Kroměříž
Haná Athens - this is how it is nicknamed Kroměříž, one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Moravia and undoubtedly in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Zlín Region, has approximately 30,000 inhabitants and in 1997 was declared the most beautiful historical city in our republic.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Kroměříž
History of the town
At the beginning of the 12th century, historical sources mention Kroměříž for the first time. The local region was inhabited mainly due to favorable natural conditions and an overall favorable geographical location. Kroměříž was founded in 1260 by Bishop Bruno of Schauenburg and the town then became the property of the Olomouc diocese. A castle was built here and the town then became an important manor and summer residence of bishops.
The town was hit hard by the Thirty Years' War, during which Kroměříž was looted twice by the Swedes, and relatively soon the town was hit by a plague epidemic. The city was rebuilt under Charles II. from Liechtenstein and Kastelkorn, who intended to imprint the character of a princely city in Kroměříž. He therefore had the chateau rebuilt, setting up a picture gallery with artistic gems by Brueghel, Veronese, Dürer and Cranach. He also contributed to the construction of the Flower Garden and the reconstruction of the Podzámecká Garden.
An important turning point for Kroměříž was the year 1848, in which the constitutional imperial assembly, transferred from Vienna, took place here. Among its participants were, for example, Rieger, Palacký, Havlíček and other important personalities of Czech history.
In addition, Kroměříž is also an important center of education. Currently, there are nine high schools, two grammar schools and a Judicial Academy.
Sights and interesting places
The biggest attraction in Kroměříž is undoubtedly the local castle and gardens. Mainly thanks to this gem, Kroměříž was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.
During the 1990s, the historic center of Kroměříž with the Great Square underwent renovation. Of the church monuments, the biggest pearls are the church of St. John the Baptist, Church of St. Mořice, which houses the statue of the Madonna of Kroměříž, and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. A pleasant walk is offered by Masaryk Square with the Plague Column, the surroundings of the Jewish Town Hall or the Podzámecká Garden or the Flower Garden.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová