Olomouc, Czech Republic
Olomouc is one of the most fascinating and culturally significant cities in the Czech Republic. Its Old Town is remarkably spacious — second in size only to Prague’s historic center. The city boasts a rich blend of architectural styles, with baroque and renaissance elements dominating its skyline. A visit to Olomouc is a true journey through history, offering beautifully preserved landmarks, atmospheric squares, and charming streets. Time spent here is never wasted — whether you're exploring majestic churches, relaxing by fountains, or discovering the nearby countryside, Olomouc offers enough to keep you captivated for several days.
Parking in Olomouc
Olomouc is a key road junction in Moravia, making it easily accessible by car. The D46 motorway runs directly through the city and connects smoothly with the D1, which leads all the way to the Polish-Czech border near Ostrava. From the highway, it takes roughly an hour to reach the city. During our visit, we chose to park close to the city center, at the parking area on 1. máje Street near Republic Square (náměstí Republiky) (1; GPS: 49.596089, 17.257688). This is a paid parking zone, but its central location makes it very convenient for sightseeing.
Just about 100 meters from this smaller parking lot, you’ll find the much larger and multi-level "Central Parking" facility on Koželužská Street (2; GPS: 49.597199, 17.257564). As of 2023, the parking fee was 20 CZK per hour, and the location provides quick access to the heart of the Old Town, making it an excellent choice for visitors.
An alternative route to Olomouc involves skipping the motorway altogether and traveling via local roads through Opava and Šternberk, entering the city via Road 446. This approach allows you to bypass the often congested highway entrance and avoids driving through the inner city — providing a direct and stress-free connection to Central Parking. It’s a smart option, especially during peak travel times.
The Upper Square – Horní náměstí
The historic heart of Olomouc is the perfect place to start your exploration, and the journey naturally begins at the Upper Square (Horní náměstí) (A; GPS: 49.593836, 17.250933). Dominating this elegant square is the beautiful Town Hall (B; GPS: 49.593813, 17.251459), a 14th-century gem showcasing Gothic and Renaissance elements. Just nearby stands the magnificent Holy Trinity Column (C; GPS: 49.593933, 17.250440) — the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Since the year 2000, this monument has been proudly included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflecting its historical and artistic value.
One of the standout features of the square is the astronomical clock (D; GPS: 49.594020, 17.251406) mounted on the Town Hall’s northern wall. Originally built in the 15th century, it has undergone several reconstructions throughout history. Its current appearance dates from 1955, when it was redesigned in the style of socialist realism — featuring figurines of workers and farmers in place of traditional saints. While this version is historically significant, many locals and historians believe the clock’s earlier 20th-century version had greater artistic charm. Regardless, it remains one of the city’s most intriguing landmarks, especially when it chimes at noon with moving figures and melodies.
Olomouc is also renowned for its impressive fountains, many of which are located right on the Upper Square. Among the most notable is the Fountain of Caesar (E; GPS: 49.593985, 17.252148), completed in 1725 and symbolizing the legendary founder of the city. Nearby stands the Hercules Fountain (F; GPS: 49.594194, 17.251059), dating back to 1687 and celebrating the mythological hero’s strength. A striking contrast to these historic works is the more contemporary Arion Fountain (G; GPS: 49.593436, 17.251102), which combines sculpture with playful, modern design, making it especially popular among children.
The square often comes alive with open-air events, concerts, and cultural festivals. During one of our visits, we had the pleasure of attending the Olomouc Wine Spring Festival (Olomoucké vinné slavnosti), which featured colorful performances of Moravian folk dances and songs. Events like this truly bring out the spirit of the region and create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Just a short walk north of the Upper Square stands the magnificent late-Gothic Church of St. Maurice (H; GPS: 49.595071, 17.251153). This striking three-nave basilica is distinguished by its two asymmetrical towers and remarkable acoustics, making it not only a place of worship but also a venue for organ concerts. Its dark, atmospheric interior offers a peaceful escape from the bustling square outside.
The Lower Square – Dolní náměstí
Olomouc features a second charming market square known as the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) (I; GPS: 49.591937, 17.253165), located just about 100 meters southeast of the Upper Square. This historic area is home to two more remarkable Baroque fountains: the Neptune Fountain (J; GPS: 49.5925242, 17.2523553), built in 1683 and recognized as the oldest of its kind in Olomouc, and the elegant Jupiter Fountain (K; GPS: 49.5918181, 17.2532914) from the year 1707.
