Path of Prestige

State Rooms and the Guardhouse

State Rooms

Archiepiscopal and Princely Interiors

The State Rooms, forming part of the tour known as the Path of Prestige, were used by the Archbishops of Olomouc for official audiences. The route also includes private apartments and the hall in which the Constituent Imperial Diet of the Habsburg Monarchy was assebled in 1848. The salon featuring portraits of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria, known as Sisi, commemorates their meeting here at the chateau with Tsar Alexander III of Russia.

The Path of Prestige offers insight into the history of the chateau, significant events, and notable figures associated with it.. Preserved furnishings, elegant gilded stucco work, and art collections can be admired during a 95-minute guided tour. This route is available during the main season.

Guardhouse

Life of the Guard Members

The Guardhouse exhibition is located in the so-called Mill Gate. The origins of the Archbishop’s Guard date back to the early 13th century; its present form stems from a Classical reconstruction in the 1830s. The exhibition includes the commander’s apartment as well as facilities for the members of the guard.

The Mill Gate formed part of the town’s fortifications. The visitors are reminded of its baroque alterations by a preserved fragment of a painted façade on the tower, which also documents the building activity of Bishop Karel II of Liechtenstein-Castelcorn (bishop 1664–1695) during the restoration of Kroměříž. The gate acquired its current appearance in the second half of the 19th century, partly based on the design of the architect Antonín Arche. The Mill Gate also provided facilities and temporary accommodation for the Archbishop’s Guard.

The Archbishop’s Guard

As the Bishop of Olomouc also held the title of Prince and was often directly responsible for the defence of Moravia, a guard fulfilling both protective and ceremonial functions formed an integral part of his court. It comprised approximately 20–30 men.

In addition to ceremonial duties associated with the stays of the (Arch)bishops at Kroměříž chateau, the guards also helped reinforce security in the town, particularly during the revolutionary years of 1848–49 and at the meeting of the Tsar with the Austrian Emperor in 1885, when they cooperated with local sharpshooters. The Archbishop’s Guard is a historical unique feature of Moravia.

Duration of the tour

95 minutes – guided
Capacity: 20 persons

Price list

Standard
Reduced
Family
Path of Prestige
480 Kč
320 Kč
1 280 KčBuy ticket

Reduced admission: children up to 15 years, students up to 26 years with a valid student card / ISIC, seniors over 65 years, holders of a Senior Pass, holders of a disability card (ZTP and ZTP/P, including a maximum of two accompanying persons), children under 6 free of charge

Family ticket: 2 adults and 2–3 children up to 15 years, holders of a Family Pass

Advance booking is required for groups of more than 15 persons.

Our tip:

We recommend purchasing the Tower and Treasury tour in addition to the Representation Route.