The Artistic Heritage of Olomouc

The city of Olomouc has a very rich history. It was once the capital of Moravia. During the Baroque period, the city invested heavily in public art. Most European cities removed their old fountains when modern plumbing arrived. Olomouc decided to keep its fountains as decorative monuments.

This decision created a unique open-air gallery. You can see the evolution of art from the 17th century to today. The city even added a modern fountain in the 21st century. This mix of old and new makes the city square feel alive. It is a perfect place for a slow afternoon stroll.

The sculptures are not just for decoration. They represent the strength and resilience of the local people. Many were built to celebrate the end of tragic events. Today, they serve as meeting points for locals and tourists alike. You will see students sitting by the water and children playing on the statues.

11 Unusual Fountains and Statues in Olomouc

This list covers the most iconic and strange sculptures in the city. Each one has a unique story to tell. Here are the top picks for your self-guided tour.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for families: Arion Fountain
• Best quirky find: The Thief Statue
• Best free activity: Walking the Baroque loop

1. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Baroque group in Central Europe. Best for: History buffs Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí) Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the center of the Upper Square. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the column. It commemorates a past siege. Learn more about its history compared to the Marian Plague Column.
2. Name: Arion Fountain Type: Unique local experience Why go: This modern fountain features giant bronze turtles and a boy riding a dolphin. Best for: Families and kids Where: Upper Square, near the Town Hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located on the southwest corner of the Upper Square. Tip: Children are encouraged to climb on the bronze turtles. Read about the legend of the Arion fountain turtle before you visit.
3. Name: Socialist Astronomical Clock Type: Unusual sight Why go: It is one of the few clocks in the world with socialist-realist statues of workers. Best for: Photography Where: North wall of the Town Hall Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the Upper Square and look at the Town Hall wall. Tip: Be there at noon to see the mechanical figures of chemists and smiths move. This socialist astronomical clock is a rare relic of the Cold War.
4. Name: The Thief Statue (Lupič) Type: Museum/Indoor related Why go: A quirky modern statue of a man hanging from the roof of a museum. Best for: Art lovers Where: Denisova Street, on the Olomouc Museum of Art Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free (view from street) Getting there: Walk five minutes from the Upper Square toward the Cathedral. Tip: Look up high on the building ledge or you might miss him. He actually moves occasionally!
5. Name: Caesar Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: It depicts the mythical founder of Olomouc, Julius Caesar, on a horse. Best for: Classic art fans Where: Upper Square Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: It is the largest fountain on the main square. Tip: Notice the two dogs at Caesar's feet, representing the Morava and Danube rivers.
6. Name: Mercury Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: It is considered the most artistically refined of the city's Baroque fountains. Best for: Art students Where: 28. října Street Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk a few minutes south from the Upper Square. Tip: The golden details on Mercury's staff are particularly beautiful in the morning sun.
7. Name: Neptune Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: This is the oldest of the six original Baroque fountains in the city. Best for: History lovers Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square down the hill to the Lower Square. Tip: While here, try some local stinky cheese (tvarůžky) at a nearby shop.
8. Name: Jupiter Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: It features a striking statue of the king of gods holding a lightning bolt. Best for: Mythology fans Where: Lower Square Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located at the southern end of the Lower Square. Tip: This fountain replaced an older statue of St. Florian in the 1700s.
9. Name: Triton Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: It features intricate carvings of sea monsters and shells. Best for: Detail seekers Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk toward the Museum of Art from the center. Tip: This is a great spot to sit and enjoy the quieter side of the city.
10. Name: Hercules Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: It shows the legendary hero fighting the multi-headed Hydra. Best for: Action-packed sculpture Where: Upper Square, near the clock Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located right next to the Town Hall. Tip: Check out the walking route for Olomouc Baroque fountains to see them all in order.
11. Name: Statue of Bedřich Smetana Type: Nature/Park sight Why go: A peaceful monument dedicated to the famous Czech composer in a lush park. Best for: A quiet break Where: Smetana Park (Smetanovy sady) Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the city center to the park. Tip: Visit during the flower festivals in spring or late summer for the best views.

Practical Tips for Your Olomouc Art Walk

Seeing the unusual fountains and statues in Olomouc is easy on foot. The city center is compact and mostly pedestrianized. You should wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven. In 2026, most fountains operate from April until late October.

The best time for photography is early morning. The squares are empty and the light is soft. You can get clear shots of the Holy Trinity Column without crowds. Sunset is also a beautiful time as the stone glows orange.

If you have limited time, focus on the Upper Square. Most of the famous monuments are located there. You can see the clock, the column, and three fountains in one spot. For more information, visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal. They offer maps and guided tour details.