What is Olomouc famous for? Open left menu Olomouc. Where to eat in Olomouc
Interesting places and attractions in Olomouc and the surrounding area. How long will it take to get to know them and how to plan a trip.
Olomouc in Moravia is one of major cities Czech Republic. Today it boasts a perfectly preserved historical center, green surroundings and castles surrounding its perimeter. It is said that its architectural value, religious heritage and historical past are second only to the capital in terms of richness.
Sights of Olomouc and the surrounding area
We have identified 12 interesting places not to be missed in Olomouc. Some of the attractions are located not in the city itself, but in its surroundings.
#1. Column of the Holy Trinity
A huge number of plague pillars have been preserved in Central Europe - they decorate the central squares of almost every city and tiny village. The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful and skillfully executed. The mason, artist and craftsman at the same time was from here, from Olomouc.
Thanks to his skill, the city received a wonderful architectural example, which is under the auspices of UNESCO. Inside the column is a chapel with stone bas-reliefs illustrating biblical events.
#2. Cathedral of St. Vaclav
This gigantic cathedral rises more than 100 meters in height and is the fourth tallest building in the Czech Republic. If we consider buildings of exclusively religious themes, then it is second only to St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. The building originally had a Romanesque design, but the restoration of the 19th century introduced the Neo-Gothic style, which was fashionable at that time, into the style of the facade. The internal layout of St. Wenceslas Cathedral has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages.
#3. Gradi Monastery
Another interesting place in Olomouc is the Gradi Monastery. The interior of the majestic building can only be enjoyed on Thursdays, but you can also enjoy it by looking at its spiers and towers from the side. If you join a tour (held once a week), you will see wonderful sculptures, bas-reliefs, chandeliers and ceiling frescoes.
#4. Town Hall and astronomical clock
Thanks to its white stucco façade and tall spiers, the Gothic structure has become the dominant building in the historic center of the city, as befits a Town Hall. Access to the building without a special pass is limited, but in the summer there are regular tours where you can see the interior and the Gothic chapel.
Anyone can climb observation deck- a 76-meter tower with a view of Olomouc. Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 15:00.
On the north side of the Town Hall you can see the Olomouc astronomical clock, which appeared there in the 15th century. During World War II, the clock suffered a fair amount of damage and was subsequently reconstructed. Social realism became a new theme on the dial: images of workers and engineers took the place of saints, and the numbers still reflect the birthdays of Lenin and Stalin.
#5. Fountains of Olomouc
Olomouc fountains decorate the central squares
Modern Olomouc is decorated with six fountains that were built during the 17th century. The fountains refer us to the Roman theme: five of them depict mythological characters, and the sixth is dedicated to Gaius Julius Caesar. According to legend, it was this historical figure who founded Olomouc 2000 years ago.
#6. Kromeriz Castle
South of Olomouc is the wonderful Moravian town of Kroměříž with an excellent “collection” historical buildings. The most famous of them is the Kromeriz Castle of the same name, which, together with the beautiful Baroque gardens, was included in the list of sites under the protection of UNESCO. We recommend setting aside a whole day to visit this Olomouc attraction.
#7. Church St. Moritz
Go to St. Moritz Church for an organ concert
The tower of this church, dating back to the 14th century, looks like it belongs to a battlemented fortress. But the most beautiful thing awaits visitors inside. The main feature here is the organ - one of the largest in Europe (just like the organ in, - the largest in Russia). Every autumn the city hosts an organ music festival, and this superb instrument, with over ten thousand pipes, is always at the center of the action.
#8. Gelfsztyn Castle
Gelfshtyn is one of the most interesting day trips from Olomouc, as the castle has no equal in Central Europe. The fortress is located just 35 kilometers from the city and stands on a hilltop next to the Becva River, combining Gothic elements with Renaissance features.
#9. Matchmakers Kopechek
Svaty Kopecek - a hill in the vicinity of Olomouc, Czech Republic
This hill a few kilometers from the city center means a lot to religious people, having been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. At the top of this peculiar landmark of Olomouc there is a monastery with a magnificent Baroque basilica, a zoo and beautiful forests for a walk.
#10. Archbishop's Museum
The museum combines parts of Olomouc Castle, as well as the former Bishop's Palace. These are the oldest listed buildings in the city, with windows and arches dating back to the 12th century. On Wednesdays and Fridays, admission to the museum is free. But even if you just walk around the palace, you will be satisfied - the place is beautiful.
