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City in the Czech Republic
Photo: Michal Maňas, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Olomouc (Olomóc or Holomóc in the local dialect, Olmütz in German) has the second largest and second oldest historic preservation zone in the Czech Republic (after Prague). Olomouc lies astride the Morava River and is surrounded by the fertile Haná plain. It was the capital of Moravia until 1641 and is the sixth-largest city in the country, with approximately 100,000 inhabitants (2022).
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was built in the early 1700s and consecrated by the Empress Marie Theresa in 1754. With a height of 35 metres, it has dominated the Upper Square (Horní náměstí) ever since and was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage in the year 2000. The column features sculptures of the Holy Trinity (predictably), the assumption of the Virgin Mary, all twelve apostles, three virtues and the most important saints of the Baroque period. The base of the column contains a small chapel with amazing acoustics and the raised pedestal is a very nice place to sit and eat lunch. It is one of the traditional rendezvous points in the city.
It was constructed in the 15th century, but takes its present appearance from the 1950s, during a refurbishment to repair damage inflicted in World War II. Czechoslovakia was under Communist rule by then and the clock reflects the values of the day, the saints and angels being replaced by scientists, sportspeople and labourers. At noon the clock has a presentation that is unique to its structure and construction. There is one other astronomical clock in the Czech lands (in the other ancient capital, Prague), but as a surviving example of Socialist-Realism, the Olomouc Astronomical clock is unique world-wide. It is another popular rendezvous point in the city.
Katedrála sv. Václava
A thousand-year-old cathedral, dominates the city’s skyline with the tallest spire in Moravia (second tallest in the Czech Republic). Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa both visited the cathedral and the holy relics of Saint Jan Sarkander are interred within.
Kostel sv. Mořice
A beautifully preserved Gothic church dating from 1398. One of its highlights is the massive Engler organ, one of the largest in Europe. The organ is the focus of the international music festival in September/October and the Christmas Music festival every year. The tower of the church offers a magnificent 360-degree view over the city and countryside and is accessed via a graceful double-spiral staircase.
Kostel sv. Michala
The church appears quite plain from the outside; however, the baroque interior is one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. One notable feature is a painting of an apparently pregnant Virgin Mary, quite rare in a Catholic church. It’s also possible to enter the old monastery attached to the side of the church and climb its bell tower.
Svatý Kopeček
This is one of the most popular pilgrimage churches in Central Europe, and was honoured by Pope John Paul II.
Hradisko is the oldest monastery in Moravia and its location on the banks of the Morava river, just upstream from the orthodox church, makes it a pleasant 20-minute walk from the cathedral end of town. The monastery building has belonged to the military since the monastic order was banned by Emperor Joseph II in 1784. It is now used as a hospital and is open to the public within guided tours.
Arcibiskupský palác
The official seat of Olomouc bishops and archbishops. It was in this building on 2 December 1848, that Franz Joseph acceded to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire.
Přemyslovský palác, Romanesque Bishop’s Palace, Zdíkův palác
The building has undergone a thorough restoration and now houses the extensive Archdiocese museum. The building is the oldest in Olomouc and much of the original stonework has been exposed. On the upper floors, the circular chapel of St Barbara is a highlight.
Muzeum moderního umění
Museum of Modern Art is the pale grey Art Nouveau building across from the baroque Lady Mary of the Snows church. The permanent collection is okay, but the temporary exhibitions are often very interesting and well worth the entrance fee. There’s a small lookout tower at the top which is included in the entry price of the museum.
Vlastivědné Muzeum
The museum is housed in the former Clarisian convent on Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square). There are the usual collection of rocks and artifacts, and an interesting exhibit of the flora and fauna of the region, but probably the best things to see are in the old Olomouc section; woodcuts and prints from previous centuries, weapons, armour, traditional dress and many of the original religious figures from older versions of the astronomical clock.
Motor museum with a large collection of well-preserved historic cars and motorcycles, focused mostly on Czechoslovak pre-war production, mainly Tatra, Praga, Aero, Škoda, Jawa and Walter.
The zoo on the Holy Hill is also worth a visit. It is near the basilica. There are pointers from the basilica to the zoo or ask the locals for directions. You can also take the bus line 11 to the terminal station. The zoo is in woods abundant in edible mushrooms suitable for pleasant walks.
The Botanical gardens are in two parts; the outdoor exhibits and rose gardens are across the stream from Bezruč gardens.
Moravské divadlo Olomouc
The theatre in the square is home to the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as numerous musicals, operas, and plays. The price for tickets is difficult to beat. Be warned that the dialogue will usually be either in Czech or the original language.
The Ice Hockey stadium is on Hynaisova, behind the supermarket. Olomouc is more of a football than a hockey town, but ice hockey is a great spectator sport, a real piece of local life and probably the best two hours’ entertainment you will find for 50 Kč.
Serving traditional food of the region, as well as international cuisine. An example from the menu is "Quarter of roast duck, red cabbage with apple, bread and potato dumplings with onion", for 240 Kč. Non-smoking.
