| Olomouc Olomouc | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms and flag   | ||
| State | Czech Republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Silesia and North Moravia | |
| Altitude | 219 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 103.36 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 101635 (2013 estimate) | |
| Prefix tel | 420 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 779 00 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
Position
| ||
| Tourism site | ||
| Institutional website | ||
Olomouc, in GermanOlmütz, in PolishOłomuniec and in HungarianAlamóc, is a city of Czech Republic.
To know
The beautiful university city of Olomouc is the second largest city in the nation both by territorial extension and by age, surpassed in both cases only by the capital Prague. Nerve center of the Czech region of Silesia and North Moravia and located on the Morava River, Olomouc enjoys a magnificent location, immersed in the plain that takes the name of Haná. Until 1641 it was the capital of this important region, as evidenced by the numerous beautiful monuments of its historic center and the pride of its inhabitants. It has often been called "the most beautiful unknown city in Europe", due to the still small number of non-Czech tourists who visit it despite its undeniable beauty.
Background
Olomouc today occupies the place on which stood a Roman Castrum founded in the imperial age, whose original name was Iuliomontium, or Mons Julii, which was gradually changed from the local language to the current form. What was once only a legend, however, has been confirmed by recent excavations that have identified the presence of a Roman fort present at the time of the Marcomannic Wars. Already before the 9th century Olomouc became an important fortress of the Great Moravian empire, but the first written sources appear only from 1019. In 1021 it became the seat of the government of the Přemislidi, therefore the capital of the Moravian region.
Towards the middle of the 11th century, with the break-up of Great Moravia, Moravia was divided into three distinct principalities, each of which, of Přemislid descent, was independent and subject only to the Kingdom of Bohemia. The seats of these rulers, and therefore the "capitals" of these territories, were the castle-cities of Brno, Olomouc, e Znojmo. In 1063 Olomouc was elevated to the rank of Diocese of all Moravia, deriving its territory from that of Prague.
In 1242 the city was reached and threatened by the Tartars, but heroically Wenceslas I of Bohemia managed to stop them, without however saving Moravia. Later he encouraged the establishment in the Kingdom of Bohemia, and therefore also in Olomouc, of Germanic merchants. In 1306 King Wenceslas III stopped here during his expedition to Poland, where he intended to fight with Ladislao I to claim his rights to the Polish crown, but was assassinated and with his death the Přemyslid dynasty died out.
In 1454 the city expelled the Jewish population, as already happened in Spain and Portugal. When the Bohemian King George of Poděbrady adapted the Hussite faith, his son-in-law Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, in 1468, began the so-called Bohemian War to bring Bohemia back to Catholicism. In 1469, Matthias Corvinus proclaimed himself king of Bohemia in Olomouc (de facto anti-king). When Poděbrady died in 1471, the Bohemian War was continued by his successor Ladislao II until, on April 2, 1479, the so-called Bohemian kings signed the city Peace of Olomouc.
Olomouc always contained a large part of the population of Germanic origin, which together with the strong Diocese made it remain faithful to the Catholic Church against the Hussite one. From 1566, in fact, the city became an important base of the Jesuits who founded the Collegium Nordicum in 1573, an important university-level college, the cell from which the still very important University of Olomouc will develop. 'approach of the Swedish armies imposed, in 1641, the transfer to Brno of all governmental functions, and the following year Olomouc was occupied by the Sweden who kept it for eight years. They left the city in ruins and the capital remained in Brno. Olomouc was fortified as a bastion citadel by Maria Theresa of Habsburg between 1742 and 1754. This allowed it to withstand the siege of Frederick the Great of Prussia, who besieged the city for seven weeks in 1758. December 5, 1777 with the Papal Bull Supreme disposition of Pope Pius VI, of the diocesan territory was ceded to Brno for the creation of his Diocese, but Olomouc was elevated to the Archbishopric.
In 1848 Olomouc represented a safe haven for the emperor ofAustria fleeing from Vienna following the Austrian revolutionary uprisings of the Spring of Peoples. On 2 December 1848 the throne room of the city archbishop's palace was the scene of the abdication of Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria in favor of the very young Francesco Giuseppe. In 1850 Olomouc was the site of an important conference between Austria and German states, called the Olmütz Pointing. At the conference the German Confederation was restored and Prussia submitted to Austria.