#eleven. Moravian Theater
This place has been the center of the city's cultural life since the 1920s. If you find yourself in Olomouc, be sure to check the schedule of the Moravian Theater to attend a ballet, opera, musical or one of the performances. It is better to book tickets in advance - the theater is in demand!
#12. Bouzov Castle
Bouzov Castle in the vicinity of Olomouc
A classic "fairytale" castle about 30 kilometers northwest of Olomouc. The fortress has been overlooking a dense forest since the beginning of the 14th century. Bouzov Castle once belonged to the Teutonic Order, but then fell into disrepair and was restored at the beginning of the 19th century by a Bavarian architect. In the building you can find almost all the elements of a romantic castle: a moat, battlements, drawbridges, bastions. And even a watchtower eight stories high.
Excursions in Prague at the best prices
The most interesting excursions in Prague and its surroundings from local residents. They are created by people who know and city lovers. The guides will tell you how to spend your time profitably and where to save money in Prague. All excursions are in Russian.
Just like from Prague. What is it famous for and how much does it cost and or the center. How much do castles in Bavaria cost?
Once a week you can travel from Minsk to Olomouc by direct train Moscow-Prague: the journey will take approximately 15 hours and cost € 130. It is much cheaper to get here by land through Poland: you can look for a direct blablacar, or you can drop into the border Terespol, and from there already take local trains (search on pkp.pl) and PolskiBus and FlixBus buses to the city of Katowice, from where you can look for a ride or another bus (for example, Student Agency). This route will take a whole day, but will save an extra hundred euros.
It is more convenient to get to Olomouc from neighboring European capitals: it is equally close to getting here from, or neighboring Poland. It is better to build routes around the Czech Republic using the website idos.cz: it knows the schedules of all local buses and trains and successfully combines them. If you are coming from neighboring country, then it will be cheaper to use buses of large international companies– you can search for them on goeuro.com.
From Prague to Olomouc everyone travels by railway– the journey in this case will take only about two hours. Trains from three carriers operate in the Czech Republic, and tickets for them must be purchased at different ticket offices and on different websites. Students choose RegioJet - prices for travel from Prague to Olomouc start from € 4, and even in the lowest class the ticket price includes a bottle of water and wi-fi.
From Olomouc it’s just a stone’s throw from the borders of three countries – Poland, Slovakia and Austria, which is why it’s so convenient to come here during your next Eurotrip. From Vienna we recommend taking a bus: a ticket for a comfortable FlixBus will cost € 9. You can leave Bratislava for the same money by train or bus. Immediate Polish cities– Krakow and Katowice. From here, it’s best to also look for a bus or a ride on blablacar, otherwise you’ll have to pay exorbitant prices to cross the border by train. In addition, Katowice is the largest hub for low-cost airlines, so you can combine Olomouc with a flight to any part of Europe for € 20-30.
You can get around Olomouc itself on foot - from the center to any outskirts it will be a maximum of 2-3 kilometers. It's easier to use the trams that run throughout the city. Tickets can be bought from vending machines at any major stop; you cannot pay with cards or banknotes, so have some small change ready in advance. One trip with the possibility of transfer costs 14 CZK (approximately € 0.5). On weekdays, with this ticket you can travel for 40 minutes, and on weekends as much as 60 - during this time you will have time to travel around the entire city. Don’t forget to immediately punch the ticket (jizdenku) inside the tram or bus - the ticket inspector could be this student in headphones, or that granny with a handbag in her hands.
Uber has not yet arrived in Olomouc, but several local taxi services operate here - City Taxi Olomouc, Atlant Taxi and others. In any case, remember that the road from the center to the outskirts should not take more than 10 minutes on average and cost much more than 100 Czech crowns (€ 4).
Wherever you stay in Olomouc, the main attractions will be a maximum of half an hour's walk away. Here you can quite well find good options on the usual and. If you don’t mind communicating with locals and cramped conditions, you can use it - it works well here, while the city has not yet become too popular among tourists. Well, here are some proven housing options in the city from us.
Long Story Short Hostel (Koželužská 945/31) . A large new hostel has recently opened in a bastion building that is over 400 years old. Here you can enjoy the historical spirit in modern comfort: white walls, vaulted ceilings, wood and metal - everything looks very stylish. In the evenings there are movie screenings on the big screen, music jams and BBQ parties.
Poets' Corner Hostel (Sokolska 1). A hostel in the city center, where among the lampshades, oriental rugs and antique furniture you can easily feel like you are visiting an old writer friend. There is a grand piano in the common living room, and the reception is only open until 21.00 - pay attention so as not to be left on the street!
