Top 10 Sights at Svatý Kopeček Basilica and Olomouc

The area around the hill is full of surprises. Most visitors start at the main church. However, the surrounding woods and zoo are also popular. You should plan for at least a half-day trip. If you stay longer, you can see the city center too. Olomouc is famous for its rich history and beautiful squares. Here are the top ten things to experience during your visit.

1. Name: Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary Type: sight Why go: This is the main Svatý Kopeček Basilica. It features incredible Baroque frescoes and a golden altar. Best for: History buffs and spiritual travelers. Where: At the top of the hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free entry for prayer; small fee for tours. Getting there: Bus 11 from Olomouc main station. Tip: Check the opening hours and mass schedule before you go.
2. Name: Olomouc Zoo Type: activity Why go: It is located right next to the church. You can see giraffes, sharks, and rare mountain goats. Best for: Families and animal lovers. Where: Darwinova street, Svatý Kopeček. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Usually around 140-180 CZK. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Basilica bus stop. Tip: Visit the lookout tower inside the zoo for a unique view.
3. Name: The Lookout Platform Type: viewpoint Why go: You get a panoramic view of the Haná region. On clear days, you can see the Jeseníky Mountains. Best for: Photographers. Where: Behind the Basilica. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path around the church. Tip: Look for the best views over Olomouc during sunset.
4. Name: The Way of the Cross Type: experience Why go: This is a traditional pilgrimage path with historic stations. It offers a quiet walk through the trees. Best for: Peace and quiet. Where: Woods surrounding the hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Trails start near the Basilica parking lot. Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven forest paths.
5. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: day trip Why go: This massive building is often called the Moravian Escorial. It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Between the city center and the hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tours cost about 100 CZK. Getting there: Bus 11 stops nearby. Tip: Learn more about Hradisko Monastery to see its grand interiors.
6. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: Cultural sightseeing. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to the city center. Tip: Read about the Holy Trinity Column and its UNESCO status on the official UNESCO site.
7. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: sight Why go: This cathedral has the second-highest church tower in the country. The Gothic style is very impressive. Best for: History lovers. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Short walk from the city center. Tip: The Saint Wenceslas Cathedral houses a beautiful crypt you can visit.
8. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: It is one of the few socialist-realist clocks in the world. It shows workers instead of saints. Best for: Unique history. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main square. Tip: Watch the clock strike at noon to see the figures move.
9. Name: Baroque Fountains of Olomouc Type: sight Why go: The city has a unique set of six historic fountains. They depict Roman gods like Neptune and Jupiter. Best for: Walking tours. Where: Various squares in the center. Time: 1 hour to see all. Cost: Free. Getting there: Explore the pedestrian zone on foot. Tip: Check out the Baroque fountains to find the hidden tortoise statue.
10. Name: Archbishop’s Palace Type: sight Why go: This is the seat of the Olomouc archbishops. It has grand halls where emperors once met. Best for: Luxury and art. Where: Wurmova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 150 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Near the Cathedral. Tip: Tours are often available in several languages.

Planning Your Trip to Svatý Kopeček Basilica

Visiting the Svatý Kopeček Basilica is very easy from the city. You can take bus number 11. The ride takes about 15 minutes from the train station. Buses run often throughout the day. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile app. For more help, visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal online. They have maps and transit guides for 2026.

The hill is a popular spot for locals on weekends. If you want a quiet visit, go on a weekday morning. The church is an active place of worship. Please be respectful during mass times. Wear modest clothing when entering the sanctuary. Silence is expected inside the building. Many people enjoy walking back down the hill to the city.

Exploring the History of Svatý Kopeček

This site has been a holy place for centuries. It started with a small chapel in the 1600s. Later, it became a grand Svatý Kopeček Basilica. The Premonstratensian monks managed the site for a long time. They helped make it a major pilgrimage destination. Even Pope John Paul II visited here in 1995. He gave the church the title of Minor Basilica.

The architecture is a great example of the Baroque style. You will see many statues and ornate decorations. The frescoes on the ceiling tell stories of the Virgin Mary. Artists from all over Europe helped decorate the interior. Today, it remains a symbol of faith for the Moravia region. It is one of the most visited sites in the Czech Republic.