It has been quoted in documents since 1253 and, with more than 300 historic buildings, is a real journey back in time as it retains the original, magical and charming atmosphere of a medieval town. Its towers, squares and castle gain extra charm by the peculiar geography. The Vltava river, which gave rise to the name Cesky ("Czech") Krumlov, whose translation is "crooked meadow", a reference to the accentuated curve that the river makes around the City.