The Center of Znojmo: A Walk Through Czech History

Znojmo is a royal Moravian town filled with medieval charm. Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches dot the skyline, and one of Central Europe’s largest catacombs lies far beneath its surface. On this walking tour, you’ll trace the town’s evolution and hear how it’s retained its distinctive character through the centuries.

Starting in front of the iconic Town Hall tower, you’ll stroll along cobblestone streets, hearing stories that span from the ancient Přemyslid dynasty to the Communist era. You’ll stroll down Joyful Street – part of the Jewish Quarter that was named to celebrate the expulsion of Jews in the 15th century – and hear about this complex historical chapter.

You’ll see Znojmo Castle, where centuries of Czech kings and Habsburg emperors conducted diplomatic negotiations, and the Gothic St Nicholas Deanery Church, where the body of Emperor Sigismund was displayed in 1437. By the time the tour ends outside Obchodní Dům Dyje, a department store, you’ll have learnt how diverse cultural influences, from Jewish merchants to Habsburg nobility, shaped this strategic border town between Moravia and Austria.

On this 60-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Hear about the town’s clever defence system
• Learn about Znojmo underground, the fascinating 27-kilometer labyrinth of tunnels once used to hide townspeople during invasions
• See Znojmo Rotunda, an 11th-century Romanesque jewel adorned with some of the oldest frescos of Czech legends
• Stand at the exact spot where Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed while pursuing Russian forces
• Sample award-winning Moravian wines at Znojmo Wine Bar and Czech beer at Znojmo Brewery, which has been operating since King Rudolf I granted brewing rights in 1278

Perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, this tour offers an intimate look at a less-visited Czech gem where layers of history are preserved in stone, and local traditions continue to flourish.