It was an event the town had never experienced before – and has not seen since. Exactly 140 years ago, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I met with Russian Tsar Alexander III in Kroměříž. The true reasons behind their meeting remain shrouded in mystery, but what is certain is that for three days in August 1885, Kroměříž became the centre of attention in all of Europe.
The imperial meeting took place from 24 to 26 August, and both the preparations and the event itself reflected its extraordinary significance. The entire town and château were decorated festively. Crowds of people, officials, associations, journalists – and a large number of soldiers, gendarmes, and secret police – arrived in Kroměříž. On Nádražní Street, two ceremonial poles with allegorical scenes were erected, and just before the iron bridge, an 18-metre triumphal arch was built. The Main Square was adorned with four 10-metre obelisks fitted with gas lamps and monograms of the sovereigns.
Emperor Franz Joseph I, accompanied by Empress Elisabeth, Crown Prince Rudolf, Archduke Karl Ludwig, and their entourage, arrived in Kroměříž by special train on the afternoon of 24 August. Tsar Alexander III arrived the next day at noon, accompanied by Empress Maria Feodorovna, heir Nicholas, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, and other guests. The imperial families stayed in Kroměříž until 26 August.
Their programme included a military parade, hunting, cultural events, banquets, and garden tours, all set against the backdrop of cheering crowds and performances by Haná folk groups, Sokol gymnasts, sharpshooters, veterans, choirs, and many local associations.
But what was the true purpose of this high-level meeting? No official statement was ever made, and the press at the time speculated about various possibilities. It is most likely that the rulers discussed the tense situation and their power interests in the Balkans. Some speculate that it was during this very visit to Kroměříž that Emperor Franz Joseph was first introduced to actress Katharina Schratt, who would later become his trusted confidante.
