Olšany U Prostějova offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the Church of St John the Baptist, a sculpture group with commemorative significance, fire brigade history, and objects from village life. Cycling Route No. 5, Greenway EV9, also passes through the area and connects it with the surrounding region. The options therefore range from architecture and history to a cycling trip.
Church and historical remembrance
The first documented mention of the Church of St John the Baptist dates from 1373. The present-day church was completed in 1735 and consecrated on 12 October 1741 by Bishop Jakub Arnošt z Liechtenštejna. The dates mark different milestones: an early mention, the completion of the present-day church building, and its later consecration. Six years lie between the latter two dates. There are also two architectural features to distinguish: the floor plan is circular, while the exterior has a Baroque appearance. This combines a clearly defined building form with a distinctive stylistic characterisation.
The sculpture group “kříž se sochami sv. Cyrila a Metoděje” commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of Cyril and Methodius's arrival in Great Moravia. Alongside the church's architectural history, this provides another historical reference: remembrance of a specifically named event. For those choosing a focus on cultural history, the architecture and consecration history are thus distinct from the commemorative significance of the sculpture group.
Two museums, different collections
The private fire brigade museum opened to the public in 1995. It can be visited at any time, including in winter; booking in advance is recommended. The collection includes historic uniforms, equipment, and gear. Among the exhibits is a combined horse-drawn fire engine from 1924. Individual exhibits may change. In addition to the collection's general categories, this dated piece of firefighting equipment provides a specific historical reference.
The municipal museum opened in 2003. A description from 2015 locates it in the municipal office building and lists objects that document village life: agricultural tools, clothing, and household furnishings. The exhibits may change. The thematic difference between the two museums helps with choosing: the fire brigade museum focuses on a clearly defined subject, while the municipal museum includes objects from several areas of everyday village life. This allows you to choose based on whether you prefer a specialised collection or evidence of everyday life.
Cycling through the area
Cycling Route No. 5, Greenway EV9, passes through the area and connects it with the surrounding region. This means that, alongside cultural and historical topics, a regional cycling connection is another option to consider when planning. If you would like to include a ride, check the current signage and surface conditions beforehand. This information helps you assess the route in practical terms, without equating it with a museum or architectural theme.
Discover more destinations: Laškov, Stínava, Kralice Na Hané, Klopotovice, Dobrochov, Vícov, Hrubčice, Drahany.
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Prostějov.
