Port 1560 – courtyard

The courtyard of Port 1560 is an integral part of the former Schwarzenberg brewery, which became the cultural and social centre of Český Krumlov. Port means entrance, gate, harbour. And the date 1560? The year when beer was first brewed in the forecourt of Český Krumlov. It was Eggenberg beer. The oldest, most historically valuable building in the whole Port 1560 area is the palace of Anna of Rogendorf, mother of William of Rožmberk and Peter Vok, which dates back to the 16th century.

The restoration of the brewery complex began in 2015, with a significant role played by European Union funds. Since then, beer under the Krumlov brand has been brewed in Český Krumlov again. In 2024, four buildings from the entire complex were renovated, with further renovation planned for the future.

Currently, Port 1560 consists of the following buildings connected by a courtyard:

• Portal – the visitor centre is the gateway to the Port 1560 complex.
• Palace – Peter Vok’s mother, Anna of Rogendorf, lived here, the palace has Gothic foundations with Renaissance flourishes and houses the Life and Art exhibitions.
• The Grove – it is used to dry sprouted malted barley, is full of period technology from floor to floor and includes the Dreams exhibition.
• Varna – the heart of the brewery, where the brewmaster ruled, is now the heart of the whole site, as well as the Work exhibition.
• The brewery – the manor brewery ceased to meet increasing production in the 16th century and William of Rožmberk had a new building built in the forecourt in 1560, to which Jakub Krčín of Jelčany built a new water supply in 1561.
• The garden was founded in 1592 by Anna of Rogendorf. There was an open bowling alley and a ballroom, exotic plants grew and smelled in the orangery and an ornamental area full of flowers.