Dormitory Univerzita Palackeho v Olomouci (Šmeralova 12). A budget option for two is to live in a student dormitory. A little away from the center and no romance, but right around the corner there will be a canteen and several university clubs. Here you can also look for local friends - students will be happy to drink beer with travelers. Double Room will cost € 32.
Ubytovna Marie (tř. Svobody 41). Another option in the “cheap and cheerful” style: the simplicity of the atmosphere here is compensated by the price and excellent location a stone’s throw from main square. If you get tired of parties and want to spend the night in silence, then this is perhaps the best option: even in shared rooms there are only two beds, but most likely there will be no neighbors, and you will have the whole room at your disposal for € 10-15.
(Javoříčská 5)– an excellent choice if you have the opportunity to spend a little more on housing. After exploring the city, you can spend the evening on the top floor of the hotel, in the SPA center overlooking the city. However, you can get here without reserving a room: entry to the sauna before 15:00 costs € 12, after which it costs a little more.
Miss Sophie's Olomouc(Denisova 292/33). Coziest family hotel occupies a tiny house with two windows wide. If you want to live in a spacious, bright room with wooden floors and a homely atmosphere, then this is the place for you. For €68 you can rent an attic with a huge window in the sloping roof and a hearty breakfast included in the price.
It's worth starting with two central squares – Dolni Náměstí And Horní namestí: V holidays fairs and concerts are held here, and all the main places are located more or less nearby. It has everything that should be in the center of any Czech city: the Town Hall, a square square with neat gingerbread houses and the Plague Column. By the way, here it is one of the most grandiose in Europe: such columns were erected in gratitude for the end of the plague epidemic in different countries, but in Olomouc they surpassed all their neighbors in the beauty and size of the monument.
When you walk around the city, you will see numerous fountains in the Baroque style - this is the pride of Olomouc. Each of them is a real work of art, decorated with sculptures of ancient heroes - Hercules, Jupiter and Neptune. In the very big fountain near the Town Hall you will meet Julius Caesar - according to legend, it was he who founded the first settlement on the site of Olomouc.
What you definitely can’t miss is the Chimes on one of the walls of the Town Hall. The famous Prague Orloj, around which there is always a crowd of tourists, is decorated with figures of apostles, angels and basilisks. In Olomouc, the astronomical clock was reconstructed in the 1950s in the spirit of socialist realism: here the signs of the zodiac coexist with builders, scientists and happy peasants. The huge dial with name day dates still marks the birthdays of Lenin and Stalin and the holiday of May 1st. To the right of the chimes you can get hold of maps, souvenirs and useful tips at the Information Center.
In the most Town Hall (Horní nám.) There are several ongoing exhibitions about the history of the building and the city, which can be visited free of charge during the Magistrate's opening hours. For just 1 euro you can climb the tower and see Olomouc from above, but there are several other secret points in the city where the views are just as good. One of them is in Church of St. Mauritius (Kostel sv. Mořice, 8. května 517/15) : in the warm season, you can freely climb to the very top via a spiral staircase. It's worth a look inside to hear the largest organ in Central Europe. IN Temple of the Archangel Michael (Kostel svateho Michaela archanděla, Na Hradě) immediately after the entrance there is an inconspicuous door that will lead you to a gallery with sculptures of saints, and from there straight to the belfry with a magnificent view of the city.
You definitely won't pass by Cathedral of St. Wenceslas (Katedrála svatého Václava, Václavské nám.) – this huge neo-Gothic temple is located in a small dead-end street, but it can be seen from everywhere. It's worth visiting to admire the second largest temple in the country, its frescoes and architecture. On the street, look at the wall to the left of the entrance - you can see a Romanesque window protected by round glass. According to locals, this is the oldest architectural detail in the entire city - it has been preserved since the mid-12th century.
On the same square it is worth checking out Archbishop's Museum (Václavské nám. 3). Here you can see carriages, golden bowls and baroque sculptures accumulated in the church, and one of the halls tells about the life of Mozart, who wrote his symphonies here as an 11-year-old child. The museum space itself is very coolly decorated here - high-tech concrete ramps are neatly integrated into the bare brick foundations. Every Sunday admission to the museum is free!
