Castle Baroque Theatre in Cesky Krumlov
One of the best preserved baroque theatres in Europe, with original machinery, scenery and costumes.
A theatre was first built in the fifth courtyard of Cesky Krumlov Castle in 1680-82 for Johann Christian I of Eggenberg. Under Joseph Adam of Schwarzenberg it was rebuilt in 1765-66 to plans associated with Andreas Altomonte, and fitted out with stage machinery by Lorenz Makh and painted scenery by the Viennese artists Johann Wetschel and Leo Maerkl. Because the house fell out of regular use soon afterwards, almost everything survived in place.
The auditorium, orchestra pit, wooden under-stage machinery, wing flats, backdrops, lighting equipment, costumes, props and librettos are all original, which makes this one of only a handful of baroque court theatres anywhere to survive complete. It forms part of the Cesky Krumlov castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is cared for by the National Heritage Institute. Numbers on each tour are strictly limited to protect the fragile interior, and performances are rare.
Highlights
- Original 1766 stage machinery still operated by hand
- Surviving sets of painted wing flats and backdrops
- Costumes, props and librettos preserved with the building
- Part of the UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov historic centre
