Church of St. Vitus

The architectural landmark of Český Krumlov was built on the site of an older building after 1400 by the Krumlov parish priest Hostislav of Bílsko. The Church of St. Vitus has the longest history of all the sanctuaries in Krumlov. It was built by rebuilding an older church built by Peter of Rožmberk, which was initiated by Henry of Rožmberk in 1402.

The three-nave nave with slender columns is typical of South Bohemian late Gothic. It is vaulted with net vaults related to the Parler style. In 1638, a new sacristy was built on the south side of the church and on the north side, the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk was built between 1725 and 1726 at the expense of Prince Adam František of Schwarzenberg and his wife Eleonora Amalia. The architectural and artistic development of the church was completed by neo-Gothic modifications at the end of the 19th century. In 1995 it was declared a National Cultural Monument.

The church of St. Vitus has two organs. The one played during the Krumlov Festival is located in the choir loft above the entrance and dates from 1715. It probably originated from the Egedacher organ workshop in Passau, and was completed in 1716 by an unknown builder. The organ originally stood in the dissolved church of St. Jost, but it came to its present location during the Josephine reforms thanks to an enlightened decision of the then town council. It is decorated with acanthus carvings in polished white, and the organ case with fine polychrome marbling in several shades. It is a completely unique Baroque organ.