IN Museum of Modern Art (Denisova 824/47) you can see the works of Czech classics of the 20th and 21st centuries, including (he was the one who launched a huge middle finger along the Vltava on a homemade raft and repainted a Soviet tank pink). In addition, there are good temporary exhibitions - for example, about Czech communal houses or about bears and mathematics. On the top floor you can climb up to a tiny turret above the roof with another great city view. Right next to the museum you will see the main graffiti of Olomouc - the king of selfies, strongly reminiscent of Nicholas II.
Olomouc was once the most important spiritual center of the country, so don’t be surprised by the number of temples in this guide – they all really deserve attention. Even the university buildings, which now occupy half of the center, are former monastic buildings. But now there are many more students in the city than monks, and Palacky University is the second oldest in the whole country, founded in 1573 by the Jesuits. We advise you to go to any of the buildings, for example, Konvikt Arts Center (University 225/3)– here, among baroque interiors, concert venues, art workshops and theater studios. The building is always bustling with creative life and hosts various festivals. Pay attention to the bulletin board, or better yet, get to know one of the students - they will tell you about all the most interesting things that are happening in the city right now.
In summer, the whole city goes to the parks that surround the center. IN Smetanovy Sady(Smetanovy sady) all year round There is a flock of peacocks, so the city police have something to do: from time to time they have to return lost birds either from a football stadium or from someone's garage. Next to the gardens is Vienna Street, where, ironically, the richest mansions are adjacent to the city prison.
Bezručovy sady are located directly under the fortress wall of the old city, and you can go down here along numerous ancient stairs. Here, students of the Faculty of Philosophy regularly cram something, someone is engaged in Chinese practices, and you can just relax and have a picnic in a quiet corner.
While walking through the park, pay attention to the building with the inscription VĚRNOST ZA VĚRNOST / LJUBAV ZA LJUBAV. This is the Mausoleum of Yugoslav soldiers who died in the Czech Republic during the First World War. Since the collapse of Yugoslavia, the successor states have been unable to agree on who will care for the site, and eerie photographs of the inside can now be found online: endless rows of coffins on shelves like books in a library, graffiti and scattered bones.
In the same gardens there is another interesting monument of the 20th century - Civil Defense Headquarters (Hrnčířská 141/38A) . A huge bunker hidden right under the city center was declassified not long ago, and not even all local residents know about its existence. You can get here on a tour or come to some event - recently artists and organizers of various festivals have fallen in love with this place.
In the summer you can watch a movie under open air V Klid v ruchu (Pekární 26) right next to the Church of St. Vaclav. Shows run from May to September, and there is a cool pub nearby in the park with local beer and good food. “Communal gardens” are located right next door - Olomouc residents who do not have space near their homes grow fruits and vegetables here together.
If time and weather permit, you can get out into nature to the favorite place of the Olomoucians - Svaty Kopeček or Holy Hill. From the beautiful temple, which looks like a palace, you can walk around hiking trail. There is an observation tower from which you can clearly see not only the whole of Olomouc, but also neighboring villages and endless fields. To get here, take bus 11 or 111 directly from the main station, the journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
There are also places to go in the outskirts of the city - this is important for those who will stay in the city for more than a few days. You can take a miniature train to the resort Hlubočky– in winter they go skiing here, and in summer they walk along the noisy river and admire the mountain scenery. For lovers long trips for the whole day we recommend the caves in Javořicka and Mladeci and Bouzov fortress– one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the Czech Republic.
A traditional Czech snack is bread, an analogue of sandwiches. Only here they can put half the refrigerator on a piece of bread, so you can eat for half a day. Try the bread at the place of the same name Chlebíčky(Opletalova 474/4) two steps from the main square. There are more than 20 varieties, you can start with the Czech classics - ham, salami, egg and mayonnaise. There are also unusual options for vegetarians - for example, with soft cheese, hazelnuts, apples and grapes.
If you want something familiar, it’s easy to find a kebab shop on the central streets. Locals, of course, have endless debates, but most agree that it is best to go to Kebab Olomouc (Komenského 860/5 and Denisova 347/1) . One of their points is located right next to Wenceslas Cathedral, and the other is on the corner of Pekařská and Ostružnická streets near the Museum of Modern Art. Follow tram tracks– and you will find everything you need.
Green bar(Ztracená 321/3) in the building next to the Town Hall there is a vegetarian canteen with self-service. All salads and main courses have a single price - about € 0.9 per 100 grams, and local soups will appeal even to those who cannot imagine a meal without meat. Open only on weekdays until 5pm!
Traffic Coffee (Palackého 1124/21A) - a small cafe that arose on the site of a former printing kiosk. For old times' sake, people still sometimes come here for travel tickets- The owner has everything. In addition, you can always find excellent coffee here and a new homemade cake every day.
