About Kroměříž Chateau
The Archbishop´s Chateau in Kromeříž is one of the most significant cultural and historical monuments in the Czech Republic. The town of Kroměříž has been closely connected with the Olomouc bishops since 1110, when the bishop Jan II bought the local market settlement. In 1261, this place was promoted to a town by the bishop Bruno of Schauenburg, and construction of a Gothic castle began here. Kroměříž also became an important cultural and administrative center. Later, in 1496-1554, Stanislav Thurza had the Gothic castle rebuilt into a four-wing Gothic-Renaissance chateau. In 1643, the chateau was attacked and demolished by Swedish troops. It was re-built in late 17th Century, thanks to Karel of Liechtenstein-Castelcorn and the architects F. Lucchese and G.P Tencalla. In 1752, the chateau was damaged in a big fire and was reconstructed again. It got new facades, ledges and roofs. In 1848-1849, Kroměříž became the site of the All-Slav Imperial Congress. In 1885, the Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I, met the Russian tsar Alexander I here.
At the end of WWII, the German troops returning to Germany set a fire in Kroměříž which almost destroyed the chateau´s tower – it was repaired in 1948. During socialism, the chateau was owned by the Czechoslovakia state, now it is again owned by the Olomouc Archbishopric. From 1998, the chateau and its surrounding gardens have been on UNESCO World Heritage list.
The large two-floor building surrounds the inner yard with four bastion risalits placed in the corners. A mighty tower, octagonal at the top, with a baroque cupola, rises from the building. The interiors of the chateau are richly decorated and extremely valuable. Among them, the Assembly Hall is the largest. It is special for its rich decoration, especially the ceiling painting and 22 crystal-glass chandeliers. This hall hosted the previously mentioned All-Slav Imperial congress – this is also why a stage was built here. In 1900, the hall was electrified. Another significant room is the Fief Hall. Assemblies and courts took place here, which is still reminded by three fief chests in the hall. The walls are richly decorated with artificial marble, with gold-plated rococo carvings and rococo decorations. The library contains about 40 000 books and there are four large 17th Century globes with maps of the Earth and the sky, too. Salla Terena is located in the garden wing by the park and it served as the entrance to the gardens. There are three big halls and two grottos (artificial caves) on the sides of Salla Terena. Concerts and other cultural events took place here. The most precious collections are placed in the Art gallery – the most valuable painting here is Tiziano´s Apollon and Marsyas, which is also the most precious painting in the Czech Republic.
Very precious masterpieces are also the gardens – the Palace Garden and the Flower Garden. These are also listed on the UNESCO Heritage Site list. You can visit all these places and admire their beauty and cultural value.
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 Kroměříž 02 |
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