A Modern Look at Olomouc Architecture

Functionalism arrived in the Czech Republic during the interwar period. It was a time of great hope and new ideas. Architects moved away from heavy decorations. They focused on "form follows function" instead. This resulted in bright, airy spaces and flat roofs.

Olomouc became a playground for this new style. Local wealthy families commissioned villas that looked like ships or geometric puzzles. Today, these buildings are protected monuments. They offer a unique contrast to the nearby medieval walls. You can find many of these sites by following an Olomouc modern architecture walk through the city.

Before you start, check out the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal updates. Most buildings are private residences, so you will view them from the sidewalk. This makes the walk a perfect outdoor activity for any day. Here are the quick picks for your journey:

• Best overall: Villa Nakládal
• Best for families: Smetana Park route
• Best free activity: Self-guided villa tour
• Best for history: Central Post Office

The Essential Functionalist Buildings Walking Route

This route takes you from the city center to the quiet residential districts. Each stop highlights a specific aspect of functionalist design. Wear comfortable shoes, as the total walk is about five kilometers. You will see how these buildings blend into the local landscape. Here are the top ten stops on your functionalist buildings walking route in Olomouc.

1. Name: Villa Nakládal Type: Private Residence Why go: It is a masterpiece by Lubomír Šlapeta. The building features a distinctive rounded corner and large windows. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Polívkova Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior view). Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the city center. Tip: Look at how the balconies integrate with the main structure.
2. Name: Villa Tesař Type: Private Residence Why go: This villa looks like a modern white cube. It perfectly represents the "less is more" philosophy of the 1930s. Best for: Minimalist design fans. Where: Na Vozovce Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the Smetana Park entrance. Tip: The garden design often matches the building's geometry.
3. Name: Central Post Office Type: Public Building Why go: Designed by Ladislav Machoň, this building shows functionalism in a large-scale public space. The interior still retains its original character. Best for: Seeing functionalism in daily use. Where: Náměstí Republiky. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the lobby. Getting there: Right in the historic center. Tip: Observe the efficient layout of the service counters.
4. Name: Villa Kousalík Type: Private Residence Why go: Another Šlapeta gem, this house uses a mix of materials. It shows a softer side of functionalism. Best for: Seeing unique textures. Where: Na Vozovce Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Part of the villa district cluster. Tip: Notice the use of brick alongside white plaster.
5. Name: Villa Pařík Type: Private Residence Why go: This building has a striking vertical glass staircase. It glows beautifully in the late afternoon sun. Best for: Photography. Where: Erbenova Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Flora Olomouc exhibition grounds. Tip: Visit during the "golden hour" for the best light.
6. Name: Faculty of Law, Palacký University Type: University Building Why go: This site demonstrates how modernism serves education. It has a grand but functional entrance. Best for: Students and academics. Where: 17. listopadu Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the main train station. Tip: Check the Palacký University Olomouc website for campus events.
7. Name: Villa Briess Type: Private Residence Why go: Designed by Jacques Groag, a pupil of Adolf Loos. It features a complex interior layout known as "Raumplan." Best for: History buffs. Where: Na Vozovce Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily accessible on foot from the park. Tip: Compare this to the nearby Šlapeta villas.
8. Name: Villa Eduarda Hamburgera Type: Private Residence Why go: This villa is a transition between classicism and modernism. It shows the evolution of local style. Best for: Seeing architectural history. Where: Vídeňská Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the edge of the park. Tip: Look for the subtle decorative elements on the facade.
9. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art (SEFO) Type: Museum Why go: While the building is historic, the museum hosts modern architecture exhibitions. It is the best place to see original blueprints. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Visit the Olomouc Museum of Art website to see current gallery shows.
10. Name: Villa Primavesi Type: Art Nouveau/Modernist Transition Why go: Though mostly Art Nouveau, it set the stage for the modern villa movement. It is a stunning piece of history. Best for: Luxury lovers. Where: Univerzitní Street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid for guided tours. Getting there: Near the Upper Square. Tip: Book tours in advance as they sell out quickly.

Planning Your Architecture Walk in Olomouc

To enjoy your functionalist buildings walking route in Olomouc, start early. The morning light is best for seeing the clean lines of the facades. Most of these buildings are located in the "Na Vozovce" district. This area is very peaceful and full of greenery. It is a great place to escape the crowds of the main square.

You can combine this walk with a visit to the city parks. Smetana Park and Bezruč Park run alongside the villa districts. This makes the route feel like a nature walk as well. If you have more time, consider a self-guided Olomouc old town walking tour to see the contrast. The city is very flat, so it is easy for all fitness levels.

Always respect the privacy of the residents. Do not enter private gardens or climb on fences. Stay on the public sidewalks at all times. For more general routes, see our guide on the best walks in Olomouc. This will give you a well-rounded view of the city's beauty.