The Květná Garden in Kroměříž opened the observation terrace of the renovated colonnade

Kroměříž - Květná zahrada in Kroměříž, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, opened its viewing terrace of the so-called colonnade to the public this weekend after renovations. The construction work lasted two years. It mainly included the restoration of the roof structure, copper roofing, stone balustrades, and wooden viewing walkways, which are now safer. The costs exceeded 30 million crowns, and the renovation of the colonnade was funded by the state, said the curator Zdeněk Novák to ČTK today.

The colonnade or more precisely the arcaded gallery with a collection of dozens of sculptures and busts is one of the garden's highlights, stretching 244 meters in length. According to the curator, craftsmen last repaired its roof in the 1980s, when a walkable terrace was also created. Its next reconstruction began in 2021. "The contractor had to gradually dismantle the covering, then gradually dismantle the roof structure," Novák stated.

It was also necessary to dismantle the balustrade, lower it to the ground, and transport it to a stonemason's workshop for restoration. "Some parts had to be completely replaced, of course, but in minimal amounts. Subsequently, the entire structure was returned back, of course, using heavy machinery, which we also had to get into the Květná zahrada," the curator said.

This morning, Slovak was often heard at the colonnade. Two buses with visitors arrived in Kroměříž from Stará Turá in the Trenčín region. They combined their trip to Květná zahrada with a visit to a gardening exhibition at the Kroměříž exhibition center. "We come here every year in the spring. First, we come here and then to the exhibition. We like to check what’s new after a year," said visitor Viera to ČTK.

People can now also admire blooming bulbous plants in the so-called Dutch garden, which follows the original arrangement of Květná zahrada known from engravings from the second half of the 17th century. It was restored to its original beauty between 2012 and 2014. In addition to many species of differently colored daffodils and tulips, the regularly arranged flower beds also bloom with fritillaries or grape hyacinths in the spring. Also in full bloom are pansies, tulips, and ornamental daisies in the Honor Courtyard at the entrance to Květná zahrada, as well as in some side flower beds.

Next week, the workers of Květná zahrada will begin summering the citrus plants grown in large wooden tubs. They spent the winter in greenhouses. People will be able to admire them in the Orange Garden, which borders the Dutch garden. In May, gardeners will also move the heat-loving plants that wintered in the Palm greenhouse to their summer location in the Honor Courtyard. "We are also gradually preparing for pruning the boxwoods and preparing the flower beds for planting annuals," Novák added.

Květná zahrada is one of the most significant garden works in the Czech Republic and is exceptional even on a European scale. The idea for its establishment originated in the 17th century from Bishop Karl II of Liechtenstein-Castelcorn, who entrusted the project to architect Giovanni Pietro Tencalla. In 1998, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list along with the Archbishop's Palace and Podzámecká zahrada in Kroměříž. Last year, over 87,000 visitors visited Květná zahrada.