Church of Saint Mary of Help

Church of Our Lady Help of Christians stands in the Nová Ulice district of Olomouc, at the corner of I. P. Pavlova and Pionýrská streets. This modest late Baroque Catholic church belongs to the Olomouc – Nová Ulice parish and makes an easy stop for anyone exploring beyond the historic city centre.

Why was the church built here?

A church has stood on this site since the 13th century, but that earlier building had a rough history: it was destroyed in 1397, damaged again in 1620, and finally torn down in 1758 by Prussian troops during the fighting around Olomouc. The current church exists because the whole suburb of Nová Ulice had to relocate to make way for the Baroque fortifications built around the city. Construction of the present building began on 6 September 1774, designed by the builder Václav Beda. The tower followed a few years later, in 1780, funded by Antonie Pakostová, the wife of a colonel.

What style is the building?

The church is a straightforward example of late Baroque architecture as built across Moravia in the second half of the 18th century. Its compact form, topped with a single tower above the entrance, reflects its origin as a parish church for a relocated community rather than a grand civic monument.

What has survived inside?

Several furnishings inside predate the current structure or date from its early years. The main Marian altarpiece gives the church its dedication. Also notable is an oil-on-tin painting of St John of Nepomuk by Jan Kryštof Handke, painted in 1740 — older than the church itself, likely brought over from an earlier place of worship. A historic baptismal font is preserved inside as well.

How do you get there?

The church sits right by the "Nová Ulice" tram terminus, served by lines 1, 4 and U, making it an easy trip from central Olomouc. Bus lines 16 and 21, heading toward the University Hospital, also stop nearby. That makes the church a convenient stop if you're already heading to the hospital or exploring the Nová Ulice neighbourhood.

Frequently asked questions

What is the church called in Czech? Kostel Panny Marie Pomocnice, sometimes also written as Kostel Panny Marie Pomocné.

Which parish does it belong to? The Roman Catholic parish of Olomouc – Nová Ulice.

When was the current building constructed? Construction began on 6 September 1774, and the tower was added in 1780.

Was there an earlier church on this site? Yes — a church dating back to the 13th century stood here before, destroyed in 1397, again in 1620, and finally demolished by Prussian forces in 1758.

How do you reach it by public transport? By tram lines 1, 4 or U to the "Nová Ulice" terminus, or by bus lines 16 or 21.