The prestigious tour guide, Lonely Planet, has published a list of Europe’s hidden gems. It is a list of the 10 most beautiful places in Europe, which haven’t yet been too well-known. Olomouc ranked 7th on the list is the only city in the Czech Republic, which made the list.

“In the past years, we are systematically trying to take advantage of the potential of our city, which it has in the tourism industry, offer its beautiful sites and make it visible on the map for tourists. Therefore, we are absolutely pleased to be mentioned in Lonely Planet’s list. Only positive things are written about Olomouc, as for example, it probably being the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic and definitely a place worth visiting. It is a step, which will hopefully help Olomouc”, says Jan Holpuch, the deputy mayor of the city of Olomouc.

A committee consisting of professional travelers, even considers Olomouc to be the most beautiful Czech city. According to the judges, it has the same architectural charm and magic as Prague, however, without the chaos. Moreover, it has numerous aces up its sleeve. For example, the socialistic-realistic astronomical clock located on the building of the City Hall on the Upper Square, the sacral passage of the Archbishop’s Palace, which is still in existence, from the 12th century (today, it is a part of the Archdiocese Museum), as well as its excellent restaurants.

“Putting Olomouc on the list of the 10 hidden gems of Europe is by far an indisputable success. It would probably be amusing to think, that our city could actually seriously compete with world destinations like Paris or Rome. This however, does not mean that Olomouc has nothing to offer. In comparison with these mass tourist centers, Olomouc will always be a “surprising treasure,” which has spirit and offers the same jewels, but less chaos”, explains Jan Holpuch.

Apart from Olomouc, the German castle Satzvey, the village of Battle in Great Britain, the French Amiens, The Netherland’s Haarlem, Luxemburg, Spain’s La Coruňa and until now, Lonely Planet’s undiscovered gems hidden also in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, have also made the list.

The citizens of Olomouc can now rightfully be proud of their city. The city representatives are not holding back their enthusiasm and simultaneously are admitting great responsibility in an attempt to preserve the city’s wealth and magic, which is interwoven with cobble stone street alleys and a magical and calm atmosphere, and “inherited” historically unique monuments. The revelation done by Lonely Planet could bring Olomouc up from the category of “hidden gems” into the category of well-known tourist destinations. This event marks another significant, extraordinary step in Olomouc’s new age history and makes 2012 unusual.

Tour Guide Characteristic

1. Satzvey Castle, Germany
2. Battle, Great Britain
3. Amiens, France
4. Haarlem, The Netherlands
5. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
6. La Coruña, Spain
7. Olomouc
8. Klaipėda, Lithuania
9. Tartu, Estonia
10. Łańcut, Poland

Tour Guide Characteristic

Lonely Planet is a world renowned edition tour guide, which for the past 30 years has been among the most favorite on the market. It is written by professional travelers, who specialize in individual areas and is updated on a regular basis.