Another highlight of the square is the Baroque Marian Column (L; GPS: 49.592175, 17.252788), dating back to the 18th century. It serves as both a religious symbol and a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the city.
The entire square is framed by beautifully preserved historic townhouses. Among them, one stands out in particular — the Haueschild Palace (M; GPS: 49.591914, 17.252414), an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture built in 1583. Its ornate façade and elegant proportions make it one of the most striking buildings in Olomouc.
Chapel of St. Jan Sarkander
After exploring both market squares, a short walk down Mahlerova Street leads us toward Republic Square. Along the way, we come across the captivating Chapel of St. Jan Sarkander (N; GPS: 49.5945392, 17.2543214). This Baroque chapel stands on the site of a former prison where Jan Sarkander — a Catholic priest, martyr, and patron saint of Moravia and Silesia — was tortured in 1620. Originally constructed in the early 18th century, the chapel underwent a major reconstruction between 1909 and 1912.
In front of the chapel, visitors can admire a modern fountain titled “The Source of Living Water of St. Jan Sarkander,” featuring an eye-catching architectural design. Nearby stands a Baroque monument to St. John of Nepomuk, completing the spiritual ambiance of this unique and historically significant site.
The Republic Square
At Republic Square (náměstí Republiky), visitors will find the impressive Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Snow (O; GPS: 49.5955544, 17.2562956), constructed by the Jesuit order between 1712 and 1719. This richly decorated building stands as a remarkable example of ecclesiastical architecture from the early 18th century, with elegant stucco work and a peaceful interior that invites reflection.
Right on the square itself — just next to the previously mentioned parking lot (1) — stands another notable fountain: the Triton Fountain, completed in 1709. Its dynamic sculptural composition was directly inspired by Bernini’s famous Fontana del Tritone in Rome. Interestingly, a similarly styled fountain can also be found in the Polish town of Nysa, reflecting the wide influence of Italian Baroque design across Central Europe.
The University District
Olomouc is proud to be home to a sizable and vibrant university district centered around Palacký University — the oldest university in Moravia and the second-oldest in all of Czechia, following Charles University in Prague. Established in 1573, the university has played a key role in the intellectual and cultural life of the region for centuries.
As we stroll along Křížkovského Street, we pass by numerous elegant university buildings (1; GPS: 49.595106, 17.259751), many of them featuring classic architectural details and peaceful courtyards. During our visit, we were kindly allowed through one of the gates to film the inner courtyard, which revealed another layer of the campus’s historic charm. The university district blends academic tradition with relaxed urban energy, making it a rewarding stop even for non-students.
The Olomouc Fortress and the Barracks
The Olomouc fortress (Q; GPS: 49.5930925, 17.2582481) was constructed in the mid-18th century as part of the city's defense system and once served as the main entrance to Olomouc. Its fortifications include a pentagonal bastion flanked by two half-bastions. Scattered throughout the area are the preserved buildings of former military barracks, which have since been repurposed. Today, the fortress site hosts exhibitions on military history and serves as a unique venue for cultural events and performances.
The Bezručovy Sady Park
Bezručovy Sady is a tranquil and scenic park established at the end of the 19th century, with its first tree-lined promenade dating back to shortly after 1835. It is the longest and youngest of the three main parks in Olomouc, designed in the spirit of English Romanticism. Its lush greenery and peaceful paths provide a relaxing break from sightseeing.
One of the park’s most fascinating landmarks is the Yugoslavian Mausoleum (R; GPS: 49.5946258, 17.2566433), built in 1926. It holds the remains of around 1,200 Yugoslavian soldiers who died in Moravia and Silesia during World War I. The mausoleum is listed as a cultural monument in the Czech Republic and underwent a full renovation in 2019. Our footage shows the site before its restoration.
The park is also home to an impressive botanical garden and rosarium, established in 1960. Throughout the park, remnants of the historic city walls, complete with towers and four gateways into the city center, can be explored. It's a delightful blend of history and nature in one peaceful location.
Saint Wenceslas Cathedral
On the opposite side of the Old Town stands the awe-inspiring Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (S; GPS: 49.597819, 17.262240), one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Olomouc. Originally founded in 1107 as a Romanesque church, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style after a major fire in 1265. Its tower rises over 100 meters, making it one of the tallest church towers in the Czech Republic. The cathedral is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a spiritual centerpiece for the city.
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace, which now houses a museum open to the public. Nearby, you’ll also find a notable statue of St. John of Nepomuk from the 18th century, adding further cultural depth to this sacred area.
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