A vegetarian lunch canteen, just a few paces from the main square along Ztracena Ul. It's self serve and the food all costs the same- 21 Kč/100 g. Just load your plate and pass it to the girl at the checkout, she'll weigh it and tell you how much you owe. The food's good, the price is a bargain, and it's Olomouc's best vegetarian option.
This is a little way out of the centre, past the Bus Station, but it serves some of the best food in the city, especially the steaks.
The interior is stylish and the attendants will surely help you in choosing your meals and drinks. Lunch specials including soup from 90 Kč.
A place to get great sushi, a bit pricey for compared to other restaurants but worth it with quiet and friendly atmosphere.
Wide selection of beer and Moravian dishes. The restaurant is in a cosy, rustic basement and has a large space for outdoor dining.
The place is named after the legendary founder of the city, serves pizza and pasta and is on the ground floor of the Town Hall. In summer they have a large outdoor area right on the main square, which is the perfect place to pass a gentle summer's evening.
Traditional Moravian restaurant, mostly meat dishes on the menu.
A non-smoking microbrewery with indoor and outdoor seating and a comprehensive menu of local specialties. Daily changing menu with three mains to choose from.
Svatovaclavsky pivovar
A large microbrewery serving five brews including wheat and fruit flavoured beers. The new location is completely non-smoking and has an outdoor area. In the cellar is an old nuclear fallout shelter that the proprietors plan to renovate to offer spas in oak vats of dark beer scented with a special mix of herbs. The food is very good and lunch menu start from 85 Kč.
A completely non-smoking microbrewery, which is impeccably furnished in an early 20th-century style. Large internal windows allow patrons a view of the brewing room.
Studentský klub Vertigo
Vertigo is a great subterranean bar, packed with local and international students, and mock cave paintings on the wall. It’s a good place to meet people because you almost always have to share a table.
The club has a regular program of concerts. Everything from Jazz to Blues to funk to reggae.
Rasputin is a Russian themed bar in the water barracks, the long low brick building beside Freedom avenue (Tr. Svobody) which was once part of the city walls.
Belmondo is one of the better places in the centre for dancing. Also in the water barracks, there's a cover charge only on Friday and Saturday nights. Regular and visiting DJ's
Caffe Opera
Opera is another good restaurant serving Italian food. It is also located on the main square.
The café is famous for its excellent chocolate cakes (42 Kč). In the morning, they also serve excellent breakfasts in English style (60 Kč). It is in the same building as the museum of the modern art.
Poets' Corner Hostel on Sokolska offers the best value beds in the centre of Olomouc. An independent hostel that receives consistently high reviews, it is open year round and can be booked on any of the major booking websites, or contact them directly.
formerly Penzion Best
Very basic facilities, no window or extractor fan in toilet, no TV despite being advertised. Some "double rooms" consist of two single beds fixed about 4 metres apart from each other. Wi-Fi is a chargeable extra, and they demand full payment before issuing your key. Its best selling point may be its location.
Kolej
Outside the semesters the student dormitories of Olomouc University serve as lodging for tourists. The rates are rather low and the money raised from renting out the beds benefits the students. They are close to the university, and therefore also close to the historical centre of the city. Rooms are for 2-3 persons or more, but they can also be rented out as single rooms (at a higher price). The dormitories also include a dining room, laundry room, gym and the reception also serves a kiosk.
Mid-range hotel. Rooms have bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant and a wellness centre.
Rooms have A/C, bathroom, TV, safe. There's a guarded car park, and free Wi-Fi.
former Hotel Sigma
Standard rooms have the amenities a mid-range hotel room usually has. The hotel has a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi.
former Hotel Gemo
Apparently a slightly upscale hotel. Rooms have the amenities mid-range and splurge hotel rooms have. The hotel has a restaurant (open for breakfast and lunch) and a wellness studio.
7 room pension, only accommodation available.
Business hotel Alley
In the heart of the historic centre, in a calm environment of city parks.
Short walk from the city centre.
Large four storey shopping mall hosting one of the biggest supermarkets in central Olomouc.
An enormous mall in four stories on the bank of Mýnský potok. Pretty much any kind of shops and services can be found here; supermarkets, fast food places, post office, banks, and various small shops and kiosks. On the first and second floor there's a relaxation area with Persian carpets and a piano free to play.
By train
Long distance trains stop at Olomouc hlavní nádraží (Olomouc Main station).
By bus
Student Agency operates buses between Prague and Olomouc, but they are much slower and less comfortable than trains, because their route leads all the way down to Brno before turning up towards…
By car
Major roads lead to Olomouc; D35 from Hradec Králové (and further from Prague and Germany), D35 in the other direction from Ostrava and Poland, highway 55 from Zlín and northern Slovakia as well as…
By bicycle
Olomouc is a relatively bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike paths, mainly through the parks as well as a lot of bike accessible roads. The city provides an official biking guide.
By public transit
Most of Olomouc public transit (all trams lines, and buse lines 10-52) is operated by Dopravní podnik města Olomouce (DPMO), you can view the map of lines operated by DPMO on their official website.
By taxi
Taxis gather in the car park near the main train station, the ride from there to the city centre should be between 120-160 Kč.
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Mošnov · International · OSR
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