**New Exhibition: The Mill Gate**
The new exhibition, titled “The Mill Gate,” is located in the so-called Mill Gate. The origins of the archbishop’s guard date back to the early 13th century, with its current form stemming from a neoclassical renovation in the 1830s. The exhibition includes the commander’s apartment and facilities for the guard members. The Mill Gate was part of the town’s fortifications. A preserved fragment of the tower’s facade painting is a reminder of the early Baroque modifications, documenting the construction activities of Bishop Karel II of Lichtenstein-Castelcorn (bishop from 1664 to 1695) in the restoration of Kroměříž. The gate received its current appearance in the second half of the 19th century, partially following the design of architect Antonín Arche. The Mill Gate also served as a base and temporary accommodation for the archbishop’s guard.
The Archbishop’s Guard
Since the Bishop of Olomouc held the title of prince and was often responsible for the direct command of Moravia’s defense, the guard was an integral part of his court, serving both protective and ceremonial functions. The guard consisted of approximately 20–30 men. In addition to performing ceremonial duties during the (arch)bishops’ stays at the Kroměříž Chateau, the guards also helped to enhance the town’s security, particularly during the revolutionary years of 1848/49 and the meeting between the Tsar and the Austrian Emperor in 1885, when they cooperated with local sharpshooters. The Archbishop’s Guard is a historical unique feature of Moravia.
