The project focused on building new visitor facilities at Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc follows the extensive restoration of the pilgrimage site carried out between 2016 and 2021. Due to the growing number of visitors, the need for modern infrastructure has become evident—one that will enhance the comfort and access to information for pilgrims and tourists alike. The new tourist information centre and sanitary facilities will contribute to improved services, more efficient use of the heritage site, and further development of the region.
Proposed interior design of the Tourist Information Centre
Basic Project Information
Project Title: Revitalization of the Monastic Complex at Svatý Kopeček – Tourist Information Centre
Project Implementer: Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians at Strahov
Operational Programme Title: Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP), Measure 3.2.3 – Development of Tourism Infrastructure
Specific Objective of the Operational Programme: 4.4 Strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation
The project aims to build new visitor facilities and infrastructure for the pilgrimage site at Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc. As a result of the restoration works carried out between 2016 and 2021, the condition of the cultural monument significantly improved, its attractiveness and visitor numbers increased, and the capacity of the existing tourist infrastructure gradually became insufficient. The growing need for high-quality visitor facilities has therefore become a priority — a new tourist information centre and sanitary facilities will be constructed.
The project is designed in accordance with national and regional strategies. Following the construction and restoration works completed in recent years across most of the site, the project will synergistically lead to a more efficient use of the heritage property, further increase the region’s attractiveness in terms of tourism, and improve the services provided to the public. The project outcomes will enhance visitor awareness and comfort while improving the accessibility and quality of tourism services.
Project Budget
Total Expenditure: CZK 6,521,693.06
EU Funding (85%): CZK 5,543,439.10
State Funding (10%): CZK 652,169.31
Estimated Project Implementation Schedule
Expected Start of Physical Implementation: May 2025
Expected Completion of Physical Implementation: October 2027
Pilgrimage Site at Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc
Project Objectives
The aim of the project is to develop new public infrastructure for sustainable tourism that will serve both visitors and local residents through:
The construction and furnishing of a new Tourist Information Centre (TIC).
The construction and revitalization of complementary visitor infrastructure for tourism—specifically, the creation of new sanitary facilities for visitors.
The planned new TIC is expected to become one of the key elements of practical promotion and communication within the area and the region. Its mission will be to provide visitors openly and free of charge with all necessary information and to establish a welcoming, personal connection with them, ensuring their satisfaction during their stay. This should encourage them to return to the region and continue to contribute positively through repeat visits. The new TIC will also gather feedback from target groups, gaining insight into the needs, demands, and expectations of tourists and visitors. This feedback will make it possible to continuously update and adapt the information provided, keeping it accurate, current, and relevant, and thereby improving the services offered to meet visitors’ needs.
It is anticipated that the new TIC will participate in promoting the Olomouc agglomeration—for example, by distributing promotional materials within the information office, at tourism fairs and exhibitions, and through cooperation with tourism-oriented websites and portals (e.g. www.czecot.cz, www.czechtourism.cz, www.turistik.cz, etc.).
The main activity of the Tourist Information Centre will be the free provision of information to the public, in accordance with Act No. 106/1999 Coll. on Free Access to Information. The TIC will offer not only information related to the heritage site itself but also tourist, cultural, and general information about the surrounding area—its attractions, accommodation and dining options, transportation, local businesses, and cultural, social, and sporting events. The TIC will continuously expand, maintain, and update this information database. The stored information will be available to the public in person, by telephone, or by e-mail.
The target groups of this service include not only tourists and visitors to the Olomouc Agglomeration but also local residents. The TIC will provide a public-access computer with internet connection, and information will be available in Czech and at least one world language.
The project ensures accessibility for the widest possible range of visitor groups without unwanted barriers. During project planning, special attention was paid to people with reduced mobility. The project maximizes accessibility measures related to mobility, safety, visual guidance, self-service features, signage, and the availability of information.
Marking of the planned location of the Tourist Information Centre (blue marker) and the new public sanitary facilities (red marker)
Key Activities
The project’s main activity is the execution of construction works aimed at improving the tourist infrastructure and enhancing the attractiveness of the heritage site from a tourism perspective. The project will not interfere with the basic operation of the complex in any of its functions; it will merely add visitor sanitary facilities and a Tourist Information Centre to improve visitor comfort, service quality, and access to information.
The Information Centre will be located in the passage leading from the stalls toward the basilica, by enclosing the existing arcade. It will serve as a space for providing information, arranging guided tours, and selling tickets and souvenirs. The space will be glazed within the outer vaulted arches, with an entrance from the passage. From the Olomouc-facing side, the glazing (made of insulated double glass) will be continuous and frameless. The sloping terrain will be adjusted so that the main level remains barrier-free; semicircular steps will connect the adjacent levels, including the visitor area and the reception space. The new visitor sanitary facilities will be installed in unused rooms located near the passage under the northern tower (on the right-hand side wall of the northern residence passage). These new facilities will be connected to the site’s utility networks (water, sewage, electricity, and internet).
The project also includes the acquisition of interior furnishings for the visitor infrastructure. For the TIC, this will involve furniture, storage equipment, hardware, software, telephones, internet connection, visitor monitoring systems, and possibly additional elements to improve visitor service (e.g., self-service devices). The area around the TIC will also be upgraded—for example, by installing an information point, map board, notice board, and informational/navigational/orientation elements in the vicinity.
All TIC equipment will comply with the requirements and recommendations of the Association of Tourist Information Centres of the Czech Republic and the standards set by the Unified Classification of Tourist Information Centres of the Czech Republic (TIC ČR)—category C.