In the Belgian fritterie FINCE FRIES (Ztracená 317/15) French fries are served with a myriad of fresh homemade toppings - lingonberry sauce, banana ketchup or cheddar. Filling options are constantly changing, so you can try something new every time. In addition to potatoes, you can also get an excellent hot dog here. It is also closed on weekends.
Confectionery Tvarůžková cukrárna (Denisova 13). Olomouc cheesecakes are a delicacy that every traveler should try. This is a local cheese with a disgusting smell and - according to gourmets - a divine taste. Recently, a confectionery shop was opened in Olomouc, where you can try ice cream made from Olomouc cheese curds and other “smelly delicacies”.
Bistrá Krava (Wurmova 5)– a small cozy bistro with a large selection of desserts and good coffee. They serve excellent breakfasts and lunches made from natural products - come here if you get tired of pork knee and dumplings. Clean, tidy and homemade delicious.
Olomouc is an ancient Czech city founded in 1253. Olomouc is considered the most beautiful city Czech Republic after Prague. Visits it every year a large number of tourists. They are attracted by the city's history and preserved cultural traditions. What's interesting in the city?
The indigenous people sincerely believe that the city was founded by Julius Caesar himself, and it was called Juliomontium or Juliamons. This legend is not confirmed by facts, but archaeologists during excavations discovered an ancient Roman settlement of the 2nd century BC.
How to get there
You can get to Olomouc through Czech cities, through Prague or through Brno. From Prague with central station There are trains in the direction of Olomouc. Travel time - 4 hours. You can also use the bus - it will be even more economical. So you can spend 2 hours 30 minutes on the road. But it’s more convenient to get there from Brno. Electric trains in the direction of Olomouc depart several times a day, and you can get there in just an hour. Bus too a good option, it will take you to the place in an hour.
There is no airport near Olomouc. By air you can only reach Prague, Ostrava or Brno.
Hotel prices and shopping
One of the oldest universities in the country, Palacky University, is located in Olomouc. There are many students living in the city. Tourists can also spend the night in any of the student dormitories; this is one of the most budget options. To others inexpensive option is checking into one of the hostels in Olomouc. Here you can spend from 11 to 37 euros per day - depending on the room you want to check into. Hotels in the city are, of course, more expensive, because their level of comfort is higher, but the prices are also reasonable. In a two- or three-star hotel you can rent a room for 1,500 rubles; in a five-star hotel the price rises to 3,500 rubles.
Shopping lovers can also visit large shopping centers, and small shops, of which there are plenty. Centrum Haná, Olympia and Olomouc City - in these large centers you can find everything you want, from clothes to household appliances. It is better to choose souvenirs and gifts in special shops located near historical monuments.
Cuisine of Olomouc
The distinctive features of Czech cuisine are simplicity, richness and satiety. Traditional Czech dishes include potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, pork, dumplings, pickles, herbs, vegetables and beer.
Olomouc cheesecakes are sold throughout Prague. This is a local delicacy made from cottage cheese and has a strong, not very pleasant aroma. They started making it here back in the 16th century, and the technology has not been lost to this day. It is customary to wash down cheesecakes with Czech beer - the national drink. All local cafes offer a wide variety of beer flavors - from traditional to exotic. In addition to traditional Czech cuisine, you can find dishes from other nationalities. You can snack on Italian pizza or pasta, or order an English-style breakfast. Food prices in Olomouc are not high, and the portions are large and filling.
The Holy Trinity Column is the main attraction of Olomouc; in 2000 it was included in the list world heritage UNESCO. It was built in the 18th century. Its height reaches 35 meters.
St. Wenceslas Cathedral is a very beautiful cathedral with high towers.
The Olomouc Astronomical Clock is another landmark of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The clock was built in the 15-16th century, after which it was restored more than once, so it lost its original appearance.
The Palace of the Archbishop of Moravia in Přemysl Castle was built in the 12th century and has no equal in beauty in the entire Czech Republic. This is the most grandiose architectural structure in Central Europe in Olomouc. The fountains located in the city squares make a special impression.
In the vicinity of Olomouc there are several beautiful castles, Sveti Kopeček (Holy Mountain) is the main place of pilgrimage. The zoological garden was created in the surrounding forests of Olomouc and occupies more than 40 hectares. You can take a ride along the Morava River; such a walk at night will leave a special impression.