The city was largely influenced by contacts with Austria, especially with Salzburg. However, the official language remained Czech, particularly in ecclesiastical documents of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, from the 20th century onwards German prevailed as the population was made up of two thirds of Germans. Olomouc remained enclosed by its walls until 1888 by decision of the city council which preferred a smaller but German city. The expansion took place after the First World War when Czechoslovakia was formed, in which Olomouc was included.
How to orient yourself
Olomouc: full screen map.Finding your way around Olomouc is not difficult at all, also given the small size of the city. Some main streets are an excellent point of reference for the visitor and the two historic squares of the center gather around them almost all the attractions of the city.Almost on the western outskirts of Olomouc stands the central bus and bus station, the 1 Hlavní nádraží Olomouce where you will most likely arrive in the city. From the square in front there are two large city arteries, one of these, the Třída Kosmonautů, leads directly to the city center (15-20 minutes on foot or 3 stops on one of the many trams), in the area between the two city rivers the Kosmonautů becomes "17. listopadu" and then changes its name again as it flows east and call yourself třída Svobody; The latter starts from the Santovka shopping center and embraces the historic center. If you travel by car, this road allows you to comfortably pass from one side of the city to the other, always starting from the central station, but slightly further south begins the Velkomoravská a large provincial road that encloses the city in a semicircle passing through the newer but also more peripheral districts, usually of little interest for the visitor unless you are invited to dinner - as often happens - by some new acquaintance of the place Two other streets are of great importance, or rather two names of the same street: the ulica 1. máje Masarykova tř continues. It also comes from the central station but cuts through Olomouc almost transversely, accompanying you among its most beautiful buildings. Almost close to this street is also the imposing Cathedral of S. Václav. Arrived at 2 Republic square the 1. máje becomes ulica Denisova at the point where the thousand characteristic streets of the historic center wind their way; from here it is only a few steps to the 3 horní náměstí and then to the neighbor 4 Dolní náměstí which are the heart of the city and the casket of many of its treasures, from the town hall to the aristocratic palaces, from the Moravian national theater to the many small great churches around here.
How to get
On the train
Olomouc can be easily reached by train from Prague, through one of the interregional trains (about 2 hours). Avoid taking fast trains (indicated with the initials R), as in this region they are - paradoxically - slower than normal trains and travel less regularly (while normal interregional ones travel every hour). in Olomouc it will cost you around 320 Czech crowns (around 12 €) in first class and around 270 crowns in second class regardless of which type of train you choose to take. České dráhy (Czech state railways) in favor of more modern companies such as StudentAgency or LeoExpress. The reason is that at a price equal to or often lower than that of traditional state railways, these companies offer significantly more comfortable trains, a complimentary drink and newspaper for all passengers and a few other extra services.
From Brno Trains arrive every two hours and the journey takes about an hour and a half.
Olomouc is also well connected with the main stations of the neighboring countries; in this way you can also arrive in the city starting from Warsaw (5 hours drive) or from Vienna (about 3 hours of travel but you will have to change trains at least once).
The arrival point for each of these trains is the city central station, in Czech 5 Olomouc hlavní nádraží
By bus
The university character of Olomouc has caused the city to be interested in some transport agencies for commuter students; consequently the city is very well connected with the capital due to the large number of students moving between the two cities. The only disadvantage is that the buses are forced to follow a route that passes either through a mountain area or deviates through Brno, with the consequence that the journey is considerably longer than by train.
How to get around
_in_Olomouc.JPG/250px-Tram_Škoda_-_Inekon_LTM_10.08_(ASTRA)_in_Olomouc.JPG)
The center and the main attractions of Olomouc can be easily explored on foot; the historic center in particular offers many particularly beautiful and inviting avenues for those who love strolling in a new city.
By public transport
A public transport service quite cheap and simple to use. Near each of the major tram stops there are ticket vending machines programmed in multiple languages that will allow you to buy your ticket without having to know a single word in Czech. As for prices, the cost of a single ticket is around 14 Kč (less than one euro). A map of the Olomouc region with the respective hamlets is available on this site[link not working]The connection point of almost all the city lines is the 6 central bus station, right in front of the train station.
By taxi
The main taxi stop is the car park in front of the central railway station. A taxi ride from here to any point in the historic center costs on average around 100-150 crowns (around € 4-5). Through this telephone number: 420 800 223 030 you can call one of the taxis officially in service in Olomouc.
