Located in central Moravia and bathed by the Moravian River, Olomouc is a little gem that is still little known to tourists. A university town with over 1000 years of history, it is lively, young and energetic, but also rich in artistic and historical treasures. On Olomouc’s central square stands the Holy Trinity Column, the largest open-air Baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. Its beauty, richness and monumentality will leave you speechless – it is so large that it contains a small chapel. The citizens of Olomouc are justifiably proud of this sculptural jewel, the inauguration of which was attended by Empress Maria Theresa. After you’ve admired it, you can stay on the square and have a cup of coffee or simply watch the passers-by. Six Baroque fountains dedicated to ancient mythological deities (Neptune, Hercules, Jupiter, Triton, Caesar and Mercury) embellish the town centre; a seventh has recently been added, depicting… a turtle! Olomouc Castle on Václavské Návrší Hill is also worth a visit. It is famous for being the place where King Wenceslas III, the last descendant of the Přemislidi family, was assassinated in 1306. It is a complex of buildings including St. Wenceslas Cathedral with its towering spires (the second highest in the Czech Republic), the Archbishop’s Museum inaugurated by Pope John Paul II, the Romanesque Bishop’s Palace, St. Anne’s Chapel and St. Barbara’s Chapel. Also take a look at the eccentric astronomical clock on the town hall building: it was made during the communist era and you will easily notice that the style is different from the historical Prague astronomical clock!
