South Moravia, located in the southeastern part of the Czech
Republic, stands out as one of the country's premier
wine-producing areas, with rolling vineyard-covered hills, a
favorable climate, and a long tradition of viticulture dating
back centuries.
While the vibrant city of Brno draws most
attention as the regional capital, the broader area of South
Moravia (often called Southern Moravia) is especially renowned
among locals for its exceptional wines—particularly whites like
Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Müller-Thurgau, as well as robust
reds from varieties such as Frankovka (Blaufränkisch).
Internationally, however, this gem remains relatively
under-the-radar compared to famous European wine regions like
Tuscany or Bordeaux, meaning far fewer foreign tourists venture
there despite the high quality and growing reputation of its
vintages.
Parts of the rural countryside have faced economic
challenges since the post-communist transition in the 1990s,
including population decline, aging infrastructure, and some
abandoned or derelict buildings in smaller towns and villages.
Unemployment remains higher than average in certain
districts—such as Hodonín (around 6% or more in recent
years)—and efforts to promote the area to international visitors
have been limited outside of niche wine-focused initiatives.
That said, the stretch from Kyjov to Hodonín, within the
Slovácko sub-region, is notably prosperous and picturesque when
it comes to wine culture. Here, you'll find an abundance of
well-maintained vineyards, hundreds of private family-run wine
cellars (many dug into hillsides in traditional "sklepy" style),
charming historic manor houses, and a strong sense of local
pride in winemaking heritage.
For an especially rewarding
weekend getaway, the Mutěnice Wine Region—centered around the
villages of Mutěnice, Dubňany, Ratíškovice, and Milotice—offers
an authentic and enjoyable experience. This area features scenic
wine trails, rows of colorful cellar lanes (sklepní uličky),
opportunities for tastings directly from small producers, and a
relaxed rural atmosphere perfect for cycling, walking, or simply
enjoying fresh local wines paired with traditional Moravian
cuisine.
Outside the urban hub of Brno, the surrounding
countryside sees significantly less international foot traffic.
English (and even German) is spoken much less frequently than in
Prague or major tourist hotspots, so travelers should come
prepared to rely on phrasebooks, basic Czech phrases,
translation apps, or a sense of adventure when communicating. On
the positive side, this lower profile often translates to
genuine, warm hospitality from locals—expect friendly welcomes,
generous pours during tastings, homemade snacks, and personal
stories shared over a glass of wine in family cellars. It's an
unspoiled, heartfelt side of Czechia that rewards those willing
to venture off the beaten path.
Unlike in major tourist hubs such as Prague or Brno, where English is widely spoken, fewer people in the rural South Moravian wine region are fluent in English. This is typical across much of the Czech countryside. That said, most Czechs have a genuine interest in learning and education, and locals—especially younger people, those in tourism, or winery staff—are usually very patient and willing to put in real effort to communicate using whatever English they know. A friendly smile, simple phrases, or even basic gestures go a long way, and many appreciate visitors making an attempt with a few Czech words like "dobrý den" (hello) or "děkuji" (thank you). In wine cellars or family-run spots, you'll often find at least one person who can handle basic conversations in English.
Brno
The largest city in Moravia and the
second biggest in the Czech Republic, Brno is a vibrant hub with a rich
history. It hosted the renowned Czech Republic MotoGP Grand Prix at the
Brno Circuit (also known as the Masaryk Circuit) for decades, from the
1960s through 2020 (with a return in 2025), drawing massive crowds to
its challenging track. In the peaceful Černá Pole district stands the
iconic Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed
by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929–1930. This UNESCO World Heritage
site exemplifies the International Style with its open-plan interiors,
innovative use of glass and steel, luxurious materials, and seamless
indoor-outdoor flow—truly a pinnacle of 20th-century residential design.
Blansko
A charming town nestled in the scenic
Moravian countryside, known for its natural surroundings, industrial
heritage (especially in metalworking), and proximity to the Moravian
Karst with its famous caves and hiking trails.
Břeclav
Located in
the fertile South Moravian lowlands near the Austrian border, this town
serves as a gateway to the Pálava Hills wine region and features
pleasant parks, a historic chateau, and easy access to cycling paths
along the Dyje River.
