Where to go on a trip Tovačov

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.

The flooded Zatopený lom Želeč u Drysic is a picturesque and popular site that originated as a remnant of stone mining and now serves as a tranquil natural location.

The site is located between the municipalities of Želeč and Drysice, in the Vyškov district, on the border of the Haná and Drahanská vrchovina regions. The quarry is characterized by its clean water, which, due to its depth, maintains a refreshing temperature even during the peak of summer heat. Access to the water surface is modified in several places; however, the overall character of the site remains natural, without asphalt paths or organized facilities. The surroundings of the quarry are lined with high rock walls, which are popular with cliff jumpers, although this activity requires maximum caution. Given that this is an unofficial swimming spot, great emphasis is placed on the responsibility of visitors towards nature, especially regarding the maintenance of cleanliness. The site is surrounded by deciduous trees that provide natural shade, and thanks to its location in a gently rolling landscape, it offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rest from the bustle of the city.

What can you find here?

Within the area, you will find a flooded water surface with various levels of access to the water, from gentle banks to steep rock ledges. The surroundings of the quarry consist of grassy and earthy areas suitable for sunbathing or picnics, and a network of narrow beaten paths leading around the entire perimeter of the quarry. As this is a natural site, there are no snack bars, changing rooms, or toilets here; therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with everything you need in advance.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for lovers of natural swimming and people looking for silence and privacy in the bosom of nature. It is also sought after by young people and groups of friends due to the possibility of jumping into the water from the rocks; however, due to the absence of lifeguards and rescue equipment, it is recommended only for proficient swimmers. The place is also suitable for dog owners, who can enjoy free movement by the water here, and for photographers attracted by the contrast of the light rock and the turquoise surface.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Just a short distance from the quarry is the village of Drysice, where you can view the historic building of the local granary or the kostel Narození Panny Marie. For history lovers, the town of Vyškov with its zoopark and Dinopark is within accessible distance. If you are looking for further natural beauty, we recommend a visit to the Moravský kras with its caves, which is located west of the site, or the rozhledna Chocholík near Drnovice, which offers a view of the entire Vyškovská brána.

Plumlovská přehrada is an extensive water body on the border of the Drahanská vrchovina and Haná. It lies on the Hloučela River about 3 kilometres from Prostějov. It ranks among our oldest reservoirs and covers an area of 65 hectares. Its construction began as early as 1913 and initially did not meet with great enthusiasm among the population. Originally, it was supposed to be completed within five years, but World War I interrupted the plans. The complete finishing of the Plumlov dam thus took place only in 1932.

The main reason for construction was primarily flood protection and the support of the flow of the Hloučela River. However, a flood came sooner, and so in 1920, a large amount of water from persistent rain caused such damage at the dam that the final construction cost increased up to twelvefold.

Now, Plumlovská přehrada serves mainly tourists and athletes. Grassy beaches and refreshments are available, but for anyone who is not entertained by merely lying by the water, the offer of one of the rental shops can be utilized to cross the surface criss-cross on a paddle boat or a small boat. Other water sports also do not remain in the background, and so it is possible to see skilled paddleboarders or fast kayakers.

The Plumlov water reservoir is also important from a cultural perspective. Various significant events for the general public have taken place here, for example, the International Music Festival for Children and Youth with Disabilities as well as a large number of other concerts. An interesting and relatively popular event is also the dragon boat race, which takes place on various water bodies throughout the republic.

Not far from the dam is the early Baroque zámek Plumlov, part of which is also the torso of the never-completed castle of the same name. Visitors' holiday by Plumlovská přehrada thus does not have to be solely about swimming, but history lovers will also find something to their liking. After all, tourists and cyclists will not come up short either. A number of marked trails lead through the surroundings of the dam; visitors simply need to choose the one that suits them. Then it is only a matter of planning a date, finding suitable accommodation near Plumlovská přehrada, and coming to relax from demanding working days.