Olomouc, a city called home by 100,000 people, that embodies a millennial history petrified in Romanesque palaces and monasteries. The importance of Olomouc was underlined by the Roman Catholic Church which chose it for the seat of bishops and archbishops, as well as by the l6th-century university. Olomouc was Moravia's capital at that time. Neither the Thirty-Year War, nor the Prussian attacks cultivated the city's face, but there is still a rich bonanza of building sights crowded at a not exactly large space which used to be enclosed by the city walls -from the Romanesque Premyslide palace, to the Gothic St Maurice's Cathedral (cherishing the famous Engler's organ inside); the Renaissance Town Hall; the baroque sculptural group of the Most Holy Trinity; baroque churches-St Michael's and Virgin Mary of Sněžná's; the Blessed Virgin Mary Visitation Pilgrimage Church on the hill of Svatý Kopeček that was promoted to basilica minor by Pope John Paul II in 1995. Six baroque fountains scattered across the inner city are protected by the UNESCO. However rich in history Olomouc can be, it also is a modern, living city. The 1989 turnover triggered a boom of trade and construction. New buildings are appearing and historical sights are being repaired which helps the city grow into fresh beauty. Development of travel and support of services, culture and education are among the city's main concerns. One such supporting facility is the Information, Culture and Tourist's Centre based on the Town Hall's ground floor that can help you find your way about the city or provide bed and board plus give you a survey of what is going on in culture. It is open for visitors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week or available under the phone no. 068-55 13 392; fax no. 068-52 20 843; or under the e-mail address: http://www.winet.cz/viso.htm. This place in the heart of Europe is called Heart of Moravia, so you simply can't miss it.

St Maurice's Church, Engler's organ

Most Holy Trinity sculptural group with the town hall in the background

Our Lady's of Sněžná Basilica

St Venceslas's Church