Pálava

Protected Landscape · South Moravian Region, 🇨🇿 Czechia

Area 85 km²

Time zone Europe/Prague

Official website palava.ochranaprirody.cz

Pálava – Planning a Trip?

Build your day-by-day itinerary in the Tripomatic app.

Start Planning

Featured Lists

Dana Tvrda / CC BY-SA 3.0

CHKO Pálava Essentials

CHKO Pálava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in South Moravia, is defined by its white limestone peaks and historic wine-growing tradition. The region features the Pavlov Hills, dominated by the Děvín peak and the 13th-century ruins of Děvičky Castle. The town of Mikulov serves as a cultural center, housing the Baroque Mikulov Chateau, the Dietrichstein family tomb, and a significant Jewish heritage site. Archaeological importance is centered at Archeopark Pavlov, showcasing a 30,000-year-old Paleolithic settlement, while the Turold Cave system offers a unique glimpse into the area's geological formations.

12 places

Dana Tvrda / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castles and Ruins of Pálava

The Pálava region features a collection of historical fortifications and residences integrated into the Pavlov Hills' limestone landscape. At its heart lies the Baroque Chateau Mikulov, housing wine and regional history exhibitions. Surrounding ruins, such as the 13th-century Děvičky and Sirotčí hrádek, provide examples of Gothic military architecture perched on steep cliffs. The defensive network is completed by Kozí hrádek, a late Gothic artillery tower, and the remains of St. Anthony's Chapel, offering panoramic views over the Moravian vineyards.

5 places

RomanM82 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Religious Sites in Pálava

The Pálava region preserves a diverse collection of spiritual landmarks, from the monumental Dietrichstein tomb and the last surviving Upper Synagogue in Mikulov to the iconic white pilgrimage chapels atop Svatý kopeček. This selection features the 17th-century Way of the Cross, Gothic-foundation village churches in Pavlov and Dolní Věstonice, and local architectural gems like the Neo-Gothic St. Oswald in Milovice.

11 places

BíláVrána / Public domain

Best Pálava Viewpoints

This selection covers the diverse topography of the Pálava Hills, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It includes the highest point, Děvín, offering views of the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, and the iconic Svatý kopeček with its Baroque Way of the Cross and St. Sebastian church. Historic sites like the Kozí hrádek artillery tower provide perspectives over Mikulov, while natural formations like the Kočičí skála cliff and the flooded limestone quarry at Janičův vrch showcase the region's unique karst landscape and biodiversity.

6 places

Lukáš Nevosád / CC-BY-SA

Pálava Wineries & Local Flavors

Pálava is the center of South Moravian viticulture, characterized by limestone soils ideal for Riesling and the local Pálava variety. This selection spans Mikulov's historic center and surrounding villages like Pavlov and Perná. It features boutique family wineries, wine galleries housed in traditional cellars, and restaurants specializing in regional gastronomy. The list highlights modern tasting rooms, historic architectural sites, and shops offering a comprehensive cross-section of the Mikulov wine sub-region's production.

15 places