Olomouc & Accompanying Program

About Olomouc

Olomouc – Historical Heart of Moravia and a City of Science, Culture, and UNESCO Heritage

Olomouc is a gem of Moravia – a city with a unique atmosphere, rich history, strong academic presence, and a vibrant cultural life. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, it is one of the most important cities in the Czech Republic and home to the country’s second-oldest university – Palacký University, founded in 1573.

The historical center of Olomouc is one of the largest urban conservation areas in the country and is dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. This 32-meter-high Baroque monument, decorated with dozens of statues of saints, is a crowning example of Moravian Baroque and a proud symbol of the city. In 2025, Olomouc will commemorate 25 years since its inscription on the UNESCO list as part of the European Heritage Days.

In addition to its monuments, Olomouc also offers expansive parks, Baroque fortifications, modern galleries, concert halls, and exceptional gastronomy. The city is lively with university life, yet maintains a peaceful atmosphere and human scale – everything is within walking distance.

Notable Personalities of the Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University

Gregor Johann Mendel – founder of genetics, who studied at the Olomouc university; his pea plant experiments laid the foundation for modern biology.
Karel Raška Sr. – world-renowned epidemiologist who led the WHO global program for the eradication of smallpox; he was the head of the Department of Hygiene in Olomouc.
Bohdan Pomahač – leading plastic surgeon, the first doctor in the US to perform a full face transplant.
Lumír Ondřej Hanuš – chemist and pioneer in the study of the endocannabinoid system, active internationally.

Famous Figures Associated with Olomouc

Albrecht von Wallenstein – Imperial general during the Thirty Years' War, studied at the Olomouc university.
Josef Dobrovský – Enlightenment linguist and historian, who studied and lectured in Olomouc.
František Palacký – national historian and politician, a leading figure of the Czech National Revival.
Eduard Hamburger – Jewish doctor and public health benefactor in the interwar period.
Karolína Muchová – world-class tennis player, born in Olomouc.
Karel Brückner – coach of the Czech national football team during its golden era, closely connected to Olomouc.
Veronika Vařeková – internationally successful fashion model from Olomouc.

Cultural and Social Events in Olomouc (4^th – 9^th September 2025)

Street Art Festival 2025 – „Past Perspectives“
(1. – 12. 9.)

A festival of contemporary public art – murals, installations, and performances across the city.

International Organ Festival Olomouc
(4. – 18. 9.)

Classical music concerts in historical churches, including the famous organ at St. Maurice Church.

European Heritage Days 2025 in Olomouc
(6. – 14. 9.)

Celebrating 25 years of the Holy Trinity Column as a UNESCO site:

Open-air concert “Century of Czech Songs” (12 Sept) by Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra.
Guided tours and lectures on the history and restoration of the column.
Sand sculpture and outdoor exhibition on the Upper Square.
Special commemorative euro banknote with the column motif.

Olomouc is a city where history meets modern science, culture blends with hospitality, and spirituality coexists with everyday life. We believe that the Morphology 2025 congress will offer not only professional inspiration but also a rich cultural experience.