The History of the Chapel of Saint John Sarkander

The Chapel of Saint John Sarkander stands on a site with a dark past. It was once the location of a city prison. In 1620, a priest named John Sarkander was imprisoned here. He was accused of treason during the Thirty Years' War. However, he refused to break the seal of confession. Because of his silence, he was tortured to death on a rack.

The current Neo-Baroque chapel was built at the start of the 20th century. It replaced an older building to honor the martyr. When you enter, you will notice a hole in the floor. This opening allows you to look down into the basement. There, you can see the original torture rack where the saint suffered. It is a powerful and somber sight for many visitors.

In 1995, Pope John Paul II visited Olomouc to canonize Saint John Sarkander. This event brought international attention to the chapel. Today, it remains a place of pilgrimage and reflection. The architecture features beautiful frescoes and a bright, airy interior. It offers a sharp contrast to the dark history of the basement below. For more context on the city's past, you can read about other historical places in Olomouc to round out your itinerary.

10 Must-See Historical Sights in Olomouc

Olomouc is a city that is best explored on foot. Most of the major sights are located within the historic center. You can easily walk from one monument to the next. Below is a list of the top 10 experiences you should not miss. These items include the Chapel of Saint John Sarkander and several nearby gems.

• Quick Picks:
• Best Overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for Families: Astronomical Clock
• Best Rainy Day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best View: St. Maurice Tower

1. Name: Chapel of Saint John Sarkander Type: Sight/Experience Why go: To see the historic torture rack and beautiful Neo-Baroque frescoes. Best for: History lovers and pilgrims. Where: Na Hradě Street. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small donation or free. Getting there: A short walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Look through the floor opening to see the basement.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. Best for: Photography. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location in the main square. Tip: Check out our Holy Trinity Column guide for hidden details.
3. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This massive cathedral features the second-highest church tower in the country. Best for: Gothic architecture fans. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the city center. Tip: Explore the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral interior to see the crypts.
4. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It is unique because it was redesigned in the Socialist Realist style after WWII. Best for: History buffs. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the north side of the Town Hall. Tip: Watch the figures move at exactly 12:00 PM daily.
5. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a vast collection of religious art and is built on the site of a former castle. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Usually 100-200 CZK. Getting there: Right next to Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. Tip: Don't miss the Archdiocesan Museum highlights like the Troyer carriage.
6. Name: Church of Saint Maurice Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It features a massive pipe organ and a double spiral staircase leading to a great view. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Two minutes from the Town Hall. Tip: Climb the tower for the best city photos.
7. Name: Archiepiscopal Palace Type: Experience Why go: This is the official seat of the Olomouc archbishops and hosted emperors like Franz Joseph I. Best for: Royal history fans. Where: Worrelova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150-250 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Located between the center and the cathedral. Tip: Book Archiepiscopal Palace tickets in advance during summer.
8. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: Day trip/Sight Why go: Known as the "Moravian Escorial," this huge complex is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Best for: Grand architecture. Where: Northern edge of the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Tours around 150 CZK. Getting there: Take a local bus or walk 25 minutes from the center. Tip: Read our Hradisko Monastery visiting info before you go.
9. Name: Villa Primavesi Type: Sight Why go: A stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture with a beautiful garden. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: A short walk from the Chapel of St. John Sarkander. Tip: Enjoy a coffee in the villa's restaurant.
10. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque column built to thank God for the end of a plague. Best for: A quick stop. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the center of the Lower Square. Tip: It is much smaller than the Holy Trinity Column but very detailed.

Planning Your Visit to Olomouc in 2026

Visiting Olomouc in 2026 is a great choice for travelers who want to avoid the crowds of Prague. The city is very affordable and easy to navigate. Most people arrive by train from Prague or Vienna. The journey from Prague takes about two to three hours. Once you arrive, you can use the tram system or simply walk. The historical center is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

If you plan to visit many sites, consider buying the Olomouc Card. This card offers free entry to many museums and public transport. You can find more information on the Olomouc Tourism Portal. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn. During these months, the weather is mild and the city parks are beautiful. You might also catch local festivals during the summer months.

For a unique stay, look for hotels near the Upper Square. This keeps you close to the Chapel of Saint John Sarkander and the best restaurants. Don't forget to try the local cheese, Olomoucké tvarůžky. It has a very strong smell but a unique taste that locals love. For more travel inspiration, check out the Visit Czechia Olomouc page for seasonal events.