(Morav. Holomau), a city, capital of a circle of the same name, and formerly the capital of Moravia, stands on the River March or Marava, 40 miles N.N.E. of Brunn. It is strongly fortified, being surrounded by walls and protected by a citadel, and is reckoned one of the strongest places in the Austrian dominions. It is entered by four gates, and is for the most part well built. The cathedral is a fine Gothic edifice, founded about the beginning of the fourteenth century by Wenzel III. of Bohemia. Several of the other churches, of which there are twelve, are handsome buildings, particularly that of St. Mauritius, which contains the largest organ in Moravia, and that of St Michael. Among the other public buildings are the town-hall, the archbishop's palace, the former college of the Jesuits (now used as barracks), and the university buildings. The university was removed from Olmutz to Kremsir in consequence of the outbreak in Austria in 1848-50. The university library contains about 50,000 volumes. Among the educational institutions here are an academy of nobles, an archiepiscopal seminary, a gymnasium, and a military school. Olmutz is the seat of judicial and other courts, and various public offices of the circle. There are a maternity hospital, an hospital for the sick, and an orphan hospital. It has manufactures of linen, woollen, and cotton stuffs, leather, earthenware, and vinegar; and carries on an active transit trade, especially in cattle. Olmutz was taken by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War; but was besieged in vain for seven weeks by Frederick the Great in 1758. Lafayette was confined here in 1794. Pop. (1851), exclusive of the military, 11,405.