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A study tour of the Czech Youth Hostels – part II

Česky Krumlov

South Bohemia beckons for a visit of the magical old town centre of Česky Krumlov, standing on the banks of the Vltava River near the national park Šumava. It features more than 300 historical buildings, which are protected as UNESCO world heritage. The castle of Český Krumlov is among the most important historical sights of the central European space, with its architecture and cultural tradition. The construction begun in 14th and ended in 19th century and has a well preserved original structures of architectural details. The whole complex is part of the UNESCO world heritage since 1992. The mighty castle complex stands on a rocky peninsula with the Vltava River to the south and the Polečnica creek to the north of it. The castle shows signs of renaissance and baroque in the city architecture. Together with the magnificent church of St. Vitus, the complex it a unique landmark of the region. The town is located like a pearl in a valley surrounded by a forest to the north and nature park Šumava to the south and west of it. The castle area is among the biggest in central Europe and the whole complex has 40 palaces!

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Travellers Hostel is located in the very centre of the town in two buildings dating back to the 13th century. They offer 102 beds altogether, 8 of them in private rooms and an apartment with a beautiful view of the castle. They also have a very popular bar with occasional live music performances and a restaurant with international cuisine. The hostel also has a laundry, library and linen which the guests have to change themselves. When you enter, you are bedazzled and on the dreamy terrace on the roof you can spend hours of daydreaming while watching the castle. Just to warn you, at the moment all the capacities until March next year are fully booked – and this is also a guaranty it’s a very elite location.

Jewish town and the basilica in Třebíč

The Třebíč Jewish town is a great example of cultural tradition connected to the Jewish community in mid-Europe. The old Jewish cemetery and the basilica in Třebíč stand as testimony to peaceful symbiosis of two different religions – the former Jewish community and the Catholic community – right to the mid-20th century. In the Jewish town you see various aspects of the daily life of the community. The basilica St. Prokopij was built as part of the Benedictine monastery in the beginning of the 13th century and is a great example of western European architectural heritage in the region. The monastery was built on a strategic point on the banks of river Jihlava in 1101. Its very existence was responsible for the settlement and foundation of the trading village, where also Jews moved in to trade. It was the beginning of the structural development of the monastery and its "Podklasteri" (in direct translation: monastery sub-units) right next to it, with the town Třebíč just on the other river bank. The third biggest market in whole Czech republic can be found here.

Trebič Hostel is in the very centre of the Jewish town right on the river front of Jihlava. It’s a smaller town, with just enough population to offer it all. The hostel offers a wide variety of rooms, 9 (private rooms) of them have their own bathrooms and 4 (dormitory rooms) have joint bathrooms. Breakfast is included in the price. In my humble opinion the hostel really has its own soul and personality and is closely connected to the time and spirit of the place. It seems to fit there simply and naturally. Sometimes it doesn’t take much, and the ambient really helps, to get in touch with our inner romantic. The paved roads also help you feel the spirit of the past.

České Budějovice

The old town middle has preserved interesting architectural features from gothic, renaissance and baroque, as well as 19th century. The buildings around the large town square, old town house with its frescos and the copper town tower "Černá Vez". The most important historical building is the Dominican monastery with the gothic church of Virgin Mary on the central square. The handcraft fair of local crafts and food gives the town a special charm that takes you back to the carefree days of simple games and youth.

Hostel Cuba Bar is located in the historical building in the very heart of the old town České Budějovice, just 5 min away from the main square. They offer 10 modern bunk beds and 3 additional beds. In the basement there is a Cuban cocktail bar, which also functions as a reception. They have a fully operational kitchen with free coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and oil – which is a special offer. The bathroom features a hairdryer free of charge. Each bed comes with linen and a towel, which is more that most large hostels offer. In adition, you have a fully covered free WiFi. In the summer you can also use their yard. At the bar there is a safe for depositing valuables and a free public parking in front of the hostel. The bus and train station are about half a mile away. Next to the hostel you’ll also find a kiosk, DVD rental, bakery, restaurant, disco, shop and the old centre.
 
In Czech republic you may still smoke inside, which is a big problem (or an added value – depends if you’re a smoker or not) for the cleanness of the air.
 
Urška Počervina

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