A charming South Moravian town with a hilltop castle, historic Jewish quarter, and renowned wineries. Explore limestone hills and sample local vintages.
Mikulov, a small town in South Moravia, Czech Republic, sits near the Austrian border. This historic town serves as an entry point to the region's wine country. In Mikulov's compact center, you'll find a 13th-century hilltop castle, a 16th-century synagogue, and the Holy Trinity Column in the main square. The surrounding area boasts expansive vineyards and the Holy Hill nature reserve.
Mikulov Castle: A Hilltop Landmark
Mikulov Castle dominates the town's skyline from its position atop a limestone cliff. Built in the 13th century, the castle underwent several transformations, with its current Baroque style dating to the early 18th century. Today, it houses the Regional Museum, where you can explore local history, art, and viticulture. Don't miss the castle's large wine cellar, home to a giant barrel capable of holding 101,400 liters of wine.
Jewish Quarter
Mikulov once had one of the largest Jewish communities in Moravia. While the community no longer exists, you can still see its impact in the town's well-preserved Jewish quarter. Visit the 16th-century synagogue, one of the oldest in the country, which now functions as a museum. The Jewish cemetery, containing over 4,000 tombstones from as early as the 17th century, is among the largest and most important in Central Europe.
Wine Culture
Mikulov is at the heart of the Mikulovská wine region, known for its white wines. The area's limestone-rich soil and favorable climate contribute to the unique taste of local wines. You can explore the 65-kilometer Mikulov Wine Trail, which connects many wineries and cellars. Welschriesling and Grüner Veltliner are popular varieties here. Many local wineries welcome visitors for tastings, giving you a chance to sample the region's renowned products.
Holy Hill (Svatý kopeček)
For panoramic views of Mikulov and the surrounding countryside, climb Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill). This limestone hill, visible from most of the town, is crowned by the Chapel of St. Sebastian. The path to the summit includes Stations of the Cross, making it a popular pilgrimage route. The hill is also a nature reserve where you can spot rare plants and animals.
Main Square and Historic Architecture
Mikulov's main square, Náměstí, showcases the town's architectural history. Here, you'll see colorful Renaissance houses, including a 16th-century building adorned with Biblical and classical scenes. The square also features the Baroque Holy Trinity Column and an old fountain. Near the square, you can visit the Dietrichstein Tomb, the final resting place of the noble family that once ruled Mikulov.
Getting There and When to Visit
You can travel to Mikulov by train or bus from Brno in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. If you're driving, you'll find the town on the main road between Brno and Vienna. Mikulov welcomes visitors year-round, but it's busiest during summer when it hosts various cultural events. In September, the annual Pálava wine harvest festival allows you to experience local traditions and taste the new wine.
