About Olomouc
| Olomouc is a vibrant and colourful university city of 100,000 people on the old Morava river crossing, halfway between Prague and Krakow. Surrounded by a green belt of parks and gardens, the walkable |
historic centre of Olomouc is the largest outside Prague, and its cobblestoned back lanes, hidden courtyards and many-spired skyline are among the most attractive in Central Europe. |
Some sights to see:
* See the Astronomical clock perform at noon
* Find all six carved stone fountains
* Be amazed by the interior of St Michael's church
* Explore the Archdiocese museum
* Go down into the Nuclear bomb shelter
* Inspect the detail of the Arion fountain
* Tour the Town hall
* Church of St Moritz pipe organ and bell tower
* Old university courtyard and Jewish gate
* Follow the stream along the old City walls
* Make a trip up Holy hill
* Love or hate the Modern Art Museum |
Some things to do:
* Stroll the atmospheric streets of the old town
* Chocolate pie for morning tea
* Walk the green loop of parks and gardens
* Head out to the lake for a swim or ice-skating
* Wear your red and white to the ice hockey
* A local 'Hana' meal at the hospoda
* Have honeycake, fruit dumplings or hot raspberries to follow
* Daytrip up to lovely little Litomyšl
* Walk along the river to Hradisko Monastery
* Check the events board for festivals, concerts and films
* See who you meet at Vertigo
* Chase the shadows of the floodlit towers and steeples |
More sights to see:
* Decipher the symbolism of the Holy Trinity column
* Visit the Sarkander chapel and old town jail
* Marvel at St Wenceslas' cathedral by night
* Sneak into the hidden courtyards of the university quarter
* Find the Prussian cannonballs
* Go through the Theresian gate to Old Synagogue Square
* Admire the Art-nouveau villas along Smetana gardens
* Hammer the quirky relics of communism |
More things to do:
* Rummage through the antique and second hand stores
* Check out a microbrewery and maybe have a beer spa
* Get a bottle of Moravian wine for picnic in the park
* Work through the hostel collection of Czech music
* See a concert at the jazz club/uni
* Take the bus up Holy Hill for dinner with a view
* Follow Mozart, Mahler, Mendel and Lafayette through Olomouc
* Cinnamon icecream on the square at sunset, anyone? |
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Lonely Planet:
"The Czech Republic's most under-rated destination".
"A thriving university town with the history and mystique of Prague, but a fraction of the tourists".
Rick Steves:
"With its wealth of cafes, clubs and restaurants, Olomouc is the place to taste vibrant local culture - without the hassles and scams of Prague".
"Olomouc is a delightful mix of Baroque space and 21st-century life. Don't approach the city as a sightseer; Olomouc is to be experienced and enjoyed".
Tolstoy (in War and Peace):
'They say we are going to Olmutz and Olmutz is a very decent town'.
Eyewitness guides :
"From the earliest days of the Czech state until the 17th century, the capital of Moravia was Olomouc. This lovely town, full of historic sights, is now a major educational and cultural centre and an excellent base for exploring its picturesque environs".
Rough Guides:
"Olomouc ... the old medieval capital on the banks of the River Morava, is easily Moravia's most attractive and relaxing city, unambiguously postcard-pretty".
"With its cobbled squares, fountains and Baroque churches, Moravia's most handsome city is the perfect base from which to tour the region".
Los Angeles Times:
"Lacking a crush of tourists and with the pace of life so unhurried, I didn't feel a need to pack my day with sightseeing. Olomouc started to feel like a place where I could imagine living."
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