Olomouc

About

The centre of Olomouc is the largest historic preservation zone outside of Prague and therefore boasts numerous historic and religious buildings. However the one held in the highest regard is the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site and biggest Baroque sculpture in the Czech Republic. Built in 1754 by local citizens and craftsmen, the column is seen as both a celebration of the Catholic Church and of Olomouc itself. The monument stands 115ft high and is topped by a gilded statue of the Holy Trinity. The most prominent church in Olomouc is Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, founded in 1107 and situated in the compound of the Olomouc Castle. The Cathedral has undergone many renovations throughout its history, resulting in many different architectural styles on display, from a Romanesque crypt to a Gothic cloister to Baroque chapels. Olomouc is also home to the Moravian Theatre, the Moravian Philharmonic and the second oldest university in the Czech Republic.