Kroměříž, often quite rightly nicknamed the Athens of Haná, is one of those towns that grab your heart the moment you see the photos. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Kroměříž, this gorgeous city of gardens and historic monuments on the UNESCO list offers an incredible atmosphere that draws travellers from all over Europe.
As you wander the local streets and halls, you might just remember the Oscar-winning film Amadeus by Miloš Forman, which was shot here and made the local castle famous around the world. Trust me, once you see these masterpieces of Baroque architecture, you’ll immediately understand why the filmmakers chose this unique Moravian location.
So I’ve put together 12 tips for what to see in Kroměříž, from castle halls and archbishop’s wine cellars to gardens you won’t want to leave. You’ll learn exactly how tickets to both famous gardens work, where to base yourself strategically, and what to watch out for so you don’t arrive on the day when everything is closed.
TL;DR
- Combined ticket: The castle and the Flower Garden have different operators; the only shared ticket is the Via UNESCO for around €24 (580 CZK).
- Closing days: Most sights, including the castle, are closed on Mondays, so plan your trip ideally for the weekend or from Tuesday onwards.
- Castle Garden: Entry is completely free and offers 53 hectares of beautiful landscape park to explore.
- Parking: The best choice is the Velehradská car park, where the first 30 minutes are free and there’s plenty of space.
- Tower and treasury: You can visit the castle tower without a guide, and tickets cost a pleasant €7 (170 CZK).
- Surroundings: If you have more time, definitely head to the nearby pilgrimage site of Svatý Hostýn or to Holešov.
When to Visit Kroměříž
The best time to visit Kroměříž is undoubtedly from late spring to early autumn, when both famous gardens are in full bloom and the town buzzes with an amazing atmosphere. The main tourist season runs from June to August, but if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, I’d recommend going in May or September, when the weather is still lovely for long walks.
When planning your trip, be very careful that the castle and most sights are closed on Mondays, a common mistake that can ruin an entire trip. So always build your itinerary from Tuesday to Sunday, so you can get inside all the breathtaking interiors and don’t miss the most beautiful Baroque monuments the town has to offer.
Set aside at least one full day to explore the best of it, but if you want to enjoy the surroundings too and not rush anywhere, a long weekend will be absolutely ideal. At the end of summer, a popular Baroque culture festival is traditionally held here, but the date for Hortus Magicus in 2026 hasn’t been confirmed yet, so I’d recommend checking the official websites before you travel.
If you love a wintry atmosphere, Kroměříž won’t disappoint at the end of the year either, when the historic streets sink into pure romance. From 5 to 20 December there’s a lovely Advent, when the town lights up with twinkling lights and offers wonderful markets that will reliably warm every traveller’s soul.
Where to Stay in Kroměříž
Kroměříž offers plenty of lovely places to rest your head, whether you’re looking for romance for two or something more practical for the whole family. Prices per night for two people range on average from around €60 to €120 (1,500–3,000 CZK), depending on the luxury and location you ultimately choose for your stay.
If you’re after something with real atmosphere and great service, definitely check out the U Zlatého kohouta hotel, located right on the main square with a stunning wellness area and rooftop bar. A huge plus is that for stays of three nights or more you get free access to the wellness area, which is absolute bliss after a full day of sightseeing, plus they have their own wonderful patisserie.
Another excellent choice is the renowned Hotel Octárna, which travellers love above all for its peace and quiet and its excellent restaurant with a lovely seating area. A key benefit of this stay is free parking in an enclosed courtyard, which saves you plenty of hassle and money in the town centre, since parking in the narrow streets can be a real headache.
For those who want all the historic attractions literally on their doorstep and love smaller, cosy places, there’s the boutique hotel La Fresca, right in the heart of the action. When you book directly through their website, you’ll also enjoy free use of the infrared sauna, an incredibly pleasant bonus to your stay after a walk through a chillier town.
Things to Do in Kroměříž: 12 Tips for Sights and Gardens
Let’s take a look together at the very best this captivating town with its enormous history has to offer, and trust me, a single weekend might not even be enough for all of it. In the following twelve tips you’ll find a complete guide to the sights and gardens, from the magnificent archbishop’s residence to the magical pilgrimage hill outside town, so you know exactly what to add to your itinerary.
