Kroměříž Castle

The first known owner of the market settlement Kroměříž became the bishop of Olomouc Jan II in 1110. Since then, it has been the property of the Olomouc diocese. In the middle of the 13th century, Bishop Bruno of Schauenburg elevated Kroměříž to a town and built a Gothic castle on the site of today's castle. During the reign of Stanislav Thurza, the castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was conquered and destroyed by Swedish troops. The restoration of the castle and the town was carried out by Bishop Charles II. from Liechtenstein - Kastelkorn according to the projects of imperial court architects. In 1752 a fire broke out, which destroyed the second floor and the interiors of the castle. In the 20th century, the castle tower was reconstructed after it was burned down by German troops. Since 1998, the castle and garden complex has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

At the castle you can see the Hunting Hall with game tables, Russian billiards and a collection of hunting trophies and weapons. The Pink Lounge is unique with white Neo-Rococo furniture, a five-part Venetian mirror with a console table and an 18-arm chandelier with floral motifs. You can see the portrait gallery of the most important bishops and archbishops of Olomouc in the Advisory Hall, where in 1848 the Constituent Assembly of the Austrian Nations met.

Gardens are an integral part of Kroměříž Castle. The first is the Baroque geometrically conceived Flower Garden, built by the Bishop of Olomouc, Charles II. from Liechtenstein - Kastelkorn. Adjacent to the castle is the Podzámecká garden with a pond, a natural landscape park, from the 19th century. The Podzámecká garden was established from the 15th century, in the 17th century it was rebuilt into a Baroque garden and in the 19th century it was rebuilt into a stylish landscape park of 64 ha. Here you will find many water features, such as streams and ponds, romantic buildings and sculptural decorations. The main part of the Flower Garden was built between 1665 and 1675. Here you will find elements of the late Renaissance Italian garden, as well as the French Baroque Classicist style. You can walk along the 244 m long Colonnade, look into the historic greenhouses or relax by the Rotunda.

You must see the Archbishop's chateau Kroměříž with your own eyes. Architecture, gardens and collections are among the most valuable cultural heritage of our country.

Author: Marie Bukovinská