Quick Picks for St. Michael Church

Short on time? Use these quick picks to plan your visit to this Moravian masterpiece. These selections highlight the best aspects of the church for different types of travelers. You can find most of these within a short walk of the main altar.

• Best Overall: The Three Central Domes for their scale and light.
• Best for Families: The Underground Grotto and Spring.
• Best for Art Lovers: The frescoes by Jan Kryštof Handke.
• Best Free Experience: Sitting in the pews to admire the High Altar.

10 Highlights of the Baroque Interior of St Michael Church Olomouc

The church was originally a Gothic structure but was rebuilt in the late 17th century. This transformation created one of the most cohesive Baroque spaces in the region. Every corner of the interior tells a story of faith and artistic triumph. Below are the ten essential highlights you should look for during your tour.

1. Name: The Three Central Domes Type: sight Why go: These domes define the church's silhouette and flood the interior with natural light. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Main nave Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Visible immediately upon entry. Tip: Look up to see how the light changes the color of the stone throughout the day.
2. Name: The High Altar of St. Michael Type: sight Why go: This massive altar features a painting of the Archangel Michael defeating Satan. Best for: Religious history Where: Front of the nave Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk straight down the central aisle. Tip: Notice the dynamic movement in the sculptures surrounding the main painting.
3. Name: The Baroque Pipe Organ Type: experience Why go: The organ case is a masterpiece of woodcarving and gilding from the 18th century. Best for: Music lovers Where: Rear gallery Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Turn around after entering the main doors. Tip: Check the local schedule for organ concerts to hear its powerful sound.
4. Name: Ceiling Frescoes by Jan Kryštof Handke Type: sight Why go: Handke was a famous Moravian painter who filled the ceilings with vibrant biblical scenes. Best for: Art enthusiasts Where: Ceilings of the nave and side chapels Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Best viewed from the central pews. Tip: Bring binoculars to see the fine details in the higher sections.
5. Name: The Gilded Pulpit Type: sight Why go: This pulpit is covered in gold and features intricate carvings of the four Evangelists. Best for: Photography Where: Left side of the nave Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Halfway down the main aisle on the left. Tip: The lighting here is usually excellent for close-up photos of the gold work.
6. Name: Side Chapel of St. Joseph Type: sight Why go: This chapel offers a more intimate look at Baroque devotion with smaller, detailed altarpieces. Best for: Quiet reflection Where: Right side of the church Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the side aisle to the right. Tip: This area is often quieter than the main nave during busy hours.
7. Name: The Underground Grotto and Spring Type: unique local experience Why go: It is rare to find a natural spring inside a church basement. Best for: Curious explorers Where: Beneath the main floor Time: 20 minutes Cost: Small donation suggested Getting there: Access is through a small door near the sacristy. Tip: The stairs are narrow and steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
8. Name: The Dominican Cloisters Type: viewpoint Why go: These peaceful walkways connect the church to the former monastery and offer a view of the courtyard. Best for: Finding peace Where: Attached to the north side Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Enter through the side door labeled for the cloisters. Tip: The cloisters often host small art exhibitions or historical displays.
9. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: day trip Why go: Located just a short walk away, this UNESCO site is the peak of Baroque sculpture in Olomouc. Best for: General sightseeing Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí) Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A 5-minute walk downhill from the church. Tip: Visit at dusk when the column is beautifully illuminated.
10. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: museum Why go: This museum houses many original Baroque statues and paintings removed from local churches. Best for: Contextualizing the art Where: Denisova Street Time: 2 hours Cost: Approx. 150 CZK Getting there: Walk 10 minutes east from the church. Tip: Visit the official museum website to check for temporary Baroque exhibitions.

Planning Your Visit to St. Michael Church

Visiting the church is easy as it is located near the city center. Most visitors arrive by foot from the Upper Square. The church is generally open daily from morning until early evening. However, you should avoid wandering during active mass services. Silence is expected throughout the baroque interior of st michael church olomouc to respect worshippers.

Photography is allowed but you must not use a flash. This helps preserve the delicate frescoes and paintings. If you want to learn more, check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for guided tour options. They provide deep insights into the 2026 schedule of events. You can also find more details on the Visit Czechia website for regional travel tips.