D Excursion 3: Cesky Krumlov

May 9 – 10

The excursion to the city České Budějovice and Český Krumlov is interwoven with the lecture on regional development delivered by prof. Jiří Blažek. On the way to Český Krumlov there will be a stop in the science and technology park in České Budějovice. The director of the South Bohemian Agency for Innovation Support will have a brief presentation of their activities and the socio-economic situation in the South Bohemian region. The aims of the excursion (guided by assoc prof. Viktor Květoň) to one of the most beautiful Czech cities (UNESCO) is three-fold. First, the town is located in South Bohemia, relatively less industrialized region with a distinctive cultural heritage (wide spectrum of historical monuments ranging from peasant baroque style of numerous rural houses to palaces and castles). Second, the area around Český Krumlov represents a former periphery, which is since the opening of borders after the fall of Iron Curtain some 32 years ago witnessing discernible development. Third, most importantly, the city itself underwent a unique trajectory, from a totally dilapidated town to a prime destination of cultural tourism. Therefore, the excursion will provide the space for an in-depth explanation of challenges the town was facing at the end of communism as well as of the strategy designed to resurrect this town under new conditions of the market-driven economy.