Experience the Church of St Maurice Olomouc Tower View

The Church of St. Maurice is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Central Europe. Its southern tower serves as a public lookout point for visitors. The climb involves a unique double spiral staircase that dates back centuries. This architectural feature allows people to ascend and descend without crossing paths. It is a rare example of late Gothic engineering in the Czech Republic.

Once you reach the top, the reward is a 360-degree panorama. You can see the Holy Trinity Column and the Town Hall clearly. On sunny days, the Jeseníky Mountains are visible on the horizon. The view captures the perfect contrast between the old town and the surrounding greenery. It is widely considered the best vantage point in the entire city.

The interior of the church is equally impressive. It houses one of the largest pipe organs in Europe. If you visit during the International Organ Festival, the music fills the massive nave. The combination of visual beauty and acoustic power makes this site unforgettable. Make sure to bring your camera for the high-altitude shots.

10 Must-See Attractions in Olomouc for 2026

Olomouc offers a wealth of historic and cultural sites within a walkable center. You can easily spend several days exploring the narrow streets and grand squares. Here are the top picks for your itinerary based on local expertise.

• Quick Pick (Best View): Church of St. Maurice Tower
• Quick Pick (Best History): Holy Trinity Column
• Quick Pick (Best Family): Olomouc Zoo
• Quick Pick (Best Free): The Baroque Fountains

1. Name: Church of St. Maurice Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: To see the best Church of St Maurice Olomouc tower view and the famous double staircase. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: North of the Upper Square. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Follow the climbing instructions carefully as the stairs are narrow.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Central location, easy walk. Tip: Read about the column's history to appreciate the intricate details.
3. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: A unique Socialist Realist version of a classic medieval clock. Best for: Quirky history fans. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main square. Tip: Be there at noon to see the figures move.
4. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Neo-Gothic cathedral with the second-highest spire in the country. Best for: Religious history. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Short walk or tram to the cathedral district. Tip: Visit the Archdiocesan Museum located right next door.
5. Name: The Baroque Fountains Type: Sight Why go: A series of six magnificent fountains depicting Roman mythology. Best for: Casual walking tours. Where: Scattered across the city center. Time: 1.5 hours for a full loop. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow a walking route through the old town. Tip: The Caesar Fountain is often considered the most beautiful.
6. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: Experience Why go: Known as the "Moravian Escorial," this massive complex is a Baroque masterpiece. Best for: Grand architecture. Where: Northern edge of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate for guided tours. Getting there: Local bus or a 20-minute walk from the center. Tip: Tours are usually limited to specific days; check the tour schedule in advance.
7. Name: Flora Olomouc Type: Nature Why go: Beautiful exhibition gardens and greenhouses with exotic plants. Best for: Relaxation and nature lovers. Where: Smetana Park area. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for greenhouses. Getting there: Tram stop "Výstaviště Flora." Tip: Visit during the spring or autumn flower festivals for the best displays.
8. Name: Olomouc City Walls Type: Sight Why go: Well-preserved medieval and Maria Theresa-era fortifications. Best for: Scenic walks. Where: Surrounding the historic core. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central point. Tip: Walk through Bezruč Park to see the most impressive sections.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Day Trip Why go: A major pilgrimage site with a magnificent Basilica and views over the Haná plain. Best for: Spiritual visits and views. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Free for the basilica; bus fare required. Getting there: Bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Use a pilgrimage guide to find the best walking paths.
10. Name: Olomouc Zoo Type: Experience Why go: Famous for its giraffe pavilion and the unique observation tower inside the zoo. Best for: Families. Where: Located on Svatý Kopeček. Time: Half-day. Cost: Standard zoo pricing. Getting there: Same bus as Svatý Kopeček. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is quite hilly.

Planning Your Visit to St Maurice Church

Visiting the Church of St. Maurice requires a bit of planning. The tower is usually open from spring through late autumn. During winter, access may be restricted due to ice or maintenance. It is best to check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for current hours. The church itself is an active place of worship, so be respectful during services.

The climb to the top involves about 200 steps. While the stairs are sturdy, they are stone and can be uneven. There is no elevator available for the tower climb. If you have mobility issues, the ground floor of the church is still worth seeing. The interior features beautiful altars and the famous Engler organ.

Photographers should aim for the late afternoon light. The sun hits the Holy Trinity Column and the Town Hall perfectly at this time. You will get the best colors for your photos of the city. Entry fees for the tower are usually very affordable. Most visitors find the small cost well worth the spectacular view.