The History of the Olomouc Fortress Walls

The Olomouc fortress walls have a long and complex history. In the 18th century, the city became a major military stronghold. Empress Maria Theresa ordered the construction of massive Baroque fortifications. These walls turned Olomouc into one of the strongest cities in the Austrian Empire. You can learn more about this era at the Olomouc Tourism Portal online.

By the late 19th century, the military role of the walls declined. The city began to dismantle parts of the defense system. This allowed the urban area to expand and grow. However, many significant sections were preserved as historic monuments. Today, these remnants serve as public parks and cultural venues.

Walking along the walls helps you visualize the city's strategic importance. You will see thick brickwork and deep moats that are now filled with flowers. The blend of military architecture and lush greenery is very rare. It makes Olomouc one of the most interesting cities in the Czech Republic.

12 Best Sights Near the Olomouc Fortress Walls

Exploring the fortifications is easy because they surround the old town. Most sites are within walking distance of each other. Here are the top 12 spots to visit near the Olomouc fortress walls.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Bezručovy sady
• Best for families: Crown Fortress
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best free: Terezská Gate

1. Name: Bezručovy sady Type: viewpoint/nature Why go: This park features the most preserved sections of the walls and scenic cliffs. Best for: Nature lovers and photographers. Where: Southeast edge of the historic center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Look for the hidden botanical entrance near the stone walls.
2. Name: Terezská Gate Type: sight Why go: It is a stunning Baroque gate named after Empress Maria Theresa. Best for: History buffs. Where: Palackého Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to the Palackého stop. Tip: Visit at night when the brickwork is beautifully illuminated.
3. Name: Crown Fortress (Korunní pevnůstka) Type: experience Why go: A former military area that now hosts festivals and an interactive science museum. Best for: Families and science fans. Where: Near the botanical gardens. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free entry to grounds; museum fees vary. Getting there: A short walk from Bezručovy sady. Tip: Check the local calendar for open-air concerts held here.
4. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: sight Why go: This neo-Gothic cathedral stands near the northern edge of the old walls. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk or take a tram to the Cathedral stop. Tip: Visit the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral crypt for a deeper look at history.
5. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc Type: museum Why go: It is located within the remains of the Olomouc Castle and walls. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Next to the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Usually around 150 CZK. Getting there: Located in the historic Olomouc Castle grounds. Tip: Check the Olomouc Museum of Art website for temporary exhibitions. You can also see more at the Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc page.
6. Name: Botanical Garden and Rosarium Type: nature Why go: The gardens are built directly into the former fortress moats. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Bezručovy sady area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee in peak season. Getting there: Accessible via the park paths. Tip: Visit in June to see thousands of roses in full bloom.
7. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site located just a short walk from the western walls. Best for: Everyone. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all city walks. Tip: Read the history of the Holy Trinity Column before visiting to appreciate the detail. It is a true UNESCO masterpiece.
8. Name: Olomouc Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best aerial view of the city layout and the wall perimeter. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Upper Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approximately 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk to the center of the Upper Square. Tip: Book your Olomouc Town Hall Tower climb at the tourist office inside the building.
9. Name: Litovel Gate Type: sight Why go: Another historic entrance to the city that shows the scale of the old defenses. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Near the northern park belt. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the park path from the Cathedral. Tip: It is located near great local breweries.
10. Name: Smetanovy sady Type: nature Why go: The largest park in the city, featuring grand walkways and floral displays. Best for: Long walks. Where: Southwest of the center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the tram to Výstaviště Flora. Tip: This park hosts the famous Flora Olomouc flower shows.
11. Name: Svaty Kopecek (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: A magnificent basilica on a hill with views back toward the city walls. Best for: Spiritual and scenic trips. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free entry to basilica; bus fare required. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Visit the Svaty Kopecek Basilica and the nearby zoo on the same day.
12. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: day trip Why go: A massive Baroque complex often called the "Moravian Escorial." Best for: Architecture fans. Where: North of the city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Guided tours have a fee. Getting there: A 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the center. Tip: Check the Hradisko Monastery tour times as it currently serves as a hospital.

Practical Tips for Visiting Olomouc in 2026

Planning a trip to see the Olomouc fortress walls is quite simple. The city is very walkable and friendly to tourists. Most people find that two or three days is the perfect amount of time. You can find more planning help on the Visit Czechia website.

Consider buying the Olomouc Region Card if you stay longer. It offers free public transport and entry to many museums. This card is a great way to save money while exploring the walls. You can purchase it at the main tourist information center in the Town Hall.

The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the parks are green and the weather is mild. Winters can be cold, but the Christmas markets are magical. Always wear comfortable shoes as the historic streets are often cobbled.