Historic Znojmo: The Royal Jewel on the Dyje River

The Royal Cliff Above the Dyje Canyon

Founded in the 11th century by the Přemyslid dynasty, Znojmo occupies a commanding rocky promontory overlooking the serpentine Dyje (Thaya) River valley. For guests lodging at Stará Celnice, the journey north along Route 38 (E59) traverses rolling Moravian cornfields and hillside vineyards before cresting into the town's historic silhouette of gothic spires and red-tiled townhouses.

As the cultural capital of southwestern Moravia, Znojmo provides an enchanting daytime contrast to the nighttime energy of the Hatě casino strip, offering medieval history, monumental churches, and dramatic geological vistas over the edge of Podyjí National Park.

The Ducal Rotunda of Saint Catherine

Perched in the courtyard of Znojmo Castle lies the Rotunda of St. Catherine (Rotunda sv. Kateřiny), a Romanesque sanctuary constructed during the first half of the 12th century. The interior houses what art historians classify as one of Europe's most significant Romanesque fresco cycles.

Unlike conventional ecclesiastical murals focused purely on biblical accounts, the Znojmo frescoes depict both Christian narratives and an unbroken pictorial genealogy of the ruling Přemyslid princes, illustrating the founding legend of the Czech state. To preserve these delicate pigments, access is controlled with strict climate sensors and micro-group reservations.

The Znojmo Underground Labyrinth

Beneath the cobblestones of the old town lies a vast subterranean mystery known as the Znojmo Catacombs (Znojemské podzemí). Carved into hard granite during the 14th and 15th centuries, this network spans roughly 27 kilometers across as many as four overlapping levels.

Originally dug by medieval burghers for cellaring local wine and vegetables, the tunnels soon evolved into a sophisticated defense shelter. During sieges, subterranean smoke channels, concealed drainage wells, and trapdoors allowed the entire town's populace to vanish beneath the earth for weeks at a time. Today, guided tours take visitors through illuminated pathways, while adventurous spelunkers can book specialized helmet-and-headlamp adrenaline routes.

Architectural Highlights Checklist

• The Gothic Town Hall Tower: Built between 1445 and 1448 by master builder Mikuláš of Sedlešovice, this 79.5-meter slender tower offers sweeping 360-degree panoramas extending into Lower Austria on clear mornings.
• Church of Saint Nicholas (Kostel sv. Mikuláše): A massive triple-nave gothic cathedral presiding over the cliff edge, featuring an unusual baroque pulpit crafted in the form of a globe resting upon clouds.
• Enotéka Znojemských Vín: Housed within the former municipal brewery adjacent to the castle, this modern tasting facility utilizes Enomatic automated wine dispensers, letting visitors sample dozens of local VOC Znojmo wines by the glass.
• Podyjí National Park Border Trails: Pristine hiking and cycling tracks weaving down from the town castle directly through wild deciduous forests down to the riverbank.

Connecting Stará Celnice with Znojmo

The direct connection via Czech Route 38 makes transitioning between the two points seamless. Many travelers spend daylight hours discovering Znojmo's catacombs, scenic viewpoints, and cozy cafes before returning in the evening to Stará Celnice for quiet suite relaxation and nighttime table play at the ADMIRAL casino.