There has been a St. Moritz Church in Olomouc since at least 1257. This is the city’s original parish church, although the current building is from the 14th century. It is a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, neo-Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The church has not come through the centuries blemish free and has undergone numerous renovations and extensions. Among them was the addition of a Renaissance burial chapel in 1572 and a new Baroque-style interior following a fire in 1709.
Look over the church’s façade, said to be one of the most significant examples of late Gothic architecture in Monrovia. The main features are the asymmetrical pair of bell towers. The tallest of these is the oldest part of the building, dating back to the 14th-century construction.
Inside the church, there is lots of detail to capture your attention. Study the replica of a late Gothic sculpture of Christ on the Mount of Olives. The original figure, which is believed to have been created in the 1430s, was once a feature of the church. It is now on display in the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum. Sit in the Baroque church pews for a moment of quiet contemplation and visit the altar of St. John of Nepomuk, which holds the remains of the saint.
View the church’s impressive organ. The musical instrument has a staggering 10,400 pipes and 135 registers. If you are in Olomouc during September, attend an organ recital, part of the International Organ Festival.
Conclude your visit by paying the fee to ascend the spiral staircases of the 151-feet (46-meter) Svatomořická Tower. Views from the observation platform extend across the whole city.
St. Moritz Church is situated just north of Upper Square. To get here, take the tram to the Koruna stop. If you are driving, there are lots where you can park for a fee. The tower is open daily from May to September, and outside these months when the weather is favorable.
