Why the Latrán Neighborhood is Architectural Gold

Latrán served as the vital link between the castle and the town. Its architecture reflects this high-status history. You will see grand gates and delicate frescoes. Many buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The district is famous for its preserved sgraffito facades. These are etched plaster designs common in the Renaissance era. You can spend hours just looking at the rooflines. This neighborhood offers some of the most unique places in Český Krumlov for photography. The blend of styles is truly remarkable.

10 Best Architecture to See in Latrán District

Use this list to guide your walk through the district. Most of these sights are within a five-minute walk of each other. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestones.

• Name: Budějovice Gate (Budějovická brána) Type: Sight Why go: It is the only surviving gate from the original city fortifications. Best for: History lovers. Where: North end of Latrán street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main bus station toward the center. Tip: Look at the different designs on the inner and outer facades.
• Name: St. Jost Church (Kostel svatého Jošta) Type: Sight Why go: Its iconic green tower is a symbol of the city. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Near the Barber’s Bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior; small fee for tower. Getting there: Walk south on Latrán street. Tip: The building now houses a museum and shops.
• Name: Minorite Monastery (Klášter minoritů) Type: Experience Why go: A massive complex with Gothic cloisters and Baroque details. Best for: Quiet exploration. Where: Klášterní street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Usually around 150-200 CZK for tours. Getting there: Turn off Latrán street near the Red Gate. Tip: Visit the official monastery site to check for seasonal concerts.
• Name: Latrán 15 (The Alchemist's House) Type: Sight Why go: It features some of the best sgraffito architecture in the city. Best for: Art fans. Where: Middle of Latrán street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Located on the main thoroughfare. Tip: This is a great spot for a quick photo of Renaissance patterns.
• Name: The Red Gate (Červená brána) Type: Sight Why go: It marks the grand entrance to the first castle courtyard. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: Connection between Latrán and the castle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow Latrán street uphill. Tip: Watch out for the castle bears in the moat right next to it.
• Name: Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Sight Why go: A historic wooden bridge offering the best views of the castle tower. Best for: Scenery. Where: Connects Latrán to the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the southern end of Latrán. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the castle walls.
• Name: Eggenberg Brewery (Pivovar Eggenberg) Type: Experience Why go: Huge industrial-style buildings with 16th-century roots. Best for: Local culture. Where: Latrán 27. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk the grounds; tours have a fee. Getting there: Follow the signs near the monastery. Tip: Stop here for a local beer after your walk.
• Name: Latrán 53 Type: Sight Why go: Known for its incredible mural paintings on the facade. Best for: Detail seekers. Where: Near the castle stairs. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: On the main street. Tip: Check out the shops and artisan spots nearby for unique gifts.
• Name: Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) Type: Sight Why go: Steep, historic stairs lined with old houses and cafes. Best for: Atmosphere. Where: Connecting Latrán to the castle entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the opening near Latrán 37. Tip: Stop at a cafe halfway up for a great view.
• Name: Latrán 39 (Former Hospital) Type: Sight Why go: A rare example of Gothic hospital architecture. Best for: History buffs. Where: Lower Latrán. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Near the river bank. Tip: Look for the small chapel attached to the building.

Architectural Gems Near the Latrán District

While Latrán is stunning, you should also see the architecture just steps away. These spots are technically part of the castle complex but border the district. They provide the perfect backdrop for your Latrán photos. Don't miss the chance to see the Baroque Theater if you have time.

• Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: The most famous piece of architecture in the city. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Just above the Red Gate. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Usually around 100-180 CZK. Getting there: Enter through the Red Gate from Latrán. Tip: Climb the 162 steps for the best view of Latrán's rooftops.
• Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight Why go: A massive three-story stone bridge. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Upper castle area. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards. Tip: Look down from the bridge to see the river winding through the town.

Planning Your Architectural Walk in 2026

Visiting in 2026 will be a great experience. Most historic sites are open year-round. However, spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking. The crowds are also smaller during these times. Start your walk at the Budějovice Gate. This allows you to walk downhill toward the river. Most buildings are best viewed during the morning light. This is when the frescoes on the walls really pop. Always check local signs for any restoration work. The city works hard to keep these buildings in top shape.