Traditions, Culture, Sport, Tourism

The first written mention of Olomouc dates back to 1055. As for its historical development and importance, Olomouc may only be compared to Prague. It is the second largest urban reservation after Prague, with a unique, well-preserved pattern of medieval streets. The city centre boasts a unique piece of monumental baroque sculpture and architecture – the Holy Trinity Column. The column has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the tenth Czech monument to be added. The impact of the Roman-Catholic Church on the city life and its spiritual, political and economic development has always been immense. The Bishopric of Olomouc was founded as early as 1063 and the importance of the city grew after it was promoted to an archbishopric in the 18th century, a fact embodied in its numerous church buildings and monuments. Visitors can also admire numerous reminders of the famous military history of the former Olomouc fortress. The town is surrounded by a ring of advanced forts; the remains of a medieval fortification are preserved in the city parks, and the bastion fortification is commemorated by the Crown Fortress. Olomouc has always been an important centre of education and culture in Moravia. The city is home to the Moravian Theatre with Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, Museum of Regional History, Museum of Arts, numerous choirs, chamber orchestras and bands, and many small galleries. The Archdiocesan Museum was inaugurated in 2006, the Archbishop’s Palace was opened to the public in 2011, followed by the interactive science museum, Fort Science, in 2015, and the Telegraph contemporary art gallery in 2019.