What see
Olomouc is a true paradise for those who love to discover the monuments of a city while walking calmly through its streets. A great place to start exploring is here Upper Square (Horní náměstí) with its impressive Town Hall and the Trinity Column (the largest votive column in Europe). This square and its attractions are listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage SitesDo not miss to visit the great astronomical clock, no less beautiful brother of the clock Prague, although seriously damaged by the bombing of the Second World War.
Upper Square
There 7 Upper Square (Horní náměstí) and the main square of Olomouc, a magnificent place to start your discovery of this city. Here are concentrated some of the symbolic monuments of Olomouc, including:
- 1 Trinity Column. Built in 1700 and dedicated to the Empress of Austria Maria Theresa in 1754. With its 35 meters high it dominates the square. At the top of the column a Madonna with the 12 apostles in full was placed together with sculptures depicting the Trinity (hence the name).
- 2 city Hall. The splendid Renaissance building occupies the center of the upper square; its halls and chapels are accessible during guided tours and it is also possible to climb to the top of the tower, every day at 11:00 and 15:00. On the ground floor, next to the restaurants and cafes, is the city tourist office.
- 3 Astronomic watch. Built in the 15th century, the clock visible today is the result of the restoration works of the 1950s that attempted to remedy the serious damage suffered by the tower during the bombing. The original angels and saints present on the facade were, during the communist regime, replaced by scientists, workers and sports figures.
- 4 Fountain of Caesar. This fountain is the largest in the city. Around it are sculpted the founder of Olomouc: Julius Caesar riding his horse. It is one of six Roman-themed Baroque monuments in the city.
- 5 Fountain of Hercules. Second Roman-themed monument, the Fountain of Hercules represents the mythical hero of Roman mythology about to defeat the seven-headed Hydra.
Churches and Monasteries
- 6 St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Václava), Václavské náměstí.
500 Kč (guided tours in English). 
07:00–17:00. The second tallest cathedral in Moravia, this incredible monument boasts a thousand-year history.
500 Kč (guided tours in English). 
07:00–17:00. The second tallest cathedral in Moravia, this incredible monument boasts a thousand-year history.- 7 St. Moritz Church (Kostel sv. Mořice), 8. května. 20 Kč / 10 Kč (entrance to the bell tower). March 09: 00–16: 30, Apr – Jun 09: 00–18: 00, Jul – Aug 09: 00–19: 00, Sept – Oct 09: 00–18: 00, Nov 09: 00–16: 30. Beautiful Gothic church built in 1389.
- 8 Abbey church of San Michele (Kostel sv. Michala), Žerotínovo náměstí 1. 07:00–18:00.
- 9 Minor Basilica on the hill (Svatý Kopeček) (bus 11 to Svatý Kopeček). 08:30-17:00. This basilica boasts of being one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Central Europe; John Paul II was also visiting here during his trip to the Czech Republic.
- 10 Hradisko Monastery, Sušilovo náměstí (Bus 15, 20, 21 to Klášterní Hradisko), ☎ 420 973 407 208, @[email protected]. 80 Kč / 40 Kč. Every first Saturday of the month from April to September 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00. Hradisko is the oldest monastery in Moravia, directly located on the banks of the Morava River. The Orthodox monks who live there are also responsible for the adjoining hospital.
Palaces
- 11 [link previously not working]Archbishop's residence (Arcibiskupský palác), Wurmova 9, ☎ 420 587 405 421, @[email protected]. 60 Kč / 30 Kč. by reservation only: April - October 10: 00-17: 00; November – March only for organized groups.
- 12 Přemyslid Palace (Přemyslovský palác, Zdíkův palác), Václavské nám. 4, @[email protected]. 70 Kč / 35 Kč. Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm. The building was recently restored and is now used as a diocesan museum; it was once the residence of the Přemyslid dynasty.
Museums
- 13 Modern art museum (Muzeum moderního umění), Denisova 47, ☎ 420 585 514 111, @[email protected]. 70 Kč / 35 Kč. Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm.
- 14 Olomouc Region Museum (Vlastivědné Muzeum), náměstí Republiky 5, ☎ 420 585 515 111, @[email protected]. 60 Kč / 30 Kč. April-September Tue-Sun 09: 00-18: 00, October-March Tue-Sun 10: 00-17: 00. The museum is located in an old convent house of Poor Clares on Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Aside from the typical artifacts that can be found in a regional museum, this one in Olomouc houses a section on woodworking that is really worth a visit.
