Olomouc is the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic.  It is located in the heart of the Hana region in Moravia and currently inhabited by more than 100,000 citizens.

The first stop during our visit to Olomouc was the Holy Hill:  The Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary .  In 1995, Pope John Paul II paid a visit at this church and it was also during that year when the Roman Catholic church declared it as a minor basilica.  Today, the Holy Hill is one of the most visited places in Olomouc.

My parents, being devout Catholics, were so happy to have had the opportunity to visit this place.

We also visited the St. Wenceslaus cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc.

Another famous landmark in Olomouc is the Holy Trinity column, which is currently listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Erected in the 18th century, this monument is the best example of a typical Central European column.

And of course, just like most cities in Europe, Olomouc has beautiful fountains.

There are only two astronomical clocks in the Czech Republic.  The first one is in Prague and the second one in Olomouc.

The Olomouc astronomical clock is quite unique because it was remodelled in the first few years of communism.  After the fall of communism in the ’80s, most of the prominent statues and monuments were removed, but the astronomical clock remained.  Today, it offers the viewer a glimpse of the communist era in Czech.  It has massive mosaics of workers and scientists and a dial that turns to display the International day of the Worker and the birthdays of Lenin and Stalin.

Like most cities here in Czech, the city of Olomouc  is laden with cobblestones and surrounded by beautiful architecture.

Although difficult for driving , a narrow street is my favorite passageway.

If you are craving for Asian food, there is always a Chinese restaurant somewhere.  In Olomouc, you can find it at the town square.

Olomouc is one of the cities that you should definitely see during your trip to the Czech Republic.

For more information about this city, you can visit this site.