Kroměříž
This
delightful town boasts an outstanding Baroque Archbishop's Palace (or
Castle) paired with magnificent gardens, including the formal Podzámecká
Garden and the unique Flower Garden (Květná zahrada). Together, they
form a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing one of Europe's
best-preserved examples of a princely residence and landscaped pleasure
grounds from the 17th–18th centuries, complete with ornate architecture,
sculptures, fountains, and romantic 19th-century park elements.
Luhačovice
A picturesque spa town often called
the "pearl of Moravia," famous as the largest spa resort in the region.
It features healing mineral springs, beautifully designed Art Nouveau
and folk-inspired architecture (notably by Dušan Jurkovič), a serene spa
valley, colonnades for promenading, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect
for wellness, with the sweet scent of local waffles often in the air.
Mikulov
A scenic wine town dominated by its
dramatic Mikulov Castle (or Chateau), perched on a rocky hill
overlooking the surrounding vineyards and Pálava Hills. Originally a
13th-century fortress, it evolved into a Renaissance-Baroque residence
that hosted figures like Napoleon. The castle offers museums, panoramic
views, extensive terraced gardens (one of the largest in the Czech
Republic), and a charming historic center with a monastery and Jewish
heritage sites.
Novosedly na Moravě
A
peaceful village in the heart of the renowned Moravian wine region,
surrounded by rolling vineyards. It's an ideal spot for wine
enthusiasts, with opportunities for excellent horseback riding tours
through the scenic vineyards—imagine a relaxing multi-hour ride with
stops for tastings and stunning countryside views.
Rakvice
A small village in the South Moravian wine area, known for its
vineyards, local wine cellars, and laid-back rural charm—perfect for
those exploring the region's wine trails by bike or on foot.
Uherské
Hradiště
A lively town in the Slovácko region, celebrated for its
folk traditions, wine culture, and historic center with a main square,
museums, and proximity to the Moravian wine routes—often a hub for
cultural festivals and local cuisine.
Znojmo
Perched above the Dyje River valley, this historic town features a
well-preserved medieval old town, an impressive castle, underground
tunnels, and stunning views over vineyards. It's a key center for South
Moravian wine production, with many wine cellars and tasting
opportunities.
Zlín
A dynamic city in
southeastern Moravia, forever tied to the legacy of the Baťa shoe
empire. Founded and massively expanded by Tomáš Baťa before World War
II, the company turned Zlín into a model industrial city with innovative
social programs. The urban landscape is filled with striking
functionalist architecture from the interwar period—think sleek brick
skyscrapers (like the iconic Baťa Skyscraper), modernist factories,
hospitals, and housing estates designed by leading architects, creating
a unique "Baťa-style" city that influenced global industrial design.
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
This UNESCO World Heritage Site
is one of Europe's largest artificially designed landscapes, spanning
about 200–283 km². Created between the 17th and 20th centuries by the
Liechtenstein family, it blends Baroque, classical, and neo-Gothic
architecture with romantic English-style parkland. The area features
grand chateaux in Lednice and Valtice, along with numerous follies
scattered throughout—such as the striking mock Muslim Minaret (offering
panoramic views), the classical Temple/Colonnade (like the Temple of the
Three Graces or Rajna Colonnade), John's Castle ruins, the Rendezvous
Pavilion, triumphal arches, and various romantic pavilions. Many
monuments are hidden in forests or ponds, making exploration feel like a
treasure hunt—some are clustered, but others are kilometers apart. The
best way to discover them is by car, bicycle (rentals are widely
available), or even on foot/horseback along marked trails.
Moravian Tuscany (Moravské Toskánsko)
This picturesque
countryside in the Hodonín District (around villages like Šardice,
Karlín, Svatobořice-Mistřín, Želetice, Velké Bílovice, and others)
features gently rolling hills, vineyards, fields, and solitary trees
that strikingly resemble Italy's Tuscany—hence the nickname. It's
especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset, with golden light over the
undulating terrain. Perfect for photographers, cyclists, or anyone
seeking peaceful rural scenery away from crowds.
Pálava Hills
These limestone hills in the Pálava Protected Landscape Area boast
well-preserved steppe ecosystems, diverse flora and fauna, and panoramic
views over vineyards, ponds, and the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. The area is
rich in history, with key archaeological sites like Dolní Věstonice—one
of the world's most important Paleolithic settlements (dating back
25,000–29,000 years). Here, the famous Venus of Dolní Věstonice (the
oldest known ceramic figurine) was discovered, proving early pottery
use. Hike the ridge trails (e.g., to Děvín Hill at 549 m, the highest
point) for breathtaking vistas, or explore nearby ruins like Děvičky
Castle.