- 15 Archiepiscopal Museum (Arcidiecézní muzeum), Václavské nám. 811/4, ☎ 420 585 514 190. 70 - 130 CZK. Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00. The museum located next to St. Wenceslas Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. In centuries of uncontested dominion, the Catholic bishops of Olomouc, who miraculously escaped the Hussite persecutions that raged in Bohemia, were able to collect an incredible amount of treasures of all kinds, paintings, statues, Carthusian works of gold and jewelery. The museum is divided into at least four sections: one dedicated to the treasures of the diocese (among these the famous "Moravian Sun" stands out, a reliquary in gold and precious stones of inestimable value), one dedicated to the history of the construction of the cathedral, with archaeological finds from the Neolithic to about the 1700s, one dedicated to the sumptuous private collection of the archbishop's paintings with international masterpieces such as works by El Greco, Dürer and many Italian masters, especially Venetian and Roman, and a last section dedicated to temporary exhibitions of the duration, usually, no more than two months.
Beyond the works of great value contained here, the museum is worth a visit in and of itself as an architectural testimony of the great power that Olomouc once held not too far away, well represented in this palace and in its fifteenth-century fresco cycle. .
Parks and gardens
- 16 Zoo, Darwinova 29, ☎ 420 585 151 601, @[email protected]. 80 Kč / 50 Kč. October-February 09: 00-16: 00, Nov-February 09: 00—17: 00, April-August 09: 00—18: 00. Olomouc Zoo has a reputation for being particularly cute and is definitely worth a visit.
- 17 Botanical Garden, ☎ 420 585 225 566, @[email protected]. 50 Kč / 30 Kč. April-October Tue-Sun 09: 30-18: 00.
Other
- The University Olomouc is certainly the most important in Moravia and competes with Brno and Prague among the best in the nation. Its buildings are scattered throughout the city but the most interesting place for those wishing to take a look at this symbolic institution of Olomouc is certainly the square next to the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas. Here is the 8 Faculty of Fine Arts with a magnificent panoramic terrace on which the student cafeteria is housed.
Events and parties
- Flower Fair (Flora Olomouc). In spring and then in August the city is filled with a thousand colors thanks to this ancient festival. Every year, alongside the sale of flowers, activities and events are organized for anyone with a "green thumb".
- Academia Film. April. In April Olomouc hosts an international documentary film festival. Near the faculty of fine arts huge screens are installed (possibly even outside) on which participants can watch the documentaries in the competition.
- Dvořak's Olomouc (Dvořak's Olomouc). May June. In honor of the great Czech musician, numerous musical events are organized in early summer. Center of the program is the performance of the Moravian Philharmonic in the large central square or in case of bad weather in the cathedral.
- Song Festival. June. in June, just after the classical music festival, Olomouc sees many composers, choirs and singers arrive from all over the world who for a few days perform in the city creating a truly magical and multicultural atmosphere.
- International organ music festival (International Organ Music Festival). September. This festival also has classical music as a theme, the symbol of the city. In September every year the Moravian Philharmonic performs in what is the largest European event for organ music. Most of the events are hosted in the St. Moritz church.
- Animation film festival. December. This animated film festival takes place every year for 4-5 days in different locations in Olomouc; by participating in the festival you can enjoy watching one of the films in competition on the big screen or listen to a live interview with directors and artists.
- Christmas markets. Typically German tradition, that of the Christmas markets has also arrived in Olomouc for a few centuries due to the German influence on Moravia. Every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas the upper square is filled with many small or large stands where you can buy gifts, culinary delicacies or local products ranging from wooden and iron artifacts to regional honey and wine.
What to do
- 1 Going to the theater (Moravské divadlo Olomouc), Horní nám. 22 (in the central square), ☎ 420 585 500 500, @[email protected]. starting from 130 Kč (4-5 €). Olomouc boasts an enviable historical tradition in terms of theatrical art. The large Moravian theater located in the central square is also the main seat of the Moravian Philharmonic. At an almost ridiculous price for those used to going to the theater in Italy you can attend musicals, concerts, operas and shows of all kinds. Just keep in mind that the works are mostly recited in Czech, others in the original language.
