The city of fountains, a historic city in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic that often goes unnoticed, but has a lot to say. Its spectacular religious buildings; its Holy Trinity Column (declared a World Heritage Site) as well as all the Baroque influence that can be seen in its streets, are just some of the things that make Olomouc a city you have to see. Read on, and we’ll tell you more about the city.
Things to do in Olomouc, Czech Republic
Central square of Olomouc
There is no better place to start your tour of must-see places in Olomouc than its central square. Here you will see from minute one all the charm it has to offer, with its monuments and streets full of history.
At the square, as well as enjoying the local atmosphere and appreciating the facades of the buildings in the area, you will also find one of Olomouc’s most emblematic monuments: the Holy Trinity Column.
This construction, of baroque influence, was built on the occasion of the eradication of an epidemic that struck the city during the 18th century. Construction began in 1716, and it is truly impressive, with its many details.
Also, given its size, it has a Christian chapel inside. You can enter it to discover all the beauty that surrounds this piece. Not for nothing is it considered a World Heritage Site, so it’s a must-see in Olomouc.
Olomouc Town Hall and its famous clock
A few metres from the Holy Trinity Column, the old town hall is one of the most important buildings in Olomouc and has an element that makes it worth a visit.
This is the astronomical clock, which crowns the façade of the town hall and dates back to the 15th century. It has been part of the aesthetics of this important building ever since. It consists of several dials, and the one that gives it its name is precisely the one on which the different signs of the horoscope mark the hours.
During the mid-20th century, the clock underwent modifications, in which some of the ecclesiastical and noble figures accompanying, the dials were replaced by characters representative of the working classes.
Church of St. Maurice
As you may have noticed, there is a lot of religious heritage to see in Olomouc. That is because this region of the Czech Republic is known for its importance as a religious centre.
The Church of St. Maurice is a good example of this, as this Gothic-style building is a work of art. Its two towers are the most striking feature of the monument. You can climb them for one of the best views of Olomouc.
Of course, don’t overlook the interior of the main hall, which is exquisitely designed. The decoration of the hall, as well as the hundreds-of-years-old organ that guards the hall, is a must-see on your visit.
St. Wenceslas Cathedral, a must-see monument in Olomouc
Below, we show you one of the most impressive religious monuments you can see in the city of Olomouc.
The impressive St. Wenceslas Cathedral began as a modest Romanesque basilica, but its form changed over time. Today it is the seat of the archbishop of the Archdiocese and consists of three naves, with a neo-Gothic style that has been present since the 19th century.
There is no confusion with other religious buildings in the city, as its three towers are visible from most parts of Olomouc. Especially the steepest one, which is over 100 metres high.
And the interior is a real treat, with a 16th-century prebytery and a crypt containing the remains of the various bishops who lived in the city.
The fountains to see in Olomouc
As you stroll through the city centre and turn every corner of Olomouc’s narrow streets, you will come across different squares where there are unique fountains. Olomouc is sometimes called the city of fountains because of the 6 fountains you can find here.
Some of the fountains you can see on your visit are the Fountain of Jupiter. It is located a few metres from the Holy Trinity Column. Or the Fountain of Neptune, which, as its name suggests, is crowned by a representation of this Roman god.
You can also find the Fountain of Hercules and the Fountain of Caesar; among our favourites is the Fountain of the Tortoise, with a very adorable representation of this animal.
Archbishop’s Palace in Olomouc
The Archbishop of Olomouc made this impressive complex his home for a long time. And when you see it, you’ll think it’s no wonder.
This huge mansion has a captivating baroque influence. These huge rooms filled with the artistic and cultural heritage of the period make this building a must-see.
The palace has long served as a residence for the country’s various monarchs and some have even been crowned here.
To visit, you’ll want to make sure you visit between Tuesday and Sunday, between 10am and 5pm.
Villa Primavesi
If there is one thing that characterizes this city, it is the amount of heritage that abounds in it and Villa Primavesi is an enclave that you have to see on your visit, because of the difference in its construction.
