Church of Saint Maurice

Late Gothic church with one of Europe's largest church organs

A massive late-Gothic parish church standing just off Horní náměstí. Its grey-stone bulk feels heavier than the cathedral up the hill — the asymmetrical twin towers were never finished, which gives the façade its lopsided look. The interior is whitewashed and surprisingly austere, but it draws music-lovers from across Europe because of its remarkable organ.

The instrument is one of the finest in Central Europe, with over 10,400 pipes filling the western gallery. Concerts are held regularly, and the annual International Organ Festival in September is the main event in Olomouc's cultural calendar. Climb the south tower (a few hundred steps) for a fine panorama over the old town.

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The organ — built in the 1740s by Michael Engler of Wrocław and extended in the 19th and 20th centuries — has 10,400 pipes and was once the largest in Central Europe. The annual International Organ Festival of Olomouc still uses it as its main venue every September.

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