Medieval ruins in all respects. Some more demanding physical activity is required before a strategic view in all directions rewards you. But it is definitely worth taking the effort!
The majestic ruins of Děvičky castle stand on a peak of one of the Pavlov Hills (Pavlovské Kopce) and it dominates the landscape like a king. It has been guarding the area since the 13th century and it has been called by many names: Dowina, Diewiczky, Dívčí Hrady, and after the region was colonized by a German population, it was called Maidberk or Maidenburg.
The place for building the castle must have been chosen by a strategist of Napoleon’s qualities, as the castle stands on a rock which is impossible to access from three sides. The castle protected an important trade route from Mikulov to Brno. Today, after climbing up the steep hill, you will see villages, fields, vineyards, the endless surface of the Nové Mlýny reservoir and usually also predators searching for their prey from the air.
The current appearance of the castle complex’s torso is Gothic and dates back to the 14th century, with later modifications dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The ruins today are a rounded irregular rectangle sixty-five metres long and twenty metres wide. The preserved perimeter walls are two meters thick, you will also see semi-buried cellars and children will be thrilled by a great view of Pavlov or Dolní Věstonice from the embrasure. Generally, children love this place because they feel like in the times of knights and princesses when they run around the ruins. If your kids have a foam sword, they should definitely bring it with them!
We almost forgot to explain why the castle is called Dívčí Hrady (Maiden Castle) or Děvičky. You can see three cliffs in front of the castle, which are petrified girls according to a legend. At night, soft wailing is said to be heard from these stones. However, the legends do not agree on who the petrified girls were and why they turned into stone. Some people say that the girls were the daughters of the lord living in the castle, while other people swear that the girls were a Tartar princess and her female companions.
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Do you find events of long ago boring? A visit to Pavlov will turn you into a real fan of prehistory! Your kids will remember this spectacular exhibition for a long time to come.
This voluptuous beauty made of burnt clay brought world-class commotion to a small South Moravian village. What is it that makes her so fascinating?
A trio of water reservoirs at the foot of Pálava, from where the ruins of Děvičky look down on an abandoned church on an island in the middle of the waters. Romance non plus ultra.
These romantic castle ruins and their unmistakable silhouette are a dominant feature of Pálava, no matter in which direction you are travelling. Do you know that the ruins are haunted by an orphan called Orphanus?
Pálava, a protected landscape area where beautiful nature and top-quality Moravian wine will refresh you.
A seven-storey cave with an emerald lake where you will feel like you are at the bottom of a coral reef.
Up to the top past the Stations of the Cross, then Mikulov in the palm of your hand. After that back down to treat yourself to something good to eat.
A place of purification and deep Jewish tradition. Mikvah. The Mikulov one was discovered by archaeologists buried in a cellar.
A picturesque town among vineyards, full of sights and places where you can enjoy good eating. And what amazing surroundings!
Since the mid-16th century, the synagogue provided material and spiritual support to Moravian Jews. Even today, the place exudes a profound nobility.
Even from a great distance this majestic castle will tempt all to come and visit it. No wonder Napoleon himself spent the night here.
The largest swimming pool complex far and wide, water from a thermal source full of beneficial minerals, and the panorama of Pálava on top of that.
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