While there is truly no substitute for the Renaissance grandeur or Tuscan charm of Florence, there are also few cities as jammed year-round with tourists. If you are looking to be swept off your feet by poetic views and stunning architecture but hate crowds then Cesky Krumlov, in Southwestern Bohemia, is the destination for you.

Its name, derived from the German for "crooked meadow," speaks to the natural topography of this breath-taking fortress town, situated on the serpentine meander of the Vltava river.

Through geographic location, sheer luck and the efforts of UNESCO, Cesky Krumlov remains one of the few surviving medieval towns left on earth. Its winding stone alleys, colorful frescos, and towering Krumlov castle can leave visitors with the surreal sensation that they are walking through a pop-up fairytale book. In fact, the town is so visually stunning that filmmakers often use its labyrinthine backdrop for movies and commercials including Amstel Lager.

Dating back to ancient Rome, Cesky Krumlov was at best a large village until the Rozmberk Lords took control in 1302 and it achieved city status. With that came privileges such as brewing beer and building walls and the next few centuries saw an economic boom during which much of the architecture seen today was built.

The city's biggest draws remains its massive castle (the second largest in the Czech Republic). Built over a period of 600 years it contains in excess of 40 buildings, five courtyards and several parks. Climb the 160 steps of Mansion Tower for views that rival Florence's Forte Belvedere.

Beyond the castle there are a seemingly endless collection of beautifully preserved churches, monasteries, statues, squares and bridges steeped in history and touched by legend. Just don't tell too many people or this hidden treasure may become the next Florence.

Cesky Krumlov

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