Why Visit the Holy Trinity Column Olomouc?

The Holy Trinity Column Olomouc is unique for its size and artistic detail. It was built between 1716 and 1754 to celebrate the end of a plague. Local artists and craftsmen worked for decades to complete it. Unlike other monuments, it was funded entirely by the citizens of Olomouc. This makes it a powerful symbol of community spirit and religious devotion. You can learn more about its status on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website.

Standing at 35 meters tall, it is one of the largest Baroque groups in Europe. The column features dozens of stone figures and gilded copper reliefs. At its base, you will find a small chapel that is often open to the public. The intricate carvings depict saints and biblical scenes with incredible realism. It is truly the crown jewel of the city's historic center.

Visiting this site allows you to experience the authentic atmosphere of Moravia. The square around the column is always buzzing with life. You can sit at a nearby cafe and admire the monument for hours. It is a perfect spot for photography, especially during the golden hour. Most visitors find it to be the highlight of their trip to the Czech Republic.

12 Best Sights Near Holy Trinity Column Olomouc

Olomouc is a city that is easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are located within a short walk of the main square. Here are the top 12 sights you must visit during your stay. This list includes iconic landmarks and hidden gems that offer a complete view of the city.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for families: Olomouc Astronomical Clock
• Best rainy-day: Archbishop's Palace
• Best free: Baroque Fountains

1. Name: Holy Trinity Column Olomouc Type: sight Why go: It is the most important Baroque monument in the country. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from any central hotel. Tip: Look for the golden cannonball that marks the column's survival of past wars.
2. Name: Olomouc Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: This clock is unique for its socialist-realist design from the 1950s. Best for: Fans of quirky history and architecture. Where: North side of the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Located on the same square as the column. Tip: Be there at noon to see the figures move. Learn more about the Olomouc Astronomical Clock before you go.
3. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: sight Why go: This neo-Gothic cathedral has the second-highest spire in the country. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the main nave. Getting there: A 10-minute walk east from the main square. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the tombs of local bishops. Check out the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Olomouc for more details.
4. Name: Baroque Fountains of Olomouc Type: experience Why go: There are six unique fountains based on Roman mythology. Best for: A relaxing city walk. Where: Scattered across the Upper and Lower Squares. Time: 1-2 hours to see them all. Cost: Free. Getting there: All are within walking distance of the center. Tip: The Arion Fountain is the newest and most playful. Follow the trail of the Baroque fountains of Olomouc.
5. Name: Church of Saint Maurice Type: viewpoint Why go: It houses one of the largest organs in Central Europe and has a great tower view. Best for: Panoramic views of the city. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Two minutes from the Town Hall. Tip: The double spiral staircase to the tower is a unique architectural feature. Visit the Church of Saint Maurice for its history.
6. Name: Archbishop's Palace Type: museum Why go: It is a living monument where important historical events took place. Best for: Indoor cultural exploration. Where: Wurmova Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Cathedral. Tip: Check the tour schedule as some rooms are only open at specific times. Read about the Archbishop's Palace Olomouc.
7. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: A beautiful pilgrimage site with a basilica and a zoo nearby. Best for: Nature and spirituality. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free for the grounds; zoo has a fee. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: The view of Olomouc from the hill is spectacular. Discover the Svatý Kopeček Basilica.
8. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: sight Why go: A smaller but equally beautiful plague column in the Lower Square. Best for: Comparing Baroque styles. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 3-minute walk from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: The square here is quieter and great for a coffee break.
9. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: museum Why go: It features a vast collection of modern and ancient art. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: Located right in the historic center. Tip: Look for the "hanging man" sculpture on the building's exterior.
10. Name: Olomouc Fortress and Bastions Type: sight Why go: Explore the remains of the city's once-mighty defensive walls. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Various locations around the old town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk the walls. Getting there: Walk through the city parks. Tip: The Bezručovy sady park offers the best views of the fortifications.
11. Name: Villa Primavesi Type: experience Why go: A stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture with a great restaurant. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view the exterior; restaurant prices vary. Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Book a table for dinner to enjoy the interior atmosphere.
12. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: day trip Why go: A massive and impressive former monastery often called the "Moravian Escorial." Best for: Grand architecture. Where: Northern edge of the city. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small fee for guided tours. Getting there: Short bus ride or a 20-minute walk along the river. Tip: Tours are only available on certain days, so check the schedule first.

Planning Your Trip to Olomouc in 2026

Olomouc is a fantastic destination for 2026. The city is less crowded than Prague but offers similar beauty. You can find official travel info on the Olomouc Tourism Portal. Most people find that two or three days are enough to see the main sites. The city is very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes.

The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and perfect for walking. You can also enjoy the outdoor seating at many local restaurants. Be sure to try the local Olomoucké tvarůžky cheese. It is a famous local delicacy with a very strong aroma.

Public transport in Olomouc is efficient and cheap. Trams connect the train station to the historic center quickly. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via a mobile app. For more national travel tips, visit the Visit Czechia website. It is a great resource for planning your wider itinerary.