Exploring the Minorite Monastery and Red Gate Complex

The Latrán district is full of medieval charm. The Minorite Monastery and Red Gate define this area's character. The monastery was founded in the 14th century. It served as a religious center for hundreds of years. Today, it is a vibrant cultural hub. You can explore its quiet cloisters and beautiful gardens.

The Red Gate stands just a few steps away. It is also known as the Červená brána. This gate is the primary entry point to the castle's first courtyard. It features a bold red color and historic crests. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time. Most visitors pass through here to reach the castle tower.

In 2026, the complex offers many interactive exhibits. You can learn about traditional crafts and monastic life. The area is very walkable and easy to navigate. It is a great starting point for any city tour. Make sure to bring your camera for the historic architecture.

10 Best Things to See Near the Minorite Monastery

There is so much to explore around these historic landmarks. Use this list to plan your perfect afternoon in Latrán. We have mixed iconic sights with hidden gems.

• Name: Minorite Monastery Type: experience Why go: Explore a rare double monastery with peaceful courtyards. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: Latrán 6. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for exhibitions. Getting there: Walk from the town center. Tip: Visit the official monastery site for workshop schedules.
• Name: The Red Gate Type: sight Why go: It is the iconic entrance to the castle complex. Best for: Photography and orientation. Where: Latrán/Castle entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up Latrán street. Tip: Look for the bears in the moat just past the gate.
• Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: sight Why go: One of the largest castle complexes in Europe. Best for: Everyone. Where: Castle District. Time: 3+ hours. Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: Through the Red Gate. Tip: Book castle interior tours in advance.
• Name: Latrán District Type: neighborhood Why go: Charming medieval streets with unique craft shops. Best for: Walking and shopping. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the Barber's Bridge. Tip: Follow our Latrán district walking guide for the best route.
• Name: Cloak Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: Incredible multi-level bridge with sweeping town views. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Upper castle area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards. Tip: Read about the Cloak Bridge architecture before you go.
• Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: World-class art in a historic brewery building. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Široká 71. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Red Gate. Tip: Check out the latest art exhibitions here.
• Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: landmark Why go: A stunning Gothic church that dominates the skyline. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Kostelní street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk across the bridge to the Old Town. Tip: Visit the Church of St. Vitus during off-peak hours for peace.
• Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: Large Baroque gardens with a revolving theater. Best for: Relaxation and nature walks. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (theater tickets extra). Getting there: Walk through all castle courtyards. Tip: Explore the Castle Garden in the late afternoon.
• Name: Museum Fotoateliér Seidel Type: museum Why go: A perfectly preserved 19th-century photography studio. Best for: Vintage fans. Where: Linecká 272. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Entry fee. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the center. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the darkroom.
• Name: Svornosti Square Type: market Why go: The heart of the town with the Town Hall and Plague Column. Best for: People watching and coffee. Where: Old Town center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Barber's Bridge. Tip: View the historic buildings around the square.

Planning Your Visit to the Latrán District

Visiting the Minorite Monastery and Red Gate is easy. Most people arrive by bus or train. The walk from the main bus station takes 15 minutes. You will enter the town through the Budějovice Gate. From there, it is a straight walk to Latrán.

The area can get crowded in the summer. Try to arrive before 10:00 AM. This allows you to see the Red Gate without crowds. The monastery is usually quieter than the castle. It offers a great place to sit and rest. You can find several small cafes nearby for lunch.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. Many streets in Latrán are steep and uneven. In 2026, many sites offer digital guides. You can download them to your phone. This makes exploring the history much more engaging. Always check the official castle site for seasonal hours.