Velké náměstí (Main Square) is the beating heart of Kroměříž, full of cultural events and social life throughout the year. But it is also a place rich in history, unique architecture, and symbols that make Kroměříž one of the most visited towns in the Czech Republic. It was founded in the second half of the 13th century by Bishop Bruno of Schauenburg as a market square and served this purpose for most of its history.
The main landmark of the square is the Marian Plague Column, erected in 1680 as an expression of gratitude and tribute to the victims of the plague epidemic.
The most significant building on Velké náměstí is the Town Hall. Not only is it a striking Renaissance building, but it also stands as a lasting symbol of the city’s autonomous self-government. It still serves its original purpose as the seat of the municipal authority. It was first mentioned in 1574 in connection with a pharmacy. In 1643, the town hall was seriously damaged by Swedish troops, and all its records, including chronicles, were destroyed. According to records, Jan Sarkander was imprisoned in its cellar between 1610 and 1611. Until 1866, a night watchman announced the exact time from the tower. On the first floor is a ceremonial hall featuring the largest painting by the famous Kroměříž native Max Švabinský, entitled Harvest.
The Town Hall also houses the Tourist Information Centre, located toward Prusinovského Street. The square is lined with burgher and capitular houses with arcades, most of which have preserved their early Baroque or Renaissance appearance. Under the arcades, you’ll find restaurants, shops, galleries, and inviting places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. One of the townhouses on the square is home to the Kroměříž Museum, which offers a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions, including the Max Švabinský Memorial, presenting the life and work of this celebrated local artist.
One of Švabinský’s five lunettes—originally intended for the decoration of the National Theatre in Prague—has recently been installed under the museum’s arcade. The remaining four can be seen in the Octárna Hotel complex in Kroměříž. The entire historic centre of Kroměříž is of exceptional value, which is why it was declared an Urban Conservation Area as early as 1978. Mimořádně cenné je celé historické centrum Kroměříže, proto není divu, že bylo už v roce 1978 vyhlášeno Městskou památkovou rezervací.
