Day 83: Olomouc

JUNE 25 - Another day trip by train, this time to the college town of Olomouc. It is about 1.5 hours. This city is thought to be built on the site of a Roman fort, and maintained this status as a stronghold for many centuries since. It was considered the capital of Moravia during the Thirty Year’s War with Sweden, during which it was occupied and plundered. The damage was so extensive that the Moravian capital thereafter changed to Brno.

A random street scene of Olomouc, just outside of the historic district.

One thing we noticed straight away about this town is the lack of tourists. There were a few wandering around, but the mobs we’ve seen in Prague and Brno were nowhere to be seen. It made for a really relaxing day to stroll around.

The baroque style Trinity Column dominates the main plaza in old town. Next to it were assorted used book stalls and people selling household plants.

Another astronomical clock, originally 15th Century, on the side of the old town hall. It was repaired after some damage sustained in WWII.

A fountain specializing in turtles and dolphins.

This was the best bronze scale model of an old town that we’ve seen in a while. Odette wanted to spend a lot of time here.

Very quiet back streets here, as it was Saturday.

This, at the Homeland Museum. It is not a real person.

The largest historic monument in town is St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral, originally constructed in the Romanesque style in 1131, and redone in the 13th Century in Gothic style. Has undergone numerous upgrades since.

The inside of St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral.

Czech Republic