Květná zahrada Kroměříž
Baroque Jewel Among Flowers, Sculptures and Labyrinths
Květná zahrada, historically known as Libosad, is an early Baroque park dating from 1665–1675, established by Bishop Karl II of Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn of Olomouc. The project was created according to the designs of Italian architects Filiberto Lucchese and Giovanni Pietro Tencalla and represents a unique combination of the French and Italian styles. Since 1998, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, together with Podzámecká zahrada and the Archbishop's Chateau in Kroměříž. The garden is accessible to the public year-round, during daytime hours, free of charge.
Architectural Detail and a Floral Symphony in Every Season
Visitors are invited to be enchanted by a place where masterful architecture merges with a magnificent floral symphony in every season. The garden spans a generous area of approximately 300 x 485 m and is designed as a rectangular layout featuring spaces of elegantly composed greenery that blend into labyrinths and fountains.
In the central part stands the impressive octagonal Rotunda with rich frescoes and intricate decoration, while inside it conceals a unique Foucault's pendulum, which symbolically demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. A 244 m long colonnade is lined with up to 44 statues of ancient gods and prominent figures, making it feel like a true gallery in the open landscape. The geometric parterre garden is perfectly complemented by labyrinths, fountains, water features, a conical hedge, and the popular Strawberry Hills. Indeed, the entire place is designed as a living Baroque painting. On the sides of the Courtyard of Honour, classic tropical and cold greenhouses await visitors, where interesting subtropical and tropical plants can be viewed directly at the entrance to the garden.
General Information for Your Visit
This enchanting garden is an ideal place for families with children, who can fully enjoy the playful labyrinths, refreshing fountains, and captivating artistic elements in the landscape. Likewise, it will delight school groups and lovers of historical garden architecture who wish to discover the secrets of the Baroque and botany, as well as individuals, couples, and seniors seeking an oasis of peace for a relaxing stroll among artistic sculptures and picturesque perennial raised beds.
Barrier-free access is available. Entry with a dog is permitted on a leash. The average duration of a visit is about 60 minutes, which is more than sufficient to fully enjoy the rotunda, colonnade, parterres, and free movement in the labyrinth.
How to Get Here and What You Will Find Here
Květná zahrada is located west of the historical centre of Kroměříž, not far from Podzámecká zahrada. If traveling by car, parking is possible in the zone near the Archbishop's Chateau, from where the garden is within a pleasant walking distance. Public transport can also be used to the Kroměříž centre stop, from where clearly marked paths will guide visitors to the garden.
Right on-site, benches, pleasant shaded seating areas near the parterre, and various interesting exhibition installations await visitors to enrich their visit during the main season. In the immediate vicinity, a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and pleasant spots to sit under the chateau's greenery can additionally be found, perfectly rounding off the atmosphere of the trip.
Květná zahrada in Kroměříž is a unique Baroque project combining art, botany, and historical exterior architecture. A place that attracts lovers of gardens, history, and peace. Free of charge, accessible to everyone.
