Top Attractions in the Olomouc Upper Square Guide

The Upper Square is the architectural jewel of Moravia. It features a dense collection of historic monuments within a small area. Most visitors start their journey here to see the famous UNESCO column. The square is spacious and perfect for a slow afternoon walk. You can enjoy the blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for history: Olomouc Town Hall
• Best for families: Arion Fountain
• Best free activity: Baroque fountain tour

1. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage monument. This is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Western side of Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from any central point. Tip: Look for the golden cannonball embedded in the column. It marks the Prussian siege of 1758. Learn more about the Holy Trinity Column history before your visit.
2. Name: Olomouc Town Hall Type: sight Why go: This building has served the city for over 600 years. It features a beautiful Gothic bay chapel and a grand staircase. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Center of Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to see the exterior; small fee for guided interior tours. Getting there: It is the most prominent building in the square. Tip: Visit the Information Centre on the ground floor for free maps.
3. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: experience Why go: It is one of the few socialist-realist clocks in the world. Instead of saints, it features workers, chemists, and athletes. Best for: Cultural history. Where: North facade of the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the north side of the Town Hall. Tip: The clock performs its mechanical show only once a day at 12:00 PM. Read about the Astronomical Clock legends to understand its unique design.
4. Name: Caesar’s Fountain Type: sight Why go: This is the largest and most complex fountain in the city. It depicts Gaius Julius Caesar, the legendary founder of Olomouc. Best for: Art fans. Where: Near the eastern corner of the Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located directly on the Upper Square pavement. Tip: The statue of Caesar faces towards the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček). This fountain is a key stop on any Baroque fountains itinerary.
5. Name: Hercules Fountain Type: sight Why go: It shows the mythical hero fighting the Hydra. The sculpture is a masterpiece of Baroque art from the late 17th century. Best for: Mythology enthusiasts. Where: Northern part of the square, near the clock. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk from the Astronomical Clock. Tip: Check the shield held by Hercules for the city's eagle emblem.

Unique Experiences and Viewpoints

Beyond the historic statues, the square offers active experiences. You can climb high above the rooftops for a better view. You can also interact with modern art that blends with the old surroundings. These spots provide a great balance to the heavy history of the monuments. Make sure to bring your camera for these highlights.

1. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the Upper Square. You can see the Holy Trinity Column from a bird's-eye perspective. Best for: Photographers. Where: Entrance via the Information Centre in the Town Hall. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approximately 50-100 CZK. Getting there: Enter the Town Hall building from the square. Tip: The tower climb is usually scheduled at specific times during the day.
2. Name: Arion Fountain Type: experience Why go: A modern fountain that fits perfectly into the historic square. It features playful bronze turtles and a dolphin. Best for: Families and children. Where: Southwest corner of the square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: This is a rare fountain where children are encouraged to touch the sculptures.

Hidden Gems Near the Upper Square

Your Olomouc Upper Square guide would not be complete without nearby gems. Just a few steps away, you can find quieter spots. These locations offer a different vibe from the main square. They are essential for a full understanding of the city's layout. Many of these are within a five-minute walk.

1. Name: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) Type: day trip Why go: It is the quieter sibling of the Upper Square. It features the Neptune and Jupiter fountains and a beautiful plague column. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: Just south of the Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the short street next to the Arion Fountain. Tip: Check out the Lower Square hidden gems for local cafes.
2. Name: St. Moritz Church Type: sight Why go: This massive Gothic church houses one of the largest organs in Europe. The tower offers a unique double spiral staircase. Best for: Architecture and music fans. Where: 100 meters north of the Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the church; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk past the Hercules Fountain into the side street. Tip: The St. Moritz Church tower view is excellent for seeing the city walls.
3. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: museum Why go: It holds an impressive collection of modern and ancient art. The building itself is a mix of historic and modern design. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: A short walk from the Town Hall. Tip: Visit the Olomouc Museum of Art website for current exhibition schedules. You might also enjoy the Archdiocesan Museum entrance nearby for religious treasures.

Practical Planning for Your Olomouc Visit

Planning your trip to Olomouc is straightforward. The city is very walkable and visitor-friendly. Most of the major sights are concentrated in the historic center. You can easily see the main square in half a day. However, staying overnight allows you to see the monuments lit up at night. This provides a magical atmosphere without the daytime bustle.

For those with mobility concerns, the square is mostly flat. However, the cobblestones can be uneven in some areas. You can find more details on historic center accessibility online. Public transport is excellent, with trams connecting the square to the train station. Visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal for the latest transport maps. Most locals speak some English, especially in shops and restaurants.