Pálava Landscape Area

Pálava stands among the most popular holiday centers in the Czech Republic. The tourists come here to admire not only a beautiful landscape and nature but also the historic striking monuments of South Moravia.

One of the main beauties of Pálava are the Pavlovské hills. Close to the town of Mikulov the peaks of the hills are enriched by the ruins of the medieval castles of Děvičky and Sirotčí Hrádek. On the surroundings hills we can visit beautiful viticultural villages and admire the famous prehistoric sculpture, the Venus Věstonická, in the village of Dolní Věstonice. Worth visiting are also the water falls in Nové Mlýny close to Dolní Věstonice.


The Lednice-Valtice region and Pálava

'The inscription on this list confirms an exceptional value of world importance of cultural or natural place which requires the protection for the welfare of whole mankind.' With these words the Lednice-Valtice region was enlisted to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. This Natural Park made by the Lichtenstein family is worth visiting. The calm waters of the river of Dyje, trees, flower beds of exquisite colours, the sound of the wind on the tree tops, the grass, all helps the visitor to forget the everyday troubles and feel like a king or a princess in these beautiful surroundings. On these striking grounds the visitor encounters the magnificent classical and neo-Gothic castles of Lednice and Valtice, that are open to the public.

The Lednice-Valtice region, extends over an area of two hundred square kilometers, covering gardens and forests, with alleys and pathways and complemented with romantic small castles and mysterious ruins, is the largest man-made landscape in Europe. Tourists from all over the world meet here to rest and relax. History lovers will be smitten with the castle visits and other visitors will enjoy walks through the large parks. 

During the walk you can admire many beautiful monuments like the 19th century Green-house in Lednice Castle with subtropical and tropical exotic plants, the Minaret, a Moresque building which is a unique architectural monument in our country. It is worthwhile to taking the stairs to the top of the minaret, from where you can see not only the beauty of the park, but in good weather you can admire the Pálava region and the White Carpathian Mountains. You can also visit the Jan Castle, Belvedere, the Three Graces, the Obelisk and much more… a whole book is not enough to draw out the beauties of this area.


Břeclav

The entry gate to the Lednice-Valtice region is the town of Břeclav. Its name was given by a prince back in the 11th century when he commissioned the construction of a wooden castle in the town. Břeclav is today a modern and lively town, which is reflected in their new church of St Wenceslaw. However, those of us who love small wooden churches, monumental gothic cathedrals and big baroque temples will not be drawn to that church but notice instead the old castle, that unfortunately is not at the present time open to the public.


Mikulov

The Lednice-Valtice region is not only a territory protected under the UNESCO World Heritage, but it is indeed a beautiful area. A good example is the town of Mikulov!

When walking down its streets the visitor is surrounded by nature and gardens that delight the senses. A city with friendly local people, where you can taste some excellent South Moravian wines. Valtice was officially nominated the “capital of wine”. This comes as no surprise, the local castle hosts the National Chamber of Wine and the National Viticultural Centre. In the town centre there is also the renowned Viticultural High School and the Viticultural Academy of Valtice. The prestigious wine exhibitions, known as the “Valtické vinné trhy”, are highly respected by all wine connoisseurs.

In this respect, Mikulov is very similar to Valtice. Every year the famous vintage is held and local people are very proud of their delicious wine. When visiting the town centre in the evening, one gets many opportunities to taste wine for free and meets pleasant smiles. Mikulov is kwon for its friendly inhabitants. Villon and Verlain liked this town as do the people who love “women, wine and singing”. This small picturesque town under the Pavlovské hills also has a lot to offer to historians and explorers. It is worth visiting its baroque castle, synagogue and Jewish cemetery. To sober up or just for pleasure you should set out to the peak of “Svatý kopeček”.

We will finish our visit of the Lednice-Valtice region and its surroundings in nature, in the Pálava Protected Landscape Area. The Pavlovské Hills surrounded by vineyards are a popular tourist destination because of its astounding oak trees, hot rocky hills and the mysterious atmosphere of its gothic ruins. Come and see for yourself, come to enjoy nature, the sun and life!

Taken from www.vyletnik.cz