The History of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral and Mozart

The history of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral and Mozart began in the late 18th century. In 1767, an 11-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrived in Olomouc. He was fleeing a smallpox outbreak in Vienna with his family. They sought safety in this fortified Moravian city.

Mozart stayed at the Chapter Deanery, which is right next to the cathedral. While recovering from illness, the young prodigy did not stop working. He composed his Symphony No. 6 in F Major during his stay. This piece of music is a point of pride for the local community today.

The cathedral itself has an even longer story. It was founded around the year 1100 by Prince Svatopluk. It started as a Romanesque basilica but changed over time. Major fires and wars led to many reconstructions. Each era added a new layer to its design.

By the 19th century, the cathedral took on its current Neo-Gothic look. The towering spires were added during this final major renovation. Today, the building serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Olomouc. It remains one of the most important religious sites in the country.

10 Must-See Sights at the Cathedral and Olomouc

When exploring famous landmarks in Olomouc, the cathedral area is the best place to start. You can find more details on the Olomouc Tourism Portal. Here are the top items to include on your 2026 itinerary:

• Quick picks: Best overall: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. Best for families: Bezruč Gardens. Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum. Best free sight: Holy Trinity Column.

1. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: sight Why go: It is the city's most iconic landmark with stunning Neo-Gothic spires. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 2, 3, 4, or 6 to the "U Dómu" stop. Tip: Look for the 16th-century tomb of Saint John Sarkander inside.
2. Name: Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum Type: museum Why go: This is where Mozart stayed in 1767 and wrote his symphony. Best for: History and music fans. Where: Next to the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from the Cathedral entrance. Tip: Visit the official museum site to check for special Mozart exhibits.
3. Name: Cathedral South Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the second-tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. Best for: Panoramic city views. Where: Attached to the Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee (approx. 80 CZK). Getting there: Access is through the side entrance of the cathedral. Tip: The climb is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
4. Name: The Romanesque Crypt Type: experience Why go: It contains the remains of bishops and ancient foundations. Best for: People interested in medieval history. Where: Under the Cathedral altar. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: Enter through the museum or during special tours. Tip: The air is very chilly, even in summer.
5. Name: Archbishop’s Palace Type: sight Why go: A grand Baroque palace where emperors and popes have stayed. Best for: Luxury and art fans. Where: Wurmova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Guided tours only (approx. 180 CZK). Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. Tip: Check the tour schedule in advance as it varies by season.
6. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: Photography. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the Cathedral. Tip: Visit the small chapel located inside the base of the Holy Trinity Column.
7. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: experience Why go: A unique socialist-realist clock that features workers instead of saints. Best for: Quirky history. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main square. Tip: Be there exactly at 12:00 PM to see the figures move.
8. Name: Upper Square (Horní náměstí) Type: neighborhood Why go: The social heart of the city with fountains and cafes. Best for: People watching. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main tram hub nearby. Tip: Try the famous "Olomoucké tvarůžky" cheese at a local shop here.
9. Name: Bezruč Gardens Type: nature Why go: A peaceful park located along the old city walls. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: Below the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the Cathedral area. Tip: Visit the botanical garden located at the edge of the park.
10. Name: Saint Maurice Church Type: viewpoint Why go: It houses one of the largest organs in Europe. Best for: Music lovers and views. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Small donation for the tower. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Town Hall. Tip: Climb the double-spiral staircase for a unique view of the cathedral spires.

Practical Tips for Your Visit to Olomouc

Planning a trip to see the history of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral and Mozart is easy. Most sights are within walking distance in the historic center. You can find more travel advice on the Visit Czechia portal. The city is very safe and welcoming to tourists.

The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the weather is perfect for walking. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts in the squares. December is also magical because of the traditional Christmas markets.

To reach Olomouc, take a fast train from Prague. The journey takes about two to two and a half hours. Trains run frequently throughout the day. The main station is a short tram ride from the cathedral area.

Most museums are closed on Mondays. Keep this in mind when scheduling your visit. Always carry a small amount of local currency (Czech Koruna) for small fees. Many larger shops and restaurants accept credit cards.