Situated in the eastern region of the Czech Republic, is the mesmerizing city of Olomouc in Moravia. Running along the Morava River and encompassed by the Haná Plain, Olomouc until 1641 had been the capital city of Moravia. It is the country’s fifth biggest city and the second largest and oldest historical preservation area after the capital city Prague. Sadly, Olomouc remains a lesser known tourist destination as compared to some of the other cities in the country.
Though legend has it that Julius Caesar founded the city, there is no evidence of this, but excavations have revealed the presence of a Roman camp that proves that the Romans had once occupied the city. Its first settlement goes back to a thousand years. During the 9th and the beginning of the 10th Century, Olomouc was a stronghold of the Great Moravian Empire. The bishopric was reinstated and ranked as archbishopric and having acquired large lands, Moravia became a wealthy region.
Olomouc was established as a city only in the 13th century and after being a powerful centre in Moravia, it was taken over by the Swedes in the 17th century and was involved in several conflicts until in 1850 during a conference between Austrian and German statesmen, Prussia fell into the hands of the Austrian leadership. The German influence was very strong during the Middle Ages and their population outnumbered the Czechs. However, most of them were expelled after the war.
There is a lot to explore in Olomouc, starting with the main square, which comprises of the 15th century Town Hall and its chapel and the 18th century Holy Trinity Column, the largest in Europe and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The astronomical clock on the Town Hall is a reconstruction of the original, which had been destroyed by the Germans when they opened fire on it as they retreated from the city. The remains of the original clock can be seen at the museum.
Another important landmark of the city is the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, which was rebuilt in the neo-gothic style during the latter half of the 19th century, but it still retained parts of it original Romanesque architecture. The 14th century Gothic style Saint Moritz Church with one of the largest Engler organs in Europe and the St Michael’s Church are also notable sights. Also preserved by the city were six of its Baroque fountains, of which five have statues of Roman gods and the sixth of Julius Caesar. The Hradisko Monastery is also a place worth visiting.
Olomouc is also well-known for the Palacky University, the oldest in Moravia. Other interesting sites include the Archbishop’s Palace, Premyslid Palace, Bezručovy Sady Park, Botanical Gardens and a walking tour of the city walls. Just outside Olomouc, are Svatý Kopeček, one of the major pilgrimage sites in central Europe, atop the Holy Hill and the Litovelské Pomoraví nature park. Within an hour’s distance from the city there are several more places of historical importance that one can explore.
The city is well-connected with the capital and other major cities of the Czech Republic. Olomouc can be explored on foot or one can easily get to the sites by bus, tram or taxis.
Photo by Samo Trebizan provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Hanz.P69 provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Hanz.P69 provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Dmitriy Tkachenko provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Hanz.P69 provided courtesy of Panoramio.com