1. The Archbishop’s Castle
This breathtaking Baroque residence of the bishops of Olomouc is the very heart of the town, and since 1998 it has rightly boasted a place on the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Its walls have witnessed truly major historical events; among other things, its magnificent Assembly Hall hosted the Constituent Imperial Diet in 1848 and 1849, a fact that still gives history lovers goosebumps today. The castle interiors are incredibly lavish and you can explore them via several different tour routes, of which the most popular is the Heritage Trail at around €18 (450 CZK) for an adult, or a family ticket for around €49 (1,200 CZK).
If you’re a film fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that it was right here that Forman’s legendary film Amadeus was shot in 1983, going on to collect a respectable eight Oscars. The crew spent a full fortnight here filming, for example, the iconic scenes of Mozart meeting Emperor Joseph II, and on the tour you’ll even see the original Mozart score for two pianos. It’s said the castle is also beloved by all sorts of local fairy-tale productions, but the famous Amadeus is one of a kind, and its atmosphere still lingers here.
💡 Tip: Be very careful that the castle and the Flower Garden have different operators, and the same regular ticket doesn’t cover both. The only way to save money is to buy the combined Via UNESCO ticket for around €24 (580 CZK), which I definitely recommend using to visit both places.
2. The Castle Tower and Treasury
While you’re at the castle, you absolutely must not skip the climb up its majestic tower, which rises to a height of 84 metres and forms the town’s dominant landmark. This route has a huge advantage in that you can visit the tower and treasury without a guide, so you set the pace of the tour yourself, and full admission costs a very pleasant €7 (170 CZK). From the gallery you’ll get a breathtaking view of the whole historic centre, both famous gardens, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the ridges of distant mountains.
As well as the views, a visit to the castle treasury awaits, hiding genuine historical treasures of immense value and precise craftsmanship. The treasury space is also architecturally fascinating, as it boasts a unique star vault dating from around 1500, testament to the incredible skill of the master builders of the time. Don’t forget to set aside at least the best part of an hour for this route, so you can enjoy all those glittering marvels and views in complete peace.
💡 Tip: The last entry to the tower is possible no later than 30 minutes before the end of opening hours, so don’t leave this experience until the very last moment, or you’ll leave empty-handed.
3. The Castle Picture Gallery
The castle picture gallery in Kroměříž is one of the most important in all of Central Europe, and for art lovers it’s an absolute must that it would be a huge sin to skip. The whole collection numbers a respectable five hundred paintings, of which 85 of the most valuable works are currently on display, charting European painting from Gothic all the way to playful Rococo. You’ll find canvases here by masters such as Anthony van Dyck, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and the famous Venetian painter Titian.
The collection’s greatest pride is undoubtedly Titian’s masterpiece Apollo and Marsyas, prized by experts as one of the most important works of art in the country. But I must warn you about one important thing that visitors sometimes fall foul of and then leave disappointed. At present, two significant paintings from the collection are temporarily on loan abroad, so before you travel it’s best to check on the official website whether your dream works are currently on view.
💡 Tip: The gallery is normally part of the large Heritage Trail route, which lasts around 80 minutes, but bear in mind that the fascinating details of the paintings may keep you much longer.
4. The Castle Garden
Right beneath the windows of the archbishop’s castle stretches the enchanting Castle Garden, which, unlike its floral sister, is open to all visitors all year round and completely free. This beautiful piece of nature covers an incredible 53 hectares, making it an ideal spot for long afternoon strolls among rare centuries-old trees. The garden was founded back in 1509, but it acquired its current form as a romantic English-style landscape park only in the prosperous 19th century.
As you walk, you’ll come across plenty of romantic nooks, streams, little bridges, and charming pavilions that complete the unforgettable atmosphere of this magical place. The park is also brought to life by wild waterfowl gliding across the surface of the local ponds, adding a pleasant liveliness to the garden. For 2026, though, one important restriction applies, because the entrance gate to the garden from the square is temporarily closed, so you’ll have to use other access routes.
💡 Tip: If you want to learn more about the park’s history, download the audio guide app straight to your phone, or pay for a guided tour with an expert for around €8 (200 CZK).
5. The Flower Garden
The Flower Garden, also known as the historic Libosad (Pleasure Garden), is an absolute gem of early Baroque garden architecture and, on a global scale, a unique creation with no equal. It was built between 1665 and 1675 and will instantly dazzle you with its perfect geometry, meticulously trimmed hedges, and colourful floral ornaments. This garden falls under the management of the National Heritage Institute, which means different rules apply for admission; a full ticket costs around €7 (180 CZK), and unfortunately there’s no family ticket here.