To escape from the beauty of the city and its surroundings, you can visit the Aqua-Olomouc water park and have fun. There are many adrenaline-pumping attractions here. You can get a massage, visit the solarium and tepidarium (dry heating area).
Bouzov Castle was built at the beginning of the 14th century. In 1696, the Order of the Teutonic Knights bought it, but soon abandoned it. In 1895-1910, the castle was reconstructed and began to look the way it can be seen now. The organic combination of different artistic styles is striking. In 1939, the castle was confiscated by the Nazis from the Teutons. And after the end of the war, Bozov became state property. There are rumors that the reborn Warband is trying through the court to return the castle, which has been in their ownership for 250 years, but so far to no avail. A huge amount of artistic treasures are kept within the walls of the castle. walks ancient legend about the existence of a ghost in the castle - the ghost of a girl who was treacherously deceived by a noble knight.
Author - valniko77. This is a quote from this post
Olomouc - “Little Prague” on the banks of the MoravaOlomouc - “Little Prague” on the banks of the Morava
Charming town Olomouc comfortably located in the east of the Czech Republic and is the center of Moravia - a historical region on the banks of the picturesque Morava River.
City Olomouc founded in 1253. At one time it was the capital of the Moravian state. Currently, Olomouc is considered one of the most beautiful ancient cities Czech Republic with rich cultural life.
It is not for nothing that Olomouc is called an open-air museum, because here, on an area of only about one hundred square kilometers, a great many historical monuments and architectural structures are concentrated, which turn the city into a “little Prague”, calm, quiet and homely.
Olomouc is less popular among tourists than Prague, Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary, although it has the second largest protected historical center in the Czech Republic after Prague.
A legend that arose during the Renaissance, states that Olomouc was founded by Julius Caesar on the site of a Roman camp. The original Latin name of the city, Juliomontium or Juliamons, is also given. And although the legend has not found historical confirmation, and historians confidently claim that Julius Caesar was not the founder of the city, four years ago during excavations a Roman camp from the 2nd century AD was discovered here. e. , which is the northernmost in Central Europe. ">
Since the Middle Ages, due to its proximity to Austria, the city has experienced strong German influence.
Despite the German influence, the Czech language was preserved, including in some religious publications of the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the use German language as an official language gradually led to a certain decline in the Czech language.
In the 19th century According to statistics, the German-speaking population of Olomouc was three times larger than the Czech one. The situation began to change after the First World War with the emergence of Czechoslovakia as an independent state in 1918.
The city's population increased due to its merger with nearby small towns. settlements, where the Czech population predominated. The contradictions between the Czech and German residents of the city became especially pronounced during the Second World War, when the German-speaking population supported the Nazis.
Sights of Olomouc
Olomouc has long been the center of religious and spiritual life in Moravia. The most significant of Olomouc's Catholic churches, the Cathedral of St. Vaclav
Cathedral of St. Wenceslas
Gothic cathedral St. Wenceslas is the second tallest building in the Czech Republic. It is located on a cozy, quiet square, hidden from prying eyes, but it is very easy to find: the three majestic spiers of the temple cutting through the sky serve as a good landmark.
Appearance Cathedral St. Wenceslas (Katedrála svatého Václava) has changed several times, acquiring the features of new architectural trends. Today main temple Olomouc is a unique building that combines features of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and pseudo-Gothic styles. The height of the southern tower of the building reaches 100.65 m. The treasury of the cathedral contains a relic - a tabernacle in the shape of an ark, inlaid with four hundred diamonds.
There are several squares in the city center. We go out to one of them, called Upper. (Horní Náměstí).
On it is 15th century town hall, built in the Renaissance style, with a 75 m high tower and an astronomical clock. On the southern façade of the town hall is the Gothic chapel of St. Jerome, now there is a museum there. The Town Hall still serves its original purpose and is the residence of the city mayor.
In the center of the square is Column of the Holy Trinity (Sloup Nejsvětější Trojice)- a plague pillar, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The pillar, installed in 1754, has a height of 35 m. The column is crowned with a spire with the image of the Holy Trinity, near which there are sculptures of the Archangel Gabriel and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The base of the column is three-level, it is decorated with 18 sculptures of saints and 14 bas-reliefs.
Upper Square (Horní Náměstí
This Holy Trinity Column- the highest plague pillar in Europe. It was erected in 1716-1754. after ridding the city of the plague. In 2000 it was included in the UNESCO list.
Pillar of the Holy Trinity- created in 1754 Height - 35 meters.
