Olomouc , besides the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Baroque period, is a historic city boasting a lively cultural life, strong popular traditions, and delicious typical gastronomy. Its still authentic atmospheres can be felt while wandering through a city never overwhelmed by tourists. It is located only two hours by train from Prague.
The Baroque Heart of Olomouc
The elegant, abundant, rich artistic style that between the 17th and 18th centuries reshaped the face of the Czech Republic was expressed at its finest in Olomouc. It is recognizable in every corner of the city, characterized by a unique architectural style that has left its mark not only on the main urban monuments (listed on the UNESCO List) but also on religious buildings and castles.
The symbol monument of Olomouc and its Baroque is certainly the majestic Column of the Holy Trinity, located on the main square. With its 35 meters in height, it is the tallest sculpture in the entire Czech Republic and the concentration of statues that adorn it is the highest in Central Europe. The squares of Olomouc are also dotted with beautiful baroque fountains, six in total. Also a Baroque masterpiece is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, with the characteristic three domes that soften the city skyline, shaped by bell towers, spires (including those of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Wenceslas), and towers. Another important Baroque monument watches over the city from Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill): it is the Baroque Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with splendidly decorated interiors. The sanctuary is a destination every year for thousands of pilgrims. On this note, we recommend a visit to the nearby Hradisko Monastery, an imposing Baroque complex spread on a hill on the northern outskirts of the city. Very ancient, it was rebuilt in Baroque style after the Swedish devastation in the Thirty Years’ War.
Olomouc, not just Baroque
Beyond the strong Baroque imprint, Olomouc is still a concentration of historical, architectural, and artistic monuments that testify to its long and troubled history. Not to be missed are the beautiful churches, starting with the elegant St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Neo-Gothic but with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements). Also notable are St. Maurice (late Gothic) and the Chapel of St. John Sarkander (Neo-Baroque). Among the secular buildings not to be missed: the Town Hall, which sports a splendid astronomical clock on the tower, the ancient university, the Archbishop’s Palace, and of course the Olomouc Castle, with the magnificent complex known as the Palace of the Přemyslids.
Svatý Kopeček, der Heilige Hügel und Grün
Zum bereits genannten Svatý Kopeček, dem heiligen Hügel von Olmütz, kommen nicht nur Pilger, die zum bereits erwähnten Heiligtum unterwegs sind, sondern auch Natur-, Tier- und atemberaubende Panorama-Liebhaber. Denn hier befindet sich der Zoo von Olmütz, bewohnt von einer unglaublichen Vielfalt auch seltener Tiere (von Hirschen bis Bisons, über Giraffen, Makaken, Wölfe, Kängurus etc.), bekannt vor allem für sein Meerwasseraquarium und das Haifischbecken. Der Zoo, gerade erst renoviert, ist das ganze Jahr über geöffnet und verspricht für 2017 große Neuerungen. Auf dem Hügel ragt auch ein 32 Meter hoher Aussichtsturm empor, von dem aus der Blick über die gesamte Stadt Olmütz und ihre grünen Umgebungen schweift. Die Stadt und Svatý Kopeček sind mit einem Busservice verbunden, so dass sowohl Zoo als auch Basilika bequem erreichbar sind.
Historisches Fest und Barockfeste von Olmütz
Vom 2. bis 4. Juni dürfen Sie das historische Stadtfest nicht verpassen, das in diesem Jahr vom 300. Geburtstag von Maria Theresia, der bedeutendsten Herrscherin des böhmischen Landes, inspiriert ist. Sie können die Jahrmärkte und die mittelalterlichen Märkte besuchen oder den Konzerten der Solisten des Theaters der Mähren und des Philharmonischen Orchesters Mähren lauschen, Theateraufführungen beiwohnen und dem eindrucksvollen historischen Kostümzug folgen. Gleich danach, vom 6. bis 30. Juli, finden die Barockfeste statt, Barockopernaufführungen in Kostümen, die in einem originalgetreuen Nachbau eines Barocktheaters mit handbemalten Kulissen aufgeführt werden.
Olomouc Cheese Curds (tvarůžky)
At festivals and fairs, be sure to try the Olomouc cheese curds (tvarůžky) known for their intense flavor and smell. They are called “Olomouc” because they were originally sold at local markets and, although not produced directly in Olomouc, they are strongly connected to the city’s culinary identity. In fact, you will find them in specialty shops. The recommendation is to pair them with local beer for a truly unique palate experience.
Olomouc Card, the benefits
If you decide to come to Olomouc, it is worth purchasing an Olomouc Card. The card guarantees free access to the 78 most interesting places not only in Olomouc, but throughout the entire Central Moravia and the Jeseníky Mountains. It also includes the use of public transport within the urban network. When purchasing the card, you will also receive a practical guide and information about interesting places from the agreement. Two types of Olomouc Card are available: a 48-hour card for 240 crowns and a 5-day card for 480 crowns. The card can be purchased at the Olomouc information center.
