Olomouc

Astronomical clock

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.

Basilica Minor on the Holy Hill

Svatý Kopeček

This is one of the most popular pilgrimage churches in Central Europe, and was honoured by Pope John Paul II.

08:30-17:00 daily, Mon afternoon closed

Botanic Gardens

The Botanical gardens are in two parts; the outdoor exhibits and rose gardens are across the stream from Bezruč gardens.

Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 09:30–18:00·50 Kč / 30 Kč

Holy Trinity Column

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.

Hradisko Monastery

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.

Apr-Sep every first Sat of the month: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00; Every working Thu: 14:00 and 15:00·80 Kč / 40 Kč

Museum of Modern Art

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.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·70 Kč/ 35 Kč, Su free

Olomouc Zoological Garden

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.

Open daily: Oct-Feb 09:00—16:00; Mar Sep 09:00—17:00; Apr-Aug 09:00—18:00 (ticket counter opening hours; the visitors must leave 2 hours after the ticket counter is closed at latest)·80 Kč / 50 Kč

Regional Museum in Olomouc

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.

Apr-Sep: Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00, Oct-Mar: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·60 Kč / 30 Kč

St. Michael's church

Kostel sv. Michala

The church appears quite plain from the outside. Upon entering, however, most first time visitors find their breath stolen away. Inside is one of the most beautiful baroque churches 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.

07:00–18:00 daily

St. Moritz church

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.

Daily Mar 09:00–16:30, Apr–Jun 09:00–18:00, Jul–Aug 09:00–19:00, Sep–Oct 09:00–18:00, Nov 09:00–16:30·20 Kč / 10 Kč (entrance to the tower)

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

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.

Open daily, variable times, usually 07:00–17:00. During the tourist season (end of April to end of September) it is possible to take a guided tour, also in English·500 Kč for a guided tour in English/group

The Archbishops’ palace

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.

Apr, Oct: Mon–Fri upon previous booking, weekends and holidays 10:00-17:00; May–Sep: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00; Nov–Mar: Mon–Fri upon previous booking·180 Kč / 120 Kč

The Premyslid palace

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.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·70 Kč / 35 Kč. Su, 1st W of month, certain public holidays free

Veteran Arena

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.

Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·198 Kč / 148 Kč