Olomouc - Read Howard Hillman's authoritative tips

Olomuc

Travel tips you can trust

Why
Olomouc
is special

The old section of Olomouc boasts one of Europe's most attractive historical cityscapes. Another part of the city's appeal is that life goes on at a slow, relaxing pace (partially because it has not yet been fully discovered by tourists).

Olomouc
tips and insights

Pronunciation

Olomouc: OHL-lue-mootz

Upper Square
is Olomouc's top attraction

It's the historic and tourism heart of the city. The five major tourism draws:

Holy Trinity Column

This 250 year old carved stone column soars 35 meters or 115 feet (see picture's foreground). It is one of the most elaborate and best preserved Baroque columns existing in Europe today.

Fountains

The Upper (and Lower) square is adorned with 17th and 18th century fountains.

Old Town Hall

It commandingly sits in the middle of the square (see photo's background). It is a convincing half century old replica of the earlier 15th century Gothic city hall that stood in the same spot.

Astronomical Clock

The Old Town Hall's exterior wall is adorned with oversized 15th century style astronomical time pieces. At noon, knee-high statues representing various trades carousel above those embedded wall tickers, to the delight of tourists who assemble to view this midday event.

Baroque architecture

The square is surrounded by interesting baroque buildings painted with various pastel hues.