Why Visit the Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO Site?

The Kroměříž gardens UNESCO site earned its prestigious title in 1998. It represents a perfectly preserved example of European Baroque garden design. The site consists of the Archbishop's Palace and two distinct gardens. These spaces served as the summer residence for Olomouc archbishops for centuries. Today, they offer a peaceful escape for travelers and history buffs. You can wander through geometric mazes or relax by quiet lakes. The town itself is charming and easy to navigate on foot. It provides a deeper look into the royal history of the Czech Republic. Many people visit as a day trip while staying in Brno.

12 Best Things to See at the Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO Site

This list highlights the must-see spots within the UNESCO area and the surrounding town. Each item offers a unique look at the region's heritage. Use these picks to plan your itinerary for 2026.

• Best overall: The Flower Garden
• Best for families: The Palace Garden
• Best for history: Archbishop's Palace
• Best free activity: Exploring the Main Square

1. Name: The Flower Garden (Květná zahrada) Type: Sight Why go: This is the most iconic part of the UNESCO site. It features precise geometric patterns and rare plant species. Best for: Photography lovers. Where: West side of the town center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit in early summer for the best floral colors.
2. Name: The Palace Garden (Podzámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: This vast English-style park is home to exotic trees and free-roaming peacocks. It offers a more natural feel than the Flower Garden. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Directly behind the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible through the palace gates. Tip: Look for the small zoo area with deer and birds.
3. Name: Archbishop's Palace (Arcibiskupský zámek) Type: Sight Why go: This grand palace is the center of the UNESCO site. It boasts stunning halls where famous movies like Amadeus were filmed. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Northern edge of the main square. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid guided tours. Getting there: Easy walk from anywhere in the center. Tip: Book the "Assembly Hall" tour to see the best interiors.
4. Name: The Colonnade Type: Viewpoint Why go: This 244-meter long gallery is lined with statues of Greek gods. It offers a great perspective of the Flower Garden. Best for: Scenic views. Where: Inside the Flower Garden. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in garden entry. Getting there: Located along the garden's edge. Tip: Climb to the top gallery for a bird's-eye view of the mazes.
5. Name: The Rotunda Type: Experience Why go: A central building in the Flower Garden featuring a Foucault pendulum. It demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Center of the Flower Garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in garden entry. Getting there: Follow the main paths to the garden's center. Tip: Check the pendulum's movement at the start and end of your visit.
6. Name: Palace Gallery Type: Museum Why go: It houses one of the most important collections of Central European paintings. You can see works by Titian and Van Dyck. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Inside the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Enter through the main palace courtyard. Tip: Don't miss the famous painting "Apollo and Marsyas" by Titian.
7. Name: Kroměříž Main Square (Velké náměstí) Type: Neighborhood Why go: A beautiful square surrounded by colorful Baroque houses and cozy cafes. It is the heart of the town's social life. Best for: Lunch and people-watching. Where: Town center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: The main hub for all local walking paths. Tip: Try a local pastry at one of the corner bakeries.
8. Name: Bishop’s Mint (Mincovna) Type: Experience Why go: This is the last preserved mint in Moravia. It shows how coins were made for the bishops centuries ago. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Palace Garden entrance. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: A short walk from the palace. Tip: Check the schedule for live coin-minting demonstrations.
9. Name: St. Maurice Church Type: Sight Why go: A grand Gothic church that holds the tombs of several archbishops. Its tall spires dominate the town skyline. Best for: Spiritual reflection. Where: Stojanovo náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Located just west of the palace. Tip: Attend a morning mass to hear the impressive pipe organ.
10. Name: Olomouc Day Trip Type: Day trip Why go: Olomouc is a nearby city with its own UNESCO column and historic charm. It is a logical next stop after Kroměříž. Best for: Extended travel. Where: 45 km north of Kroměříž. Time: Full day. Cost: Transport costs. Getting there: Use this Olomouc sightseeing guide for travel tips. Tip: Visit the Holy Trinity Column at sunset.
11. Name: Slavkov u Brna Type: Day trip Why go: Known as Austerlitz, this is the site of a famous Napoleonic battle. It features a beautiful chateau and park. Best for: Military history. Where: Located between Brno and Kroměříž. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Paid entry to chateau. Getting there: See the Slavkov u Brna trip guide for details. Tip: Visit the Peace Memorial on the nearby hill.
12. Name: Moravian Karst Type: Experience Why go: A stunning natural area with over 1,000 caves and the famous Macocha Abyss. It is a great contrast to the town's architecture. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: North of Brno. Time: 6 hours. Cost: Paid cave tours. Getting there: Follow this guide for Moravian Karst cave tours. Tip: Book cave tickets several weeks in advance.

Planning Your Trip from Brno to Kroměříž

Getting to the Kroměříž gardens UNESCO site from Brno is very easy. The most convenient way is by car, which takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a direct bus from the Brno main bus station. Buses run frequently and are quite affordable. Trains are another option, though they often require a quick change in Kojetín. Once you arrive, the town is very walkable. Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Wear comfortable shoes as the garden paths are gravel. Most sites are open from April to October. Check official websites for winter opening hours before you travel.