The Legend of the Olomouc Baroque Fountains

After the Thirty Years' War, Olomouc needed to rebuild its pride. The city leaders chose to build grand fountains. These were not just for decoration. They provided water and protected the city from fire. Each fountain tells a story from Greek or Roman mythology. These themes were very popular during the Baroque era.

The fountains are part of a larger historical ensemble. This includes the Holy Trinity Column, which is a UNESCO site. You can find more details on the Olomouc Tourism Portal. The statues were designed to impress travelers and locals alike. They represent the triumph of the city over past hardships.

9 Stories Behind the Olomouc Fountain Statues

To see these sights, follow the Olomouc Baroque fountains route through the city center. Here are the most famous stories behind the Olomouc fountain statues.

• Best overall: Caesar Fountain
• Best for families: Arion Fountain
• Best for photos: Neptune Fountain
• Best free activity: Walking the entire route

1. Name: Caesar Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous fountain in the city. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look at the statue of Caesar on a horse facing the hills. Legend says he founded Olomouc.
2. Name: Arion Fountain Type: Experience Why go: This is a modern addition by Ivan Theimer. Best for: Families and children. Where: Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Kids love to climb the bronze turtle next to the fountain. It tells the story of a poet saved by a dolphin.
3. Name: Hercules Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It shows the hero fighting the Hydra. Best for: Fans of mythology. Where: Upper Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Notice the city's eagle symbol on the shield. It represents the strength of Olomouc.
4. Name: Neptune Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest Baroque fountain in the city. Best for: Classic art lovers. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This was the first fountain built in the 17th-century sequence.
5. Name: Jupiter Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It features the king of the gods with a lightning bolt. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Lower Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This statue replaced an older one of St. Florian in 1707.
6. Name: Mercury Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is considered the most artistically valuable. Best for: Art students. Where: Near the Prior department store. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Mercury is the protector of merchants, fitting for its location near shops.
7. Name: Triton Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It features intricate carvings of sea monsters and shells. Best for: Detail-oriented travelers. Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This fountain was moved here from its original location in the 1880s.
8. Name: Marian Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a beautiful plague column in the Lower Square. Best for: Religious history. Where: Lower Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It was built as thanks for the end of a plague epidemic.
9. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage monument. Best for: Iconic landmarks. Where: Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe.

Planning Your Olomouc Baroque Fountains Route

Exploring what to see in Olomouc is easy on foot. Most fountains are within a five-minute walk of each other. Start at the Upper Square to see the largest monuments. Then walk down to the Lower Square for a quieter atmosphere. You can find a map of all Baroque fountains in Olomouc online.

The best time to visit is during the spring or summer. This is when the water is flowing. In winter, the statues are often covered to protect them from frost. Early morning is perfect for photography without crowds. You can also visit the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page for seasonal events. Don't forget to try the local smelly cheese, Olomoucké tvarůžky, while you explore.