- 2 Ice hockey stadium, Hynaisova 9a. Although the citizens of Olomouc are much more fond of football than hockey, there is no shortage of exciting ice hockey games during the year that manage to attract many fans, so much so as to make them real events.
- 3 Outdoor cinema (Letní Kino), Pekarska Ul. During the hottest months, when the sun goes down, cinema lovers gather in this amphitheater with a capacity of about 3000 people from which they can enjoy both the film and a beautiful night view of the historic center.
Shopping
- 1 Galerie Moritz, 8. května 24 (near the Church of St. Moritz in the old town), ☎ 420 585 220 833, @[email protected]. Gallery: Mon - Sun 09:00 - 19:00 (Billa hypermarket instead: 08:00 - 22:00). Large shopping arcade with one of the large hypermarkets in the center of Olomouc inside.
- 2 Galerie Šantovka, Polská 1, ☎ 420 588 883 902. 09:00-21:00. This huge shopping complex, spread over four floors, was inaugurated a few years ago and is located on the banks of the Mýnský potok, a small emissary river of the Morava. Just outside the town but still easily reachable on foot from every point of the city, it has the advantage of being open 7 days a week and offering practically every type of service you might need; inside, in fact, there are fast food restaurants, supermarkets, a post office, a couple of banks, numerous shops of all kinds and kiosks for a short refreshing break. On the first and second floors there are also relaxation areas with Persian carpets and a piano that can be freely used by anyone.
How to have fun
- 1 Ponorka (The submarine), třída 1.máje 8. Mon-Fri 22: 00-02: 00. Until recently this pub was called "Hospoda u Musea", literally "Brewery at the museum" but all students and regulars called it "Ponorka", which translated means "the submarine". Ponorka is not exactly what could be defined as a tourist or elegant place, on the contrary, it is the typical extremely Spartan place where there are no pleasantries and everyone talks to everyone making their way in a cloud of smoke that perennially hovers in the room, in perfect style. Czech. If you sit at one of the Ponorka tables, expect to receive a visit from some other customer who will sit with you and offer you a toast with the local 20 crown beer (1 €). Ponorka is mostly frequented by students who relax here over a beer in the evenings after an afternoon of study.
- On Friday the evening is usually animated by some local band, or passing by, or by a student who cheers the company perhaps with a guitar or a harmonica, often with performances that are not bad at all.
Where to eat
The cuisine of Olomouc and Moravia in general has over time become synonymous with the best cuisine that the Czech Republic can offer and includes numerous specialties, all in the norm accompanied by the fine Moravian wine that every tourist does not forget to buy to take some in. homeland.One of the most renowned specialties of Olomouc cuisine is a dish called Olomoucké tvarůžky (or Olomoucké syrečky). It is a special local cheese, with a very strong flavor but with very little fat that has been produced in the region since the 15th century. Normally the cheese is served melted on bread or even fried, but it is always possible to taste it plain. Another way in which the Moravians eat their countless varieties of cheese is to stuff them with cordon bleu or meat dishes in general. They are all recognizable by the indication on the menus in Czech of the word "Loštické", that is" from Loštice ", name of the city where the cheese is produced, a bit like" reggiano "to indicate Parmesan.
The often pungent flavor of these types of cheese is often moderate with the addition of sweet spices to dishes.
Still on the subject of "strong flavors", another typical product of the plain around Olomouc is garlic with which a special soup (exclusively based on regional garlic) is prepared with a flavor that is already strong enough but often enriched with Loštice cheese.
- 1 Moravska Restaurace, Horní náměstí 23, ☎ 420 585 222 868, @[email protected]. 11:30-23:00. The restaurant is famous for being one of the places in the city center where you can "taste" authentic Moravian dishes.
- 2 U Anděla, Hrnčířská 10, ☎ 420 585 228 755, @[email protected]. Sun-Thu 11: 00-22: 00, Fri-Sat 11: 00-23: 00. One of the best restaurants in the city; especially recommended if you are in the mood for good wine from the region.
- 3 Green Bar, Ztracená 3, ☎ 420 777 749 285, @[email protected]. Mon-Fri 10: 00-17: 00. Vegetarian-oriented tavern-restaurant, also has a wide choice of local wines.
- 4 Restaurant Pizza U Jana, Karla Farského 7, ☎ 420 585 315 192. 95 Kč. 11:00-22:45.
