Visit Mikulov, a quaint wine town in southern Moravia known for its astounding beauty and intriguing history. The crumbling and semi-restored buildings of the Jewish Quarter are noteworthy for their cultural resonance and tragic history, after members of the longstanding community were murdered in the Holocaust. Inspect a historic synagogue and several churches to piece together the area’s tumultuous past.
The Mikulov Synagogue isthe only preserved Jewish place of worship of its kind in the Moravia region. It dates back to the 16th century and was mostly reconstructed in a baroque design in the 1700s. Get a sense of the terrible and important history in the Jewish Cemetery, whose oldest preserved tomb is from 1605. Climb to Rabbis Peak to see the tombs of Jewish religious leaders from across the centuries.
The Mikulov Chateau rises high on a hill in the heart of town and holds a museum. Gather in the Main Square and walk along the narrow alleys of the Old Town district.
Another significant mound is Holy Hill, a nature path with a religious significance for pilgrims. Reach the top and marvel at the Chapel of Saint Sebastian. Notice the impressive bell tower and bring binoculars to view the birdlife here, made up of song thrush, red-backed shrike, eagle owls and many winged creatures.
Make your way up nearby Goat Hill for the abandoned 15th-century lookout tower, offering spectacular views of the Old Town district. Continue learning about the town’s religious history at the Dietrichstein Burial Vault in the old St. Anne’s Church building.
Find Mikulov at the southern edge of the Czech Republic, on the border with Austria. From Brno, drive south for 30 miles (48 kilometers) to get here in less than one hour. While you’re in the area, make sure to see nearby attractions such as Aqualand Moravia, the Acacia Lookout Tower and the city of Breclav.