This is a whole group of sculptural structures in the Baroque style, including 18 sculptures of saints, 12 figures of torchbearers, as well as 6 relief images of the apostles, located on three levels. The Holy Trinity Column is the largest sculpture of its kind in Central Europe.
It was erected in honor of the end of the plague epidemic that broke out in the 18th century, and in 2001 it was included in the World Heritage List. cultural heritage UNESCO.
There is also a market on the square.
Pay attention to the scales. No newfangled electronic ones, everything the old fashioned way.
City Hall of the 15th century.
Olomouc Town Hall, built in 1378, has been a symbol of the city for more than six centuries; the residence of the city mayor is located here.
Southern façade of Olomouc Town Hall with protruding bay window Gothic chapel of St. Jerome.
View of the Town Hall tower.
Double staircase with a Renaissance box in the eastern part of the town hall.
Fairytale dragon on the rain drain of the town hall.
On its northern façade you can admire the famous chimes with an unusual architectural frame and design.
The main decoration of the Town Hall is its clock - the famous "Orloy" which appeared in 1500. Since Olomouc was the second most important city after Prague, the local residents decided to keep up with the capital and place a clock on their Town Hall, created like the one in Prague. However, in 1955 they were remade in the manner of socialist realism. Therefore, on the clock we see collective farmers and workers, military men and scientists.
Astronomical clock, located in a niche of the northern façade of the town hall. This is a post-war reconstruction, since the ancient chimes were destroyed during the battles for the liberation of the city in May 1945. They are 8 different clocks that show the time, days of the week, moon phases and the astronomical calendar. The clock is decorated with mosaics depicting types of work in different time of the year.
Olomouc is a city of fountains.
There are a lot of them for such a small town, just listing them will take a lot of time - the fountain of Caesar, Hercules, Jupiter, Neptune, Arion, Mercury, Tritons, Hercules, Sarkander, and a dozen more. And everyone is famous and attractive for something.
Fountain of Hercules.
Fountain of Arion.
The plot of the composition is taken from the ancient Greek legend about the poet, singer and musician Arion, who was saved from the sea by a dolphin.
Turtle at the Arion Fountain.
Triton Fountain on Republic Square.
Fountain of Julius Caesar.
Neptune Fountain on the Lower Square.
Fountain of Jupiter (1683).
Mariinsky Plague Column The “twisted” shape is decorated with figures of saints; at the top of the column is a statue of St. Virgin Mary.
Church of Our Lady of the Snows
Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné) with a monumental portal. The interiors have remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1716.
Very beautiful interior decoration
Church of St. Michael the Archangel
The Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Kostel svatého Michaela archanděla) is topped with three octagonal domes. It belongs to the Dominican Order and amazes with the richness of its interior decoration in the Baroque style. Founded in the 13th century.
Facade of St. Michael's Cathedral
Red Church
Olomouc Zoo is located in a coniferous forest on Holy Hill, ten kilometers from the city. The zoo, covering an area of 42 hectares, is beautifully equipped, which will delight both children and adults. Animals and birds live in open pavilions; animals are fed daily at different enclosures. In total, the zoo houses more than 1,700 animals from 350 species, 17 of which are listed in the Red Book.
Most popular places are an enclosure for macaques, which can be observed without barriers, a bat pavilion, and a huge aquarium, which not only houses fish, but also blacktip sharks. On the territory of the zoo there is observation tower 32 meters high, which offers a panoramic view of 50 km. The zoo also has a restaurant, an electric train that runs between pavilions, and a children's playground.
Modern Art Museum
The Museum of Modern Art is located in a large old castle-like house on Republic Square in Olomouc. Initially, in the 14th century, a church and a shelter for the infirm were built on this site. In the first half of the 19th century, the building was destroyed and a new one was built in the classical style, where the prison was located.
In 1989, the building was purchased for the Museum of Art, which presents excellent examples of national and world culture, applied and visual arts XX and XXI centuries. For example, works by the Czech artist Joseph Lada are exhibited here, as well as Victor Vasarelli, who used optical illusions in his works.
Halls with a huge amount sculptures, paintings, sketches and other masterpieces will not leave you indifferent. In addition, the museum organizes seminars, classes for children and other events related to contemporary art.
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Town Hall
Architectural dominant Upper Square Olomouc. Made in the Gothic-Renaissance style with introduced Baroque elements. Now the town hall houses the meeting room of the city administration, the Olomouc Wedding Hall, art Gallery and a cafe restaurant.