The centrepiece of the whole complex is a beautiful octagonal rotunda, whose interior is adorned with rich stucco by master Castelli and hides a genuine technical rarity. Right in the middle of the building hangs a Foucault pendulum that has been here for over a hundred years, vividly demonstrating the rotation of planet Earth. Be sure to extend your walk along the long colonnade lined with statues of ancient gods, from whose rooftop you get the very best view of the precise geometry of the whole park.
💡 Tip: During the summer months, come here first thing around nine in the morning, because the garden tends to fill with tourists in the afternoon, all trying to snag the best shots for their family albums.
6. The Main Square and Arcades
The heart of the whole town is the picturesque Main Square (Velké náměstí), lined with beautiful burgher houses with typical arcades, which today hide cosy cafés and small shops. The entire historic core was declared an urban conservation area back in 1978, which has had a very positive effect on its excellent condition and authentic, sun-soaked atmosphere. The dominant feature of the space is the Baroque Marian column, erected here immediately after the devastating plague epidemic of 1680 as a gesture of enormous thanks for its passing.
On the square, be sure to notice the imposing town hall building and the lovely Renaissance fountain, which offers welcome refreshment on hot summer days in a sun-baked town. A short walk from here you’ll find the Mill Gate and the remains of Maximilian’s water conduit, which recall the incredible ingenuity of the town engineering of the time. If you’re interested in the history of currency, the historic bishop’s mint reportedly hides a huge coin collection, but before visiting be sure to check its current opening at the information centre.
💡 Tip: Take a seat on the terrace of one of the cafés under the arcades and simply watch the everyday life of this beautiful town; it’s a guaranteed balm for the soul.
7. The Archbishop’s Castle Wine Cellars
If you love quality wine and rich history, you definitely shouldn’t miss a tour of the Archbishop’s Castle Wine Cellars, which boast the title of the oldest winery in the Czech Republic. The skilled local winemakers still uphold centuries-old traditions, and the wine matures slowly in enormous oak barrels that have seen a lot. Tours take place from April to September, Tuesday to Friday at 2:00 p.m., but if you’d like to come on a Saturday, prior booking is required.
Basic admission to this mysterious underground world costs around €4 (90 CZK), but if you fancy a tasting too, set aside around €8 (190 CZK) for five excellent samples for adult visitors. From a practical point of view, it’s very important to know that prams are not allowed in the cellars, so if you’re travelling with small children, you’ll have to take turns on the tour or carry your child in a baby carrier.
💡 Tip: On Sundays and throughout the winter season the cellars are unfortunately completely closed to the public, so plan your visit for a weekday during the summer season.
8. The Kroměříž Region Museum and Max Švabinský
Right on the Main Square sits the interesting Kroměříž Region Museum, an ideal stop for anyone who wants to delve deeper into local history and vibrant culture. The institution’s biggest draw is undoubtedly the memorial to the famous painter and local native Max Švabinský, offering a truly unique insight into his life’s journey and key masterpieces. Separate entry to a single exhibition costs a symbolic €2 (50 CZK), but it’s definitely worth buying the combined ticket to the whole museum for around €8 (200 CZK).
As well as the Švabinský memorial, the museum regularly hosts various short-term exhibitions that keep its year-round programme fresh and bring in new themes. For the summer season of 2026, a major exhibition dedicated to Miloš Macourek is planned, running from June to September and promising a great experience for visitors of all generations.
💡 Tip: The museum is an absolutely brilliant rescue in case an unpleasant summer downpour catches you off guard during your wanderings, since you can easily spend a good couple of hours here.
9. The Church of St. Maurice
Kroměříž isn’t just about ornate Baroque; it also hides beautiful Gothic monuments, the most important of which is the imposing Church of St. Maurice. This monumental building was founded by the prominent Olomouc bishop Bruno of Schauenburg back around 1265 and to this day ranks among the most beautiful sacred buildings in the entire wider region. The atmosphere inside the church is incredibly quiet and majestic, in sharp contrast to the bustle of the surrounding summer streets.
As you explore the dimly lit interior, you’ll come across plenty of valuable details and works of art that have accumulated here over the centuries of its continuous operation. The single most important place in the whole church is the spot where the very remains of the church’s founder are laid to rest, which lends this place enormous historical depth and spiritual significance.
💡 Tip: If you enjoy church architecture, a short walk from here you’ll also find the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist, whose richly decorated interior is worth a brief stop, if it happens to be open.
