Sep 7 – Olomouc advertises itself as the place that has everything that Prague has, except the crowds. It has a huge historical central square. The Czech word for square is Namesti, so wherever we go, we are reminded that the light in me honors the light in you (this is a yoga joke).
There are so many things to see here!
The Holy Trinity Column is the tallest monument in Czechia and the biggest group of statues in Central Europe The top depicts the Holy Trinity, accompanied by the Archangel Gabriel and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Looks pretty crowded up thereLike Prague, there is also an astronomical clock! Instead of apostles, this one shows working people.Unlike the clock in Prague, these figures aren’t rotating, ( I think it is in need of repair?) but we can see musicians, miners, athletes……nurses, businessmen, and blacksmithsNot only can you see the time, but also the current astrological sign …and the current constellations in the night skyThere are also many fountains – here is the fountain of CaesarThe fountain of Hercules, holding his cudgel and smiting the hydraThe Triton fountain The fountain of Mercury And the Arion fountain There is the Marian column, erected in the 1700s to thank the Virgin Mary for saving the city from the plagueThere is a (temporary) sculpture of Mozart here, made of sand. When Mozart was performing in Europe as a 5 year old prodigy, his father brought him here to Olomouc to escape the plague.Unfortunately, Mozart contracted the plague anyway, but he recovered right here in this palaceA modern artist with something to say to the popeThe Opera HouseSt Maurice Cathedral – too big to see in one photoInside, we heard the most beautiful organ music. There was a concert that evening, and we got to hear the world famous organist Jean Baptiste Robin practicing! A fine day.