Capture the Column from the Upper Square

The Upper Square, or Horní náměstí, is the heart of Olomouc. It holds the massive Holy Trinity Column in its center. This monument is a masterpiece of Baroque art and design. It looks spectacular when the lights turn on at dusk. This site is a proud UNESCO World Heritage site in the city.

Walk around the base to find your favorite angle. The column features many stone figures and gold accents. Each side offers a unique perspective for your camera. Use a mid-range lens to capture the whole structure clearly. The monument stands 35 meters tall and dominates the square.

The lighting is very consistent across the monument at night. You will see warm yellow tones against the dark sky. These colors create a royal feeling in your photos. It is one of the best city views in Olomouc for photographers. Most visitors find the southern side offers the best light.

The square is free to enter at all hours. Most tourists leave the area by 10 PM on weekdays. This gives you plenty of space for your tripod. You can take long exposures without people in the frame. Early autumn provides the clearest night skies for photography.

Use the Town Hall Arches for Framing

The Olomouc Town Hall is located right next to the column. Its gothic arches provide a perfect frame for your shots. Stand under the stone arches to create a sense of mystery. This technique adds great depth to your night images. The dark stone contrasts beautifully with the glowing monument.

Position your camera low to include the cobblestone ground. The stones often reflect the warm street lights of the square. This creates a leading line toward the Holy Trinity Column. You will need a wide-angle lens for this specific shot. Ensure your tripod is level on the uneven stones.

This spot is excellent for protecting your gear from light rain. The arches provide cover while you wait for the perfect light. Many professional photographers use this location for moody city portraits. It highlights the historical scale of the Czech Republic architecture. The arches are located on the eastern side of the building.

Photograph Reflections at the Caesar Fountain

The Caesar Fountain is the largest fountain in Olomouc. It sits just a short walk from the column. You can use the water surface to capture stunning reflections. Position yourself so the column appears in the fountain water. This creates a symmetrical and artistic night photograph.

Long exposures are necessary to make the water look smooth. A shutter speed of 10 to 20 seconds works best. The fountain itself is also beautifully lit at night. You can find more illuminated landmarks in Olomouc for night aesthetic nearby. The Caesar statue adds a classical element to your frame.

Check the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page for fountain maintenance dates. Fountains usually run from April through October in the city. During winter, the water is drained to protect the pipes. However, the empty stone basins still offer interesting foreground textures. The fountain is located near the Town Hall entrance.

Get a Wide View Near the Arion Fountain

The Arion Fountain offers a modern contrast to the Baroque column. It is located on the edge of the Upper Square. This fountain features a large turtle and several bronze figures. Use these modern statues as a foreground for the ancient column. This creates a story of old and new Olomouc.

A very wide lens is helpful at this specific location. You can capture the entire square and the Town Hall tower. The blue lighting of the Arion fountain is very unique. It provides a cool color contrast to the warm column lights. This color palette makes your night photos look professional.

The area around the Arion fountain is very spacious. It is a great spot for group photography or panoramas. You can see the full height of the column from here. The distance helps you avoid vertical distortion in your images. This is a top spot for 2026 travel photography.

Essential Night Photography Tips for 2026

Night photography requires a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter. The wind can be strong in the open square. Use a low ISO setting to keep your images sharp. ISO 100 or 200 is ideal for the Holy Trinity Column. This prevents digital noise in the dark sky areas.

Olomouc is a very safe city for night photography. You can walk around with your gear without any worries. Most locals are friendly and used to seeing photographers. Always check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for any local festivals. Festivals often bring extra decorative lighting to the square.

The best time for photography is during the blue hour. This happens about 30 minutes after the sun sets. The sky turns a deep blue instead of total black. This provides a better background for the illuminated stone figures. Plan to arrive early to find your favorite spot.