The first town hall on this site appeared at the end of the 14th century and was wooden. After it was destroyed by fire, it was decided to build a stone building. The new town hall was built in 23 years, by 1443. Subsequently, as usually happened with medieval architectural monuments, it was repeatedly rebuilt and modified. Thus, much later, a third floor, a large Gothic hall, and the Chapel of St. Jerome, decorated with a Gothic bay window, a glazed projection in the wall of the building, were added to the town hall.
The town hall consists of four wings forming a small courtyard. The most noticeable elements of the building are the 75-meter tower and the astronomical clock. This clock was once similar to the famous Prague Orloj, but it was destroyed in May 1945. The clock was restored by 1955 in the style of socialist realism, and this is how it has been preserved to this day.
The aviation museum is located in two hangars on the territory of the Neržedin airfield in Olomouc. This is a very young museum, it was opened in 2009 on the initiative of two collectors Roman Sperl and Zdenek Svobodnik and is supported on a voluntary basis. The main focus of the museum is the history of Czech and Czechoslovak aviation.
Several Li-2, Tu-104A, Lockheed T-33, British DH-100 Vampire and several varieties of MiGs are on display here. In addition to aircraft, visitors can see various aircraft units, a workshop where aircraft are restored, an archive, and many aircraft models.
Astronomical clock
The astronomical clock or Olomouc Orloj is located on the wall of the town hall in the main city square of Oloumoc - Gornje Náměstí. The clock was built in the first half of the 15th century, and was rebuilt and changed its appearance several times. In 1898, the watch mechanism was equipped with a heliocentric system, which is a rarity throughout the world. Thanks to the puppet show that takes place every hour, they are reminiscent of the famous Orloj in the Old Town Square. During the Second World War, the clock was badly damaged; it was restored in the spirit of communist ideology. The images and dolls took on the character of socialist realism: instead of saints, workers and peasants with hammers and sickles appeared on the clock, and the clock dial began to resemble not only Catholic holidays, but also proletarian ones.
Column of the Holy Trinity
The Column of the Holy Trinity in Olomouc is a beautiful monument from the Baroque era. Initially conceived as a sign of gratitude for ridding the city of the plague, it was later consecrated in the name of the Most Holy Trinity.
Sculpted so-called “plague pillars” can be seen in almost any city in central Europe, but the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is an outstanding architectural monument, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The idea of creating this column belongs to the architect Vaclav Render, a native of Olomouc. He developed its project, allocated his own money for its implementation, and even bequeathed his property to bring this grandiose idea to life.
Construction of the column began in 1726 and lasted almost forty years. Its consecration took place in 1754, when Vaclav Rander had been dead for twenty years. The pedestal on which the column is installed consists of three levels, on each of which there are figures of saints, 18 in total. The column is crowned by a gilded sculptural group personifying the Holy Trinity.
The height of the entire monument is about 35 meters. The structure is so monumental and majestic that there is a chapel inside it. It should be noted that this is the tallest architectural monument of this type in Europe and a source of pride for local residents.
Bouzov Castle
Buzov Castle is one of the romantic castles in the Czech Republic. It was founded in the 13th and XIV centuries and is located in the picturesque countryside around Olomouc. The castle has had several owners - famous Czech families. Since 1945 it has been state property. The castle is beautiful both inside and outside. The interior of the house has preserved antique custom-made furniture, paintings, and art objects.
In the park around the building there are many benches, paths, and two drawbridges. In 1999, Buzov Castle was declared a national monument. The building is now used for public events, concerts, theater performances, exhibitions and weddings. It also served as the setting for several fairy tales and historical films.
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Bouzov Castle
Bouzov Castle is one of the medieval Moravian castles, built in the Romanesque style. This castle, founded at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, is located in the picturesque countryside - in the settlement of the same name in the Olomouc district, Olomouc region, in the Czech Republic.
Over the centuries, the castle was owned alternately by members of various Czech and Moravian families, until, in 1696, the castle estate was purchased by the Order of the Teutonic Knights. After World War II, in 1945, the castle became state property, and in 1999 it was declared a national monument.
The interior of the castle is represented by a collection of paintings, art objects and antique furniture. Some examples were made to order, respecting the furniture details of the time - battlements, bay windows, trapdoors and gargoyles. Here you can see two working lattice drawbridges, as well as a demonstration of their operation. Currently, Bouzov Castle has become permanent place holding exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances. And on the territory of the castle, productions of many historical films and fairy tales were filmed.
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