The Dark History of Olomouc Underground

The city of Olomouc has been a military stronghold for a long time. Engineers built complex tunnels to protect the city from invaders. These paths are part of why the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site today. The cold stone walls have seen many battles and secrets.

Many of these cellars were once connected to churches and palaces. Over time, people forgot about some of these hidden paths. This led to stories about lost souls and hidden treasures. Local residents often whispered about strange noises coming from the ground. These tales became the spooky legends we hear today.

If you want to understand the city, you must look at its historic fortification forts and tunnels. They tell a story of survival and mystery. Walking through them feels like stepping back into the 17th century. The air is damp and the silence is heavy.

9 Spooky Legends of the Olomouc City Catacombs

Here are the most famous stories from the underground. Some are based on history, while others are pure folklore. All of them will make you look twice at the shadows. Here are the top spooky legends of the Olomouc city catacombs to explore in 2026.

• Best overall: The Ghost of the Jesuit College
• Best for families: The Town Hall Guardian
• Best for history buffs: St. Moritz Plague Crypts
• Best free experience: Lower Square Treasure (surface view)

1. Name: The Restless Monk of the Jesuit College Type: Ghost story Why go: To see one of the most haunted buildings in Moravia. Best for: Brave travelers. Where: Univerzitní Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually part of a guided tour. Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Listen for the sound of dragging robes in the hallway.
2. Name: The Alchemist’s Hidden Lab Type: Mystery Why go: Legend says an alchemist tried to make gold in these deep cellars. Best for: Science and history fans. Where: Near the Archdiocesan Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee for the museum. Getting there: Follow signs to the Cathedral. Tip: Look for strange symbols carved into the stone walls.
3. Name: The Plague Victims of St. Moritz Type: Historical legend Why go: The crypts hold the remains of those lost to the Great Plague. Best for: Dark history enthusiasts. Where: St. Moritz Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Donation suggested. Getting there: Located near the city center shopping area. Tip: Visit during the day as the church closes early.
4. Name: The Forgotten Swedish Soldier Type: War legend Why go: A soldier from the 30 Years' War is said to guard a secret door. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Beneath the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view the walls. Getting there: Walk through Bezručovy sady park. Tip: This is one of the best hidden spots in Olomouc for a quiet walk.
5. Name: The Civil Defense Shelter Echoes Type: Modern legend Why go: This Cold War bunker feels like a time capsule. Best for: Fans of 20th-century history. Where: Bezručovy sady. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Entrance is near the park botanical garden. Tip: Bring a jacket because it is very cold inside.
6. Name: The Guardian of the Town Hall Cellars Type: Folklore Why go: A spirit is said to protect the ancient clock mechanism from below. Best for: Families with children. Where: Upper Square Town Hall. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Part of the Town Hall tour. Getting there: Right in the center of the city. Tip: Book your tour at the official tourism portal in advance.
7. Name: The Cursed Treasure of the Lower Square Type: Greed legend Why go: Local lore says a chest of gold is buried under the Neptune Fountain. Best for: Storytellers. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: Visit at night when the fountain is lit up.
8. Name: The Shadow in the Archbishop’s Palace Type: Religious mystery Why go: A dark figure is often seen in the wine cellars of the palace. Best for: Atmosphere seekers. Where: Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticket required for palace tour. Getting there: North side of the historic center. Tip: Check the palace website for seasonal opening hours.
9. Name: The Lost Monk of the Dominican Monastery Type: Ghost story Why go: Hear the story of a monk who got lost in the labyrinth. Best for: Mystery lovers. Where: St. Michael's Church area. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to visit the church. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the Lower Square. Tip: The view from the church terrace is amazing at sunset.

Planning Your Haunted Underground Tour

Visiting the underground requires some preparation. Most tunnels are only accessible with a guide. You can start by booking tickets for Olomouc underground walking tours online. This ensures you have a spot during the busy summer months.

The temperature below ground stays around 10-12 degrees Celsius. Even in summer, you should wear a sweater. Wear sturdy shoes because the floors can be slippery and uneven. Some passages are narrow, so be mindful if you dislike small spaces.

Most tours start near the Town Hall or the Archbishop's Palace. The guides speak several languages and tell great stories. They often share personal accounts of strange things they have seen. It is a highlight of any trip to Moravia.