History
The city of Olomouc was founded as a royal city in the middle of 13th century, but the oldest history of the area dates around 6 thousand years back. In eleventh century the first castle was constructed, and Moravian diocese was founded.
In a good strategical position on rivers and trading roots, the rise of the city accelerates since the 13th century and massive walls are built. During the reign of kings John of Bohemia (also called John the Blind) in the 14th century Olomouc became the capital city of Moravia.
Historical and natural sites
The city has an abundance of historical buildings. The historical centre of the city was declared a protected conservation area in 1971. All architectural styles, from the Romanesque style to modern, are represented in its urban landscape. Most of the buildings in Olomouc are awesome examples of baroque style, earning the city the place in the UNESCO World Heritage list. One of the most famous monuments is the Holy Trinity Column, erected after the city withstood a plague epidemy.
Tourists cannot skip the astronomical clock, placed on the side of the town hall since 15th century and damaged during World War II. Interesting architecture and historical perspective offer the Chapel of Saint John Sarkander, constructed in 17th century in the place of former prison and torture chamber, and being the last place of residence of Saint John Sarkander.
From the modern buildings we recommend seeing Vila Primavesi, representant of Viennese Art Nouveau in Moravia. Church of St. Maurice, an important late Gothic building, boasts the 7th largest organs in Central Europe. Not far from away is pilgrimage baroque Basilica of the Visitation of Our Lady on Saint Hill.
Other must-see sites include 6 baroque fountains (Neptune, Hercules, Jupiter, Tritons, Caesar, Mercury, Saturn) and countless churches. Olomouc is perfect only for history and architecture lovers, but also for nature enthusiasts.
Tourists can visit the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area on foot, by bike or boat, explore the complicated labyrinth of the Mladeč caves and the Hunting and Forestry Museum at Úsov Castle. The museum offers exhibitions of hunting trophies of local and African animals. Most of these sights are included in the Treasure Hunt Olomouc geolocation team game.
What else does Olomouc offer?
Throughout the year, the city of Olomouc organizes a variety of cultural and sport events, such as markets and different performances. If you are up for a more adventurous activity, take a walk in the heights in the rope centre, go to the Haunted House or explore the secrets of science in the Fortress of Knowledge - Jan Palacký's Interactive Museum of Science.
In Olomouc and around it there are many fortresses whose task was to protect the city from the raiders. At one of them - fortress Fort Křelov - we organize various outdoor team building programs.
How to get there and where to stay?
As in ancient times, Olomouc is easily reachable. It lies on the D1 highway, connecting Brno and Ostrava, and on a railway junction. In the city itself and its surroundings you can easily get around with bus and tram system IDOS Olomouc operates. Accommodation can be found in hotels and guesthouses in the centre or in the surrounding villages, or you can choose to sleep at college dormitories.
Specialities of the region
Central Moravia, with its Haná plains and fertile chernozem is an important agricultural region. One of its gastronomic specialities is ripened soft cheese made in Loštice village. Another famous symbol of the region is its richly decorated traditional costumes and the specific Haná dialect of the Czech language.
