Quick Decision: Which Column Should You Visit First?

If you only have one hour, visit the Holy Trinity Column. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly massive. It represents the peak of Baroque art in Central Europe. You will find it in the heart of the Upper Square.

Choose the Marian Plague Column if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. It is located among the Olomouc Lower Square attractions. It is the older of the two monuments. Here is a quick guide to help you decide:

• Pick the Holy Trinity Column for grand scale and a small interior chapel.
• Pick the Marian Column for historical priority and beautiful fountains nearby.
• Visit both for a complete self-guided walking tour of Olomouc.

Historical Marian Plague Column vs Holy Trinity Column Differences

The Marian Plague Column was built first. Construction began in 1715 after a plague hit the city. Citizens wanted to thank the Virgin Mary for protection. It was completed in 1724. This column set the standard for local religious art.

The Holy Trinity Column followed shortly after. Work started in 1716 but took much longer to finish. It was not consecrated until 1754. The Empress Maria Theresa even attended the ceremony. This column was meant to be even more grand than the first.

Both columns show the deep faith of the Moravian people. They used local artists and stonecutters for both projects. This created a unique local style. You can learn more about the Olomouc Holy Trinity column history to see its impact. The time gap between them shows how Baroque styles evolved.

Visual Comparison: Size, Style, and Features

Size is the most obvious difference. The Holy Trinity Column is 35 meters tall. It is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. It even contains a small chapel at its base. The carvings are incredibly detailed and complex.

The Marian Plague Column is much smaller. It stands at about 15 meters high. It features a statue of the Virgin Mary at the top. The base is decorated with eight saints. These saints were protectors against the plague.

The Holy Trinity Column uses more gold and dynamic poses. It feels like a massive stone tower. The Marian Column feels more like a traditional monument. Both use high-quality sandstone from nearby quarries. In 2026, the preservation of these details remains a top priority for the city.

Location and Setting in Olomouc

The Holy Trinity Column sits in the Upper Square (Horní náměstí). This is the main hub of the city. You will see the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock here. It is a very busy and energetic area. Many festivals take place around this monument.

The Marian Column is in the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). This square is just a short walk away. It has a more relaxed and local feel. You can find more details about what to see in Dolní náměstí Olomouc to plan your route. The Lower Square also features two beautiful Baroque fountains.

Walking between the two takes less than five minutes. The path connects the two most important public spaces in the city. Most visitors start at the Upper Square and walk down. This allows you to see the scale change between the monuments.

Comparison Summary Table

This table highlights the technical Marian plague column vs Holy Trinity column differences. It helps you see the scale and status of each monument at a glance. Use this to prioritize your sightseeing time in Olomouc.

For official visitor information, check the Olomouc Tourism Portal. They provide maps and seasonal event schedules. Both columns are free to view year-round. They are beautifully lit at night for photography.