10. Jewish Kroměříž
The history of Jewish settlement in Kroměříž was immensely rich, even though only a few tangible reminders have survived to the present day, which nonetheless hold enormous historical value. The most significant surviving monument of the former Jewish town is the Jewish Town Hall building on Moravcova Street, a silent witness to the times when the local community flourished and formed a very important part of town life.
Sadly, the original large synagogue, which was the pride of the local community, was irretrievably demolished during the Nazi occupation, so we can now recall its majesty only from period photographs and the accounts of those who remember it. Even so, a walk through these places carries a very powerful and moving atmosphere, one that history lovers should definitely not miss on their wanderings.
💡 Tip: For a deeper understanding of Jewish history in the region, I definitely recommend a short trip to nearby Holešov, where far more unique monuments have been preserved.
11. Svatý Hostýn
If you want to take a break from the town bustle for a while, head to nearby Svatý Hostýn, a magical pilgrimage hill rising to a height of 736 metres above sea level. At the very summit you’ll be greeted by the stunning Baroque Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built between 1721 and 1748, one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the country, radiating an incredibly majestic calm that will immediately absorb you. A short walk from the basilica itself, you absolutely must explore the architecturally unique Jurkovič Way of the Cross with its beautiful Köhler mosaics, a wonderful blend of vibrant folk Art Nouveau and deep spiritual tradition.
The pilgrimage complex is beautifully maintained and offers plenty of benches for resting in the shade of tall trees. If you have enough energy, be sure to climb the nearby stone lookout tower, or go and refresh yourself at the sacred water chapel with its spring, which locals say has miraculous healing powers.
💡 Tip: The journey to the top of Hostýn can be done on foot along marked hiking trails, but for the less mobile there’s a regular bus line from nearby Bystřice pod Hostýnem that will take you right up to the basilica.
12. Holešov: The Castle and the Šach Synagogue
Just twelve kilometres from Kroměříž lies the unassuming town of Holešov, which hides an unexpectedly rich history and is an absolutely ideal choice for a half-day trip. The biggest draw is the local early Baroque castle surrounded by a sprawling French garden, whose geometric precision and elaborate water canals create the perfect backdrop for romantic afternoon strolls.
Beyond the castle, though, Holešov is famous above all for its historic Jewish monuments, dominated by the rare Šach Synagogue, built in a unique Polish style, which ranks among absolute world rarities. Watch out for a very common mistake in ordinary guidebooks, because it is definitely not a shingle building, as many texts sometimes quite wrongly state.
Also worth a visit is the extensive Jewish cemetery, where you’ll find more than fifteen hundred ancient headstones arranged in the quiet shade of mighty trees. The most significant of all is the grave of the famous scholar Rabbi Šach, to which pilgrims from all over the world still travel to quietly honour his memory.
💡 Tip: Tickets to the synagogue and the cemetery can be conveniently purchased at the local information centre, where they’ll also gladly advise you on the best walking route around all the preserved Jewish monuments in town.
Kroměříž with Kids
Travelling to Kroměříž with kids can be an absolutely brilliant experience, if you know exactly where to go and which spots are best avoided with little fidgets. An absolute safe bet is the huge Castle Garden, with year-round entry completely free, offering endless grassy areas where children can safely run around and watch all sorts of waterfowl on the local ponds.
During the summer holidays, don’t miss the special family programmes in the Flower Garden, such as the popular “Holidays in the Flower Garden” or the interactive “Playful Flower Garden”, which run throughout July and August. If you arrive on a truly hot summer’s day, a rescue for the whole family will be the refreshing Bajda open-air pool, the very best official option for summer swimming right in town.
When planning your overall budget, be very careful about the different ticket approaches at the main sights, so you’re not unpleasantly surprised at the ticket desk. While the archbishop’s castle offers a very good-value family ticket, the Flower Garden unfortunately has no family option, and you’ll have to buy tickets for each family member separately.
Where to Eat in Kroměříž
After a long day of sightseeing you’ll definitely work up an appetite, and luckily Kroměříž offers plenty of great places to refuel for further wanderings. An absolute legend is the renowned Amadeus patisserie, based in the U Zlatého kohouta house, and treating yourself to one of their excellent desserts in the town where the famous Oscar-winning film was shot is simply a traveller’s must.
