Kroměříž, Czechia (Czech Republic)
Kroměříž stands as one of the most picturesque towns in Moravia, captivating visitors with its charming market square and a collection of stunning tenements adorned with elegant arcades. Beyond the enchanting old town, tourists are drawn to the exceptionally vast Bishop's Gardens and the magnificent Archbishop's Palace. The town is also home to the globally unique Flower Garden, or "Květná zahrada," where visitors can marvel at meticulously designed floral carpets and intricate Baroque architecture, making it a must-see destination for lovers of history and horticulture alike.
Parking in Kroměříž
Finding convenient parking is an important first step to a stress-free visit in Kroměříž, especially when aiming to explore the historic town center. While the charming streets themselves are not ideal for parking, there are dedicated lots located on the periphery of the old town that offer easy access to the main attractions. It's always wise to check for a parking spot that provides a reasonable distance to the key landmarks, allowing you to begin your sightseeing tour on foot without any hassle. Being prepared with local currency is also essential, as many older parking meters do not accept credit cards.
We parked the car near the old town, just bordering the bishop gardens (1; GPS: 49.300005, 17.397645), on the Vejvanovského street. Please take into consideration that this parking is paid, and the machine accepts coins, so before your arrival try to obtain the appropriate number of them (at least 100 CZK).
The bishop gardens
The Bishop's Gardens, also known as the Podzámecká Zahrada, are a masterpiece of landscape architecture and a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for their historical and cultural significance. These magnificent gardens served as a tranquil retreat for the archbishops and were designed to create a harmonious blend of natural beauty and formal design. They are a testament to the Baroque and Romantic landscaping styles, with winding paths, serene ponds, and lush greenery that provide a peaceful escape from the city. The vast area of the gardens allows for a truly immersive experience in a beautifully preserved historical landscape.
The bishop gardens, founded in 1509, make a really big impression by their huge area. Currently the park has an area of approximately 64 hectares. We walked main paths passing by the archbishop's palace (A; GPS: 49.300401, 17.393522) and a mini-zoo (B; GPS: 49.302473, 17.393411), which contains, among others, deers, goats, donkeys, geese and turkeys, but also some exotic animals such as monkeys.
The archbishop's palace itself can be visited - you can admire the representative rooms. The duration of sightseeing - about one and a half hours. Note: in the months from November to February the touring is not possible. There is also the opportunity to visit the wine cellars beneath the palace.
The market and the old town
Kroměříž's historic market square, known as Velké náměstí, is the vibrant heart of the Old Town and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The square has served as the city's central hub for centuries, hosting markets, festivals, and public gatherings. It is a perfect example of a lively European town square, surrounded by beautiful, arcaded buildings that create a unique and inviting atmosphere. The well-maintained facades and cheerful colors of the tenements add to the town's charming character and make every walk a delight.
The old town impresses with a large market (C; GPS: 49.298724, 17.393154) and a centrally located Baroque Marian column from the seventeenth century and a nice fountain. Around the market are erected interesting-looking buildings. You could just sit there and watch the ongoing life. And this place is really alive. A lot of events happens throughout the year. Lots of restaurants located on the square allow you to sit here for hours. You should also walk the outgoing streets. The buildings are kept in very good condition, and their colors are bright and cheerful.
The "Květná zahrada" flower garden
The Flower Garden, or "Květná zahrada," is a true jewel of European landscape design and another part of Kroměříž's UNESCO World Heritage Site. This perfectly preserved early Baroque garden, established in the 17th century, is a masterpiece of geometric precision and artistic expression. Its design, inspired by Italian and French gardens, is characterized by symmetrical patterns, ornamental flower beds, and a strict layout that creates a stunning visual spectacle. Walking through its meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant floral arrangements is a unique and immersive experience that transports you back in time to the elegance of the Baroque era.
At a distance of about one kilometer from the market you can find a unique flower garden ("Květná zahrada") (D; GPS: 49.297420, 17.382413). It's a place that you simply must visit and explore. The walk from the market will take about 20 minutes, so there is not too much sense to go there by a car, but if you really want, you can find a little parking lot opposite the entrance (2; GPS: 9.298000, 17.383678).
In the seventeenth century, the local marshes were dried and in their place was established a garden in French style, which over the centuries has been expanded to current state. All alleys in the garden leads towards a centrally located baroque rotunda, richly decorated with stucco and frescoes.
We visited various gardens, but in our opinion this one is the most diverse of all. We've got mazes, buildings, sculptures, gates, ponds, shaded spaces with benches, artificially constructed hills, and even a greenhouse with exotic plants. In this garden you can easily spend 2-3 hours and you will not be bored. Of course, a good weather is useful! :)
Gastronomy in Kroměříž
A visit to Kroměříž is not complete without indulging in the local gastronomy, which offers a delightful mix of traditional Moravian cuisine and modern Czech flavors. The town's location in the fertile Haná region means that many dishes are based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The market square and the streets leading away from it are filled with charming restaurants, cafes, and pubs where you can enjoy a hearty meal or a relaxing coffee break.
What to Try?
- Traditional Czech Cuisine: Don't miss classic Czech dishes like Svíčková na smetaně (braised beef in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings), goulash, and various roast meats served with potatoes or dumplings.
- Local Beer: Moravia is a famous beer-producing region, and Kroměříž has its own local breweries. Be sure to try a fresh, local draft beer in one of the pubs in the Old Town.
- Moravian Wine: While Moravian wine is famous, the town is also known for its historical wine culture, especially at the Archbishop's Palace. Consider visiting the palace's wine cellars for a tasting of local wines.
- Olomoucké Tvarůžky: If you're feeling adventurous, try this local cheese from the nearby Olomouc region. It's a matured cheese with a strong aroma and a distinctive flavor, often served with bread and beer.
Where to Eat?
The main market square is a great starting point for finding a place to eat, with many restaurants offering outdoor seating and views of the beautiful square. You can also explore the side streets for cozier, more intimate dining spots. Many local establishments pride themselves on serving traditional Czech and Moravian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy your meal and the culinary delights of Kroměříž!
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