This Czech town houses a UNESCO-listed chateau with an 84-meter tower and extensive art collection. Its Baroque Flower Garden and English-style Castle Garden showcase centuries-old landscaping.
Kroměříž, a town in the Czech Republic, is home to the Archbishop's Chateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chateau's 84-meter tower dominates the skyline, while the Castle Garden and Flower Garden showcase intricate Baroque designs. As you walk through the historic center, you'll pass colorful townhouses, arcaded squares, and centuries-old churches like the Gothic Church of St. Maurice.
Exploring the Archbishop's Chateau
The Archbishop's Chateau forms the core of Kroměříž's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour through the chateau's rooms, adorned with frescoes, tapestries, and gilded furnishings. Inside, you can admire the second most significant art collection in the Czech Republic, including over 500 paintings by Titian and other European artists. Climb the 84-meter tower for panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
The Flower Garden (Květná zahrada)
A short walk from the chateau brings you to the Flower Garden, an exemplary 17th-century Baroque garden. Stroll along symmetrical paths lined with precisely trimmed hedges, vibrant flowerbeds, and ornate fountains. At the garden's center stands an octagonal rotunda decorated with frescoes. As you explore, you'll come across sculptures, colonnades, and a 244-meter long arcaded gallery. The garden's layout has remained largely unchanged for over three centuries.
The Castle Garden (Podzámecká zahrada)
Adjacent to the chateau, the 64-hectare Castle Garden presents a different style of landscaping. Designed in the 19th-century English tradition, it features winding paths that lead you past tranquil ponds, decorative bridges, and a diverse collection of tree species from around the world. Look out for architectural elements such as pavilions and a small zoo as you walk. You might even spot peacocks roaming freely in the grounds.
Exploring the Historic Center
Wander through Kroměříž's old town, where cobblestone streets lead to arcaded squares. The main Velké náměstí (Large Square) is lined with Baroque and Renaissance townhouses in various colors. In the square's center, you'll come across a 17th-century Marian column and a Renaissance fountain. For another perspective on the town, climb the tower of the Gothic Church of St. Maurice, one of the largest churches in the Czech Republic.
Local Cuisine and Dining
After exploring the sights, try some regional dishes at Kroměříž's restaurants. The town is situated in the Haná region, known for its culinary traditions. Sample local specialties like Olomoucké tvarůžky (a pungent cheese), svíčková (roast beef in cream sauce), and moravský vrabec (roast pork with sauerkraut). During your visit to the castle, you can also tour the Archbishop's cellars and taste wines produced there.
Getting to Kroměříž
Kroměříž is located in the eastern Czech Republic, approximately 60 km east of Brno. You can reach the town by train from major cities like Prague, Brno, and Olomouc. If you're driving, take the D1 motorway. Once in Kroměříž, you can easily walk between most attractions.
When to Visit
Kroměříž welcomes visitors year-round, but the gardens are at their most impressive from late spring to early fall. Summer brings warm weather and cultural events, including music festivals, along with larger crowds. For a quieter experience with mild weather, plan your visit in May or September. Winter visits offer a different perspective on the town, with the chateau and parts of the gardens remaining open despite the colder temperatures.