For excellent coffee and sweet pastries, I’d also recommend trying the popular Cukrárna Gabriela, where they always have fresh treats and very smiley service. In the evening you can settle into one of the local cosy wine bars, which serve excellent archbishop’s wines from local production, an inseparable part of this captivating town.
Craft beer lovers should definitely not miss the Černý Orel microbrewery on the Main Square, which boasts its own great production and a very cosy historic interior. The local brewpub kitchen serves honest Czech classics as well as meaty specialities for serious eaters, but fans of other local brands such as Pivo Maxmilian or Selský pivovárek will certainly find something to love here too.
How to Get to Kroměříž and Where to Park
Getting to Kroměříž is fairly easy, and whether you choose a car or the train, the journey will fly by thanks to good connections to the main routes. If you set off by rail from Brno, expect one change in nearby Kojetín, while travellers coming from the direction of Olomouc or Zlín will have to change at the junction station of Hulín.
For drivers, a huge advantage is that the town’s motorway bypass on the D1 is completely toll-free (a national motorway vignette applies elsewhere on Czech motorways, much like the toll stickers in Austria or Switzerland). The best option is to use exits number 258 for the western part or 260 for the east, which will smoothly guide you to the centre. Parking in the narrow historic streets tends to be a real headache, so the town officially recommends that tourists use the modern Velehradská car park.
In this spacious car park you’ll find 137 spaces, the first 30 minutes of parking are completely free, and the whole facility operates around the clock, which will reliably save you plenty of nerves when hunting for a free spot. Other paid parking can be found right on the Main Square and Riegrovo Square, where you can easily settle the fees via the EasyPark app, or check availability online on the town website.
Where to Go Next
If you love beautiful towns and Kroměříž won you over, Moravia offers plenty of other gorgeous places that are definitely worth your attention and belong on your travel list. Take a look at our article Things to Do in Olomouc: 14 Tips, where you’ll discover the most beautiful historic streets and wonderful cafés that will absolutely charm you.
A great stop for lovers of unique architecture is the neighbouring Baťa metropolis, which we’ve written about in detail in the guide Things to Do in Zlín: 12 Tips. You’ll find a peaceful Slovácko atmosphere and great wine in the piece Uherské Hradiště: 9 Tips, and if you’re looking for more big holiday inspiration, definitely check out the extensive list of 20 Tips for a Holiday in Czechia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to the city of gardens can occasionally throw up a few uncertainties, especially when it comes to the different admission fees at the various sites and their opening hours. That’s why I’ve put together answers to the most common questions to help you avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Which day are most monuments in Kroměříž closed?
The vast majority of main historical monuments, including the Archbishop’s Palace, are closed on Mondays. Therefore, always plan your trip ideally for the weekend or for days from Tuesday to Sunday, so you can get into all the beautiful interiors and not leave empty-handed.
Is it worth buying a combined ticket to the gardens?
Definitely yes, because the palace and the Flower Garden have different operators and regular tickets cannot be combined. The only advantageous option is to purchase the joint Via UNESCO ticket for €20 (580 Kč), which will save you money and ensure entry to both main attractions.
Are the Kroměříž gardens accessible completely free of charge?
While the extensive Castle Garden is accessible all year round completely free of charge, the geometrically precise Flower Garden requires a standard admission fee. A full ticket to the Flower Garden will cost you €7 (180 Kč), or you can pay extra for a guided tour with an expert.
Where exactly in Kroměříž was the film Amadeus shot?
The famous Oscar-winning film Amadeus by Miloš Forman from 1983 was shot directly in the richly decorated interiors of the Archbishop’s Palace. During the tour you will see magnificent halls where iconic scenes were created, and there is even an original Mozart score for two pianos on display.
Can the Flower Garden be visited with a stroller?
Yes, the Flower Garden offers wide and well-maintained paths that are absolutely problem-free for families with strollers. However, be very careful when visiting the Archbishop’s wine cellars, where entry with strollers is unfortunately strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Where is the best place to park near the center?
The city itself officially recommends using the modern Velehradská parking garage, which offers 137 spaces and convenient 24/7 operation. A huge advantage of this parking lot is that the first 30 minutes are completely free, which is useful for quick errands.
Is there an advantageous family admission at both gardens?
While at the Archbishop’s Palace you can purchase a very advantageous family admission for €45 (1200 Kč), unfortunately no family option exists at the Flower Garden. There you will have to buy tickets for each member of your family separately, which is good to factor into your budget.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
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Book Your Accommodation Smartly
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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
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Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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