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In the course of our ramble through the city, the churches first claim our attention. St. Mary’s a gothic building of the 13th century, with a monastery of the Dominicans to which we gain access through a fine cloister. There are a number of fine pictures to be seen in this church. St. Nicolas’ cathedral originally in the roman style was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 16 century, it possesses no artistic merits. The high church tower provides a means for visitors to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and its environs. Two smaller churches and a chapel of the Holy Trinity completes the list of sacred edifices.
The old market-place is a spacious quadrangle having arcades on all sides. The town-hall and museum are on the west side. One of the special adornments of the place is known as Samson’s fountain. An alley of large lime-trees provides a cool shade for a summer promenade.
Excursions to Hluboká (Frauenberg 9 km) may be made by either rail or road, 30 minutes is occupied by the train journey, and one hour by carriage. The castle was founded in the 13th century and in the 18th became the property of the princes of Schwarzenberg, it stands on a rock 84 m, above the Vltava. The design is the Tudor in imitation of the favourite Royal residence the famous Windsor castle in England. It has 11 turrets, 140 halls and rooms containing a priceless collection of arts treasures representing different periods, amongst them are several works by Van Dyk, Makart and other famous Masters. The library contains a very valuable store of books, and every room is an exhibition of splendour and good taste.
To prevent disappointment it has to be noted that strangers are not admitted when the princes are in residence, their presence in the castle is indicated by the hoisting of flags on the main towers. At a mile distant from the castle is the hunting seat Obora (deer-park) attacked to which is an interesting Museum of forestry and game, it has also several pictures by Hamilton. Crossing the first pond by boat, we reach the ruins of Hrádek („The small castle“) an ancient hunting seat of Charles IV.
Another excursion by rail which ought not to be omitted, is to Krumlov (Krumau 31 km) a town on the Vltava, its situation is strikingly picturesque and there is much in it
