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Holy Hill near Olomouc

In the very heart of Moravia, amidst the most fertile land in the country, in a district known as Haná, proudly stands the ancient city of Olomouc, since time immemorial one of the most important centres of the Bohemian kingdom. Cathedral of St Wenceslas

Imbued with a special dignity and spiritual power, it is full of history, a city of Baroque wonder and reverence to God. Visiting Olomouc is like meeting a wise and venerable old man who has travelled many roads and whose word is worth a hundred books. One is taken aback at every turn by the unexpected number of important and imposing historical landmarks – grand cathedrals, charming little churches, splendid burghers’ palaces and monumental monasteries. It boasts the captivating Bishop’s Palace, a masterwork of European Romanesque architecture, Gothic churches and cathedrals, Renaissance palaces with richlydecorated facades – but above all Olomouc Baroque. Wonderful fountains, the Archbishop’s Palace,

the Hradisko monastery (known as the El Escorial of Moravia), the pilgrimage basilica on the Holy Hill and, first and foremost, an imposing, UNESCOprotected plague column, the largest Baroque group of sculptures in Central Europe. It also has one curiosity – a workers’ astronomical clock from 1955. The Haná region stands out not just for its hospitable climate but also healthy natural regional specialities. The local cuisine’s most famous product is the cheese Olomoucké tvarůžky. Delicious, low in fat and with a distinctive aroma, it is available in various forms in local restaurants. www.tvaruzky.cz

The Holy Trinity Column in the centre of Olomouc is a pinnacle of Central European Baroque and is a UNESCO protected historical landmark. Getting there from Prague: 280 km, 2:40 hrs, 2:20 hrs Nearby sights: • The Holy Hill near Olomouc • Bouzov Castle • Helfštýn Castle www.tourism.olomouc.eu

Olomouc