Vranov nad Dyji
— Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff high above the Dyje (Thaya)
River in the Podyjí National Park area of South Moravia, this stunning
Baroque masterpiece ranks among Central Europe's most impressive secular
buildings. Originally a Romanesque-Gothic fortress dating back to around
1100, it was dramatically rebuilt in the late 17th and 18th centuries by
the Althann family. Highlights include the magnificent Hall of Ancestors
and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, both designed by renowned architect
Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, along with elegant Neoclassical and
Romantic interiors and views that blend perfectly with the surrounding
dramatic landscape.
Boskovice Castle
(or Chateau) — Located in the charming town of Boskovice in South
Moravia, this site features both a historic Gothic-Renaissance castle
ruin from the 13th–16th centuries and a beautiful Empire-style chateau
built between 1819 and 1826 on the grounds of a former monastery. The
complex offers lovely views over the surrounding area, well-preserved
historic elements, and a peaceful park—making it a gem for those
exploring Moravian towns and architecture.
Landštejn Castle
— A massive 13th-century royal Romanesque fortress (one of the largest
castle ruins in the Czech Republic) situated in the remote, forested
region of "Czech Canada" in the South Bohemian Region near the Austrian
border. Built around the early 1200s as a border stronghold, its
imposing ruins stand proudly amid unspoiled nature, offering a rugged,
atmospheric experience for lovers of medieval history and wild
landscapes.
Pernštejn
Castle — Often called the "marble castle" due to its distinctive light
stone framing around doors and windows, this exceptionally
well-preserved Gothic-Renaissance fortress rises on a rocky outcrop
above the village of Nedvědice in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, about
40 km northwest of Brno. Founded in the late 13th century by the
powerful Pernštejn family, it expanded over centuries into one of
Moravia's most photogenic and architecturally rich strongholds, often
compared to Karlštejn as a symbol of regional power and defense.
Slavkov Castle (also
known as Slavkov u Brna or Austerlitz Chateau) — This grand Baroque
palace dominates the town of Slavkov u Brna (historically called
Austerlitz) in South Moravia, near Brno. Originally a 13th-century
structure, it was transformed into an elegant Baroque residence by the
Kaunitz family. It is world-famous as the site linked to the epic Battle
of Austerlitz (1805), where Napoleon defeated the combined Austrian and
Russian armies—Napoleon himself used it as headquarters afterward, and
the castle hosted the three emperors involved. Today, visitors enjoy its
impressive interiors, expansive gardens with statues, and deep ties to
Napoleonic history.
Moravian Karst (Moravský Kras)
One of the Czech Republic's premier
karst regions, featuring a vast network of limestone caves, canyons,
underground rivers, and dense forests. It's home to hundreds of caves
and dramatic geological formations.
Macocha Abyss
The
highlight of the Moravian Karst—a spectacular 138-meter-deep gorge (the
deepest of its kind in Central Europe), formed by a collapsed cave
ceiling. View it from above platforms or descend via the famous Punkva
Caves tour, which includes walking through dripstone-filled passages and
a magical underground boat ride on the Punkva River to emerge at the
abyss bottom.
Podyjí
National Park
A pristine national park along the deep Dyje (Thaya)
River valley near the Austrian border. It protects near-natural forests,
steep canyons, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails—ideal for hiking,
birdwatching, or enjoying untouched nature.
Ratíškovice Draisines/Handcars (west of Ratíškovice)
A
fun, family-friendly activity on a former railway track once used for
lignite transport. Pedal a draisine (rail bicycle/handcar) along a
scenic 3-km route, suitable for up to 6 people. There's also a small
rail museum housed in an old wagon. Open daily in summer from
10:00–17:00; costs around 250 CZK per hour.
The Wine Region Overview
South Moravia is the heart of Czech
winemaking, famous for its rolling vineyards, historic wine cellars dug
into hillsides, charming villages, and award-winning whites and reds
(like Ryzlink vlašský or Frankovka). Key areas include the Slovácko
subregion around Hodonín and Mutěnice.
By Car
Driving is
straightforward and flexible for exploring multiple villages. From Brno,
take the D1/E461 motorway southeast toward Bratislava. About 15 km
before the Slovak border, exit toward Hodonín. The drