• Limited Access: Remember that the upper floors are private offices. Do not try to enter doors marked "Soukromé" (Private).
• Language Barriers: Most staff speak English, but signs in the basement museum might be limited. Use a translation app if needed.
• Payment Methods: The Info Center takes cards, but the basement museum might prefer cash (Czech Koruna).
• Finding the Entrance: The main entrance is under the arches. It can look like a dark tunnel from across the square.
• Restrooms: There are public toilets nearby, but they usually require a small fee in coins.
• Accessibility: The ground floor is flat, but the basement museum has steep, narrow stairs.