Planning Your Visit to St Michael’s Church

St Michael's Church is one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Moravia. It was originally a Gothic structure but was rebuilt in the 17th century. The interior is filled with rich decorations and stunning frescoes. You should take a moment to admire the ornate altar. The church is often open for quiet prayer and sightseeing.

The tower is a highlight for many travelers. You can learn about opening hours for St Michaels Church in Olomouc before you arrive. Climbing the stairs requires some effort but the reward is great. You will see the red roofs of the old town clearly. Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for special event schedules. This ensures you do not miss any concerts or festivals.

Entry to the main church is usually free. However, there is often a small fee for the tower. This money helps maintain the historic structure. Please remember to dress respectfully as it is an active place of worship. Silence is appreciated while inside the sanctuary. Photography is usually allowed without a flash.

10 Best Sights Near St Michael's Church Olomouc Bell Tower

Olomouc is a city full of surprises and historic treasures. Most major sights are within easy walking distance of the church. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Quick Pick: Best View - St Michael's Church Bell Tower
• Quick Pick: Best History - Holy Trinity Column
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Svatý Kopeček Zoo
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Upper Square Walk

1. Name: St Michael's Church Bell Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the city center. Best for: Photographers and view seekers. Where: Žerotínovo náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Visit during the golden hour for the best light. Read more about the climb here.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Baroque masterpiece. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the church. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the column. Check the UNESCO official page for history details.
3. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It features unique socialist-realist figures instead of saints. Best for: Quirky history lovers. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk. Tip: Be there at noon to see the figures move. Learn about the socialist details of the clock.
4. Name: Villa Primavesi Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: A stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture. Best for: Art and design enthusiasts. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate tour fee. Getting there: 3-minute walk from St Michael's. Tip: Book a tour in advance to see the interior. Explore Villa Primavesi history before visiting.
5. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: Museum Why go: It houses a vast collection of modern and classic Central European art. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Denisova street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute walk. Tip: Check the temporary exhibitions on the top floor.
6. Name: Bezručovy sady Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful park located along the old city fortifications. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: Below the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the church area. Tip: Find the hidden botanical spots within the park. See our guide to Bezručovy sady hidden spots.
7. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: Day trip Why go: One of the largest and most impressive Baroque complexes in Europe. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Northern edge of the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Small fee for guided tours. Getting there: Take a local bus or walk for 30 minutes. Tip: Tours are limited, so check the schedule early. Visit Hradisko Monastery for more details.
8. Name: Civil Defense Shelter Type: Unique experience Why go: A Cold War era bunker hidden under the city park. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Bezručovy sady. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the center. Tip: You must book a guided tour to enter. Look into shelter tours here.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: Day trip Why go: A beautiful pilgrimage church and a popular zoo on a hill. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: Half-day. Cost: Transport plus zoo entry. Getting there: Bus number 11 from the main station. Tip: Walk the forest trails for great views of the region.
10. Name: Hanácká hospoda Type: Local experience Why go: The best place to try authentic Olomouc smelly cheese (tvarůžky). Best for: Foodies. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: 5-minute walk from St Michael's. Tip: Try the cheese with fresh bread and local beer.

Exploring the Historic Center of Olomouc

The area surrounding the St Michael's Church Olomouc bell tower is very walkable. Most streets are paved with historic cobblestones. This creates a charming and old-world atmosphere. You will find many small cafes and boutiques tucked away. It is easy to spend an afternoon just wandering.

The Upper Square is the heart of the city. It is home to the Town Hall and several Baroque fountains. Each fountain tells a story from Roman mythology. This reflects the city's pride in its legendary Roman roots. Many people gather here for coffee or seasonal markets.

In 2026, expect vibrant cultural events in the squares. Olomouc is a university city, so it feels lively. Students often fill the parks and pubs. This mix of history and youth makes the city unique. It is much quieter than Prague but just as beautiful.

Practical Travel Tips for Olomouc in 2026

Getting around Olomouc is simple and efficient. The city has an excellent tram network. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile apps. Most of the historic center is a pedestrian zone. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone streets.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). While many places take cards, keep some cash for small shops. Tipping is usually around 10 percent in restaurants. Most locals speak some English, especially the younger generation. Learning a few Czech words like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is always appreciated.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild and the crowds are small. Summer can be warm but perfect for outdoor dining. Winter brings festive Christmas markets to the main squares. Always check the weather before climbing the bell tower.