Pálava

Wildlife, striking scenery, and history by the Austrian border

Pálava is a synonym for the Pavlov Hills (Pavlovské vrchy), a limestone formation stretching from Pavlov for 20 kilometres to the south around Mikulov toward the border with Austria. This is the driest and hottest area in the Czech Republic and has almost a Mediterranean feel. Comprising vast fertile fields, vineyards, and white limestone rocks, Pálava is exceptional also for its rich flora and many types of insects.

The ruins of the Maidens’ Castles (Dívčí hrady) from the 13th century and the rocky Orphans’ Castle (Sirotčí hrádek) from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries are definitely worth visiting, and the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) with the pilgrimage church of St Sebastian is another dominant feature that is impossible to miss. Mikulov has a remarkable historical centre and a chateau built on a striking, rocky cliff.

The Archeopark in Pavlov, dedicated to settlements in the area from over 30 thousand years ago, is definitely a destination for fans of history. Major archeological findings in the park help visitors to better understand how our ancestors hunted mammoths, who created the Venus of Dolní Věstonice, the secret behind the mysterious three-person grave, and much more.