About Olomouc

Olomouc is a historic city in the eastern Czech Republic, located in the Moravian region. Its well-preserved old town centers around the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) and the Upper Square (Horní náměstí). The city’s origins trace back to the 10th century as a fortified settlement and later became the capital of Moravia. By the 11th century, Olomouc had become the seat of the Bishopric, marked by the consecration of St. Wenceslas Church, which later became the Olouc Cathedral in 1777 when the diocese was elevated to an archbishopric.

Olomouc flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries, despite the challenges of the Hussite Wars. Its strategic location on trade routes fostered commerce, creating a thriving market that attracted merchants. This wealth, along with the influence of the ruling elite, led to the construction of significant architectural landmarks. In the late Middle Ages, Olomouc emerged as well as a cultural and educational center, with the Jesuit College, which later became the University of Olomouc. The Thirty Years’ War saw Olomouc occupied by the Swedish army from 1642 to 1650, significantly impacting the city. Later on, the Baroque era brought reconstruction and the creation of landmarks, such as the Holy Trinity Column, built between 1716 and 1754 in response to a plague. Many of Olomouc’s churches, including the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Wenceslas, underwent various architectural transformations and feature opulent Baroque designs.

The city’s development was significantly influenced by the financial contributions and political influence of the Liechtenstein and Dietrichstein families. The House of Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s oldest noble families, funded numerous architectural projects in Olomouc to demonstrate their power and piety. The Dietrichstein family, originating from Austria, also played a pivotal role in the city’s development. Cardinal Franz von Dietrichstein, the most notable family member, served as the Bishop of Olomouc from 1599 to 1636. His tenure was marked by vigorous Counter-Reformation efforts, including the establishment of Jesuit institutions in the city and the construction of Baroque religious edifices, such as the Church of St. Michael.

Today, Olomouc is known for its historical city, with the votive columns, baroque fountains, churches and a prominent astronomical clock decorating the Town Hall, highlighting its rich historical and architectural heritage.

About the Cathedral

The Cathedral of Olomouc is located in its historical center. It is dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, who is a patron saint of Bohemia and a symbol of Czech statehood.  Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia from 921 until his assassination in 935. Wenceslas was a devout Christian who promoted the building of churches and was widely regarded as a benevolent leader. He was assassinated by his brother, who unlike Wenceslas had seen the Christian religion rather as a way to extend his political powers. The Olomouc Cathedral, also known as St. Wenceslas Cathedral, traces its origins back to the early 12th century. Founded around 1107 by Prince Svatopluk of the Přemyslid dynasty, the church was established to create a new bishopric center in Olomouc, underscoring the city’s burgeoning significance within the Moravian territory. At the time, Moravia was under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, which played a crucial role in the region’s religious and cultural development. The cathedral was consecrated in 1131 and initially constructed in the Romanesque style.

The Olomouc Cathedral suffered significant damage due to fires in 1204 and 1266. These disasters necessitated substantial reconstruction efforts, which were undertaken at the behest of Bishop Bruno of Schaumburg. The decision to rebuild the cathedral in the High Gothic style was indicative of the architectural evolution occurring across Europe. The current Gothic structure dates mainly from the 13th century. However, if you look closely at the current cathedral facade on its left-hand side, you will notice a small building connecting the cathedral with the adjacent buildings. This is the remainder of the old Romanesque cathedral.

The presbytery dates from 1617-1618. In 1803, after a lightning strike, all three original towers were destroyed and replaced by a single central tower in a Classicist style. From 1883 to 1892, the cathedral underwent a Neo-Gothic renovation, adding two 68-meter front towers, three Neo-Gothic portals with tympanums, the Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius on the north side, and a 100.65-meter main tower on the south side of the presbytery, reinforced by six pillars with Gothic windows. In modern times, the cathedral was carefully restored between 2004 and 2007.

The Olomouc Cathedral as you approach it, enter it, get closer and closer to the apse and the main altar (closed behind bars so you can only make close ups) and trun around to see the Cathedrals’ exit.

The Olomouc Cathedral houses significant relics of Saint John Sarkander, a prominent figure in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Moravia. John Sarkander was a Catholic priest who became a martyr during the Thirty Years’ War. During the conflict between Protestant and Catholic forces, Sarkander was accused of conspiring with the enemy and was subsequently arrested. Despite enduring severe torture, he refused to divulge confessional secrets, ultimately leading to his death in 1620. The relics are kept in a chest displayed prominently in the main nave on the right-hand side, enclosed within a protective glass box. Atop the glass box stands a statue of Saint John Sarkander. The site where John Sarkander was tortured to death is commemorated by a chapel devoted to his name. 

The statue and the relics od Saint Johan Sarkander in the Olomouc Cathedral.

Below details of the Olomouc Cathedral interior.