The villa has a modernist style that contrasts with the majority of buildings and constructions of baroque style.
It has a dedicated decoration, the result of the work of a series of renowned modernist artists, as well as the great Gustav Klimt. It also has a beautiful garden where you can stroll around after visiting the interior.
If you visit it today, you’ll find a restaurant and an art gallery that’s worth a visit.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in Olomouc and its surroundings?
Bouzov’s Castle
A little more than half an hour from the centre of Olomouc, you will find a beautiful, centuries-old castle, former seat of the order of the Teutonic Knights.
It was looted during World War II, but even so, thanks to the care and renovations that have been carried out on its façade and interior, Bouzov Castle is a must-see if you visit Olomouc and the surrounding area.
We recommend that you spend a few hours visiting the complex and the surrounding area, and hiring a tour guide is recommended for an even more enjoyable experience and to discover the history of the building.
The Caves of Javorícko in Olomouc
If you have decided to visit Bouzov Castle, these caves are another must-see in the area, as they will not leave you indifferent.
The visit lasts an hour, during which you will enter this underground grotto full of stalactites and impressive columns of stalagmites.
It is a sensational experience to walk through tunnels over two kilometres in size, marvelling at every natural construction that the cave has to offer.
What to do in Olomouc in 1 day?
To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, this itinerary we’ve put together will make it easier for you to choose what to see and do in Olomouc during your stay:
- Olomouc’s central square and the Holy Trinity Column
- The Fountains of Olomouc tour
- St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral
- Olomouc Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
- The Archbishop’s Palace in Olomouc
Sites to stay in Olomouc
We have prepared a short list of places to stay, so you won’t have any problems choosing accommodation on your trip to Olomouc in the Czech Republic
- Apartman Relax Olomouc: This accommodation is a perfect choice for those looking for privacy and complete facilities. It has an excellent location and is priced at around €110 for a weekend for two people.
- Hotel Trinity: One of the city’s most prominent hotels, with classic décor and a perfect location for visiting all that Olomouc has to offer. Prices for a weekend for two people are €198.
- Penzion Arigone & Privátní Wellness: Another perfect example of great facilities and perfect location, coupled with the elegantly finished modern design, which is only topped off by the excellent price of 176€ for a weekend and two persons.
Sites where to eat in Olomouc
If you are one of those who enjoy trying everything the local gastronomy has to offer, don’t worry, below is a list of must-visit places for you to do so:
- Entree Restaurant: Olomouc’s greatest gastronomic luxury. An excellent opportunity to enjoy Czech food, at a price of about €15-20 per head, which makes it even more attractive.
- Original Restaurant Drapal: A pub-restaurant, where you can enjoy unpretentious but filling Czech food with an excellent menu. Prices are around €10 per person.
- Moravska Restaurace: Another of Olomouc’s top restaurants, classic in style but with great presentation. Its price, at around €15, is only surpassed by its excellent service.
How to reach Olomouc?
The best way to get to Olomouc is to take a flight from one of the country’s main airports to Prague and from there to Olomouc.
There are flights from Spain to Prague for around €100 return; the journey takes about three hours to complete. To get to Olomouc, we recommend you take a bus there, or hire a car to move around the country more freely if you’re spending more days there, as it’s very convenient.
It’s about a two-and-a-half hour drive, but it’s not expensive at all and worth it to get to the wonderful city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic.
Tips about a trip to Olomouc
- The best time to visit Olomouc is from May to September. This is also when most people visit the city, as the temperatures are much more pleasant.
- The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna.
- We recommend that you exchange money before you set off on your trip, as this will make it cheaper for you.
- As European citizens, we don’t need a visa to enter the country either, just your ID card or passport is enough.
- Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
How to organize what to see in Olomouc, the Czech Republic?
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers
- Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need to make, and you’re all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Olomouc, Czech Republic.
If you have any doubts about how to do this, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Olomouc
The best option is to fly to Prague, which will take you about three hours and from there take a bus, train or hire a car. It is about a two hour journey.
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