Planning your trip to the Bishop's Palace

The palace sits on a hill overlooking the city. It is located within the grounds of the Olomouc Castle. This area has been the seat of power for centuries. You can easily reach it on foot from the main square.

Most visitors enter through the Olomouc Museum of Art entrance. This building connects the modern galleries to the ancient palace. It is best to arrive early in the morning. This helps you avoid the school groups and tour buses.

In 2026, expect the museum to be open Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays are typically reserved for maintenance. Check the official Olomouc Tourism Portal for holiday hours. The palace is cool inside, so bring a light sweater even in summer.

10 Highlights of the Romanesque Bishop's Palace

When visiting the Romanesque Bishop's Palace in Olomouc, you should follow a set route. This ensures you see all the major Olomouc highlights in one go. Here are the top items to include on your itinerary:

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - The Romanesque Windows
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Bishop Troyer's Carriage
• Quick Pick: Best for Art - The Museum Picture Gallery
• Quick Pick: Best Free Sight - St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Exterior)

1. Name: Romanesque Windows Type: Sight Why go: These are the most famous parts of the palace. They feature incredibly detailed stone carvings from the 1100s. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper floor of Zdík’s Palace. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: Look closely at the animal figures in the stone.
2. Name: Zdík’s Palace Walls Type: Sight Why go: These original 12th-century walls show the scale of the medieval residence. It was built by Bishop Henry Zdík. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Core of the museum complex. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: Touch the cold stone to feel the history.
3. Name: The Mozarteum Type: Experience Why go: A beautiful concert hall where young Mozart once stayed. It hosts musical events and lectures. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Inside the Archdiocesan Museum. Time: 10 minutes (unless attending a show). Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: Check the schedule for evening concerts.
4. Name: Bishop Troyer’s Carriage Type: Experience Why go: A massive, golden Baroque carriage from the 18th century. It is one of the most ornate in Europe. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Ground floor carriage room. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: The wheels are almost as tall as a person.
5. Name: The Museum Treasury Type: Sight Why go: It holds the "Olomouc Monstrance," a gold object encrusted with diamonds. The craftsmanship is world-class. Best for: Jewelry and art fans. Where: Secure vault room. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: No flash photography is allowed here.
6. Name: The Gothic Cloister Type: Sight Why go: A peaceful walkway with pointed arches and old frescoes. It connects the palace to the cathedral. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Adjacent to the Romanesque palace. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: Look for the medieval wall paintings.
7. Name: St. Barbara’s Chapel Type: Experience Why go: A private chapel with unique round architecture. It offers a very intimate atmosphere. Best for: Spiritual visitors. Where: Upper level of the castle complex. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Tip: The acoustics here are wonderful.
8. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Day trip/Sight Why go: Located right next door, this cathedral has the tallest spire in Moravia. It is a stunning example of Gothic Revival. Best for: Everyone. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually free (donations welcome). Tip: Visit the crypt for a small extra fee.
9. Name: The Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site just a short walk away. It is the largest Baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. Best for: Photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: There is a tiny chapel inside the base.
10. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: A unique clock redesigned in the Socialist Realist style. It features workers instead of saints. Best for: History lovers. Where: Town Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Watch it strike at noon for the full show.

Tips for visiting the Romanesque Bishop's Palace in Olomouc

To make the most of your visit, buy a combined ticket. This usually covers the Archdiocesan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Most staff speak English and are very helpful. You can find lockers for your bags near the entrance.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day. The streets leading to the palace are made of old cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet or icy. If you visit in winter, the castle hill can be quite windy.

Photography is generally allowed but without a flash. Some specific treasury rooms may ban cameras entirely. Always look for the signs in each room. Respectful silence is expected in the chapel and cloister areas.