- 5 Restaurant Alley, Michalské stromořadí 5, ☎ 420 585 502 999, @[email protected].
- 6 Sushi Bar (southern corner of the lower square, next to the Panny Marie church.), ☎ 420 602 964 444. 11:00-23:00. In the lower square there is also a restaurant where you can eat excellent sushi. The place itself does not have anything special, being part of one of the international sushi bar chains and the prices are on average the same as you would find in Italy or elsewhere in Europe but for sushi lovers it remains a great place, in the center of Olomouc, all seasoned with a quiet and friendly atmosphere.
- 7 Pod Limpou Restaurant, Dolní nám. 43, ☎ 420 583 035 322. 24 CZK (beer only) - 300 CZK (full dinner with drinks). 11:00-23:00. Pod Limpou is almost hidden in a tunnel on the right side of Dolní náměstí (coming from Horní náměstí). It offers a number of outdoor tables on a platform directly overlooking the square and a cozy interior room in the basement under the gallery, in a rustic style. Aside from the excellent choice of beers, you can also dine here (until 9:30 pm). On the menu a fairly wide choice of typical Moravian dishes, each one impeccable in its presentation and quality.
Where stay
Moderate prices
In Olomouc it is possible to find many structures that offer overnight stays at bargain prices; some of them are the same studentships of the great university of Olomouc which in the summer, when the students are normally on vacation, open their doors to the public outside. The only problem is that you will hardly find anyone who can communicate fluently in English. A look at the phrase book it will certainly be useful to you.
- 1 [link previously not working]Poets' Corner Hostel, Sokolská 1, ☎ 420 777 570730, @[email protected]. Beds in dormitory from 300 CZK (11 € approx.). One of the top rated hostels in the reviews, it offers small but nice rooms in the city center at an almost unbeatable price.
- [link not working]University dorms (Kolej), Šmeralova 12 (administration) (different locations in the city), ☎ 420 777 000 202, @[email protected]. A brilliant idea of the University of Olomouc has been in recent years to transform the student dormitories of Olomouc into hotels (different but almost all of recent construction and well furnished, here a list [link not working]). In this way the university can raise funds to improve student service during the academic year and visitors can enjoy good quality accommodation at very low prices. Being designed for students who have to come to class every day, these dormitories also have the advantage of all being relatively close to the university which itself is a stone's throw from the historic center and is itself an attraction in Olomouc. . All dorms have rooms for a minimum of 2-3 people (but at a higher price they can be rented by one person), a dining room, a laundry room, a gym and a reception that also functions as a kiosk for the goods of first necessity.
High prices
- 2 Alley Hotel (Alley business hotel), Michalske stromorades 5, ☎ 420 585 502 999. double rooms from 2170 CZK (80 €). Check in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Nice hotel in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the peaceful and wonderful park on the Mýnský river.
Safety
Olomouc is one of the safest cities in the Czech Republic; its character as a student city, which has led to the presence of many foreign students in recent years, has allowed the inhabitants to be particularly open to the "foreigner" and in general the city has a very friendly air towards "non-Czechs" ". In addition, almost all the streets in the center are patrolled at regular intervals during the night and day by the municipal police.As always for large and medium-sized cities, the suburbs should be avoided especially during the night and the park area itself. fairly safe but very poorly or not illuminated at all, which makes the risk of tripping or slipping into the river much more likely than an attack by criminals, a very rare phenomenon in Olomouc.
How to keep in touch
Around
- Moravský krás - large natural park on a karst landscape full of caves (many of which can be visited) and a splendid panorama, among woods, rivers and verdant valleys. Inside there are also a number of museums and attractions for children and adults including a boat trip on an underground river inside a breathtakingly beautiful cave (at Blansko).
- Svatý Kopeček - is the name of a hill an hour's walk east of Olomouc (or 25 minutes by bus from the central station). The hill, in addition to being visited for the panorama it offers over the Haná plain and the city of Olomouc, is also home to an imposing basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Just behind the basilica is the Olomouc Zoo, which makes this a great place for a half-day excursion for young and old alike to indulge in Moravian architectural beauties as well as the attractions of the Zoo.
- Kroměříž - in South Moravia it is home to a grandiose palace, residence of the bishops of Olomouc, and magnificent artistic gardens recognized as a world heritage site. It is only an hour away from Olomouc by train or bus.
