Tourist information and destination rating
Pros
breathtaking architecture
delicious meals
distinctive atmosphere
inexpensive
a lot of young people
art galleries
tasty beer
all within easy reach
easy-to-access
UNESCO
flat surrounding area
Cons
poor or deceitful service
far from the airport
Suitable for
shopping
history
nightlife
cruises
art
study
active vacation
health tourism
sport tourism
agrotourism
Why to go there?
old&new architecture
christmas markets
historical centre
Transportation and means of transport
railway
air
trams
Information and Facts
Last update: 2012-10-21 21:02:39
Olomouc is the capital city of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic . The most significant monument in the city is the Holy Trinity Column , included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 2000. The city is situated on the route from Brno to Ostrava . It is one of the largest cities in Moravia. The population today counts about 100, 000 people.
Interesting historical facts
According to archaeological findings, the area has been inhabited since the Lower Palaeolithic era. The exact date of the foundation of the royal city is unknown but it was probably somewhere before 1250. During the Hussite Wars, the city Olomouc stood on the side of the Catholics and the Hussites never conquered it. It was the Swedish who seized it during the Thirty Year’s War. Olomouc suffered from plague and great fires several times in its history. The most famous events of its modern history are e.g. the arrival of the first train to the city in 1841, the installation of gas lighting in 1862 or the re-establishment of the university in 1946.
Historic centre and monuments
Olomouc has a well-preserved historic centre that was proclaimed the urban monuments preservation area in 1971. It can boast architectonical monuments, such as the baroque Archbishop’s Palace, the old Jesuit Boarding School “Konvikt”, which is one of the buildings of the Palacký University today, or the Edelmann’s Palace on the Upper Square with a richly decorated façade. There is also a unique town hall with the Astronomical Clock. It has four wings and a town hall tower. The Column of the Holy Trinity is situated on the Upper Square. You will also find a Marian column and a number of fountains, such as the Arion or the Caesar fountain, in the city Olomouc. There are military monuments on the periphery of the city. Near the village Křelov, there is the Fort XVII and not far from the village Radíkov is the Fort II . At the north-eastern edge of the city is the baroque Hradisko Monastery . It now serves as a top military hospital but the historic rooms are for public .
Museums and culture
There are several museums in Olomouc: the Regional Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Archdiocesan Museum. On the western periphery of the city, near the village Neředín, you can visit the Olomouc Aviation Museum . In Olomouc, you will also find several theatres, such as the Moravian Theatre, more than 20 galleries, cinemas and wide choice of cultural events .
Fairgrounds Flora Olomouc
The complex of the Fairgrounds Flora Olomouc in the Smetana Gardens is a must-see part of the city. Apart from the well-known fairgrounds, there are also collection conservatories and the botanical garden . Olomouc offers very well kept parks due to the city’s long lasting care for them.
Holy Hill
The Holy Hill, situated app. 6 km north-east of the city, is a significant pilgrimage site with the pilgrimage Basilica of Virgin Mary . There is also the attractive ZOO Olomouc just nearby. There is a nice view of the country from the Holy Hill and the visitors of Olomouc should not pass this site without stopping.
Entertainment and active rest
The city offers Aquapark Olomouc , the Swimming Stadium Olomouc , many fitness centres, the Salt Cave Solana , wellness centres and the rope climbing centre PROUD . You may also visit discos Appetite Music Club, Belmondo, Captain Morgan´s, Dance Hall, U–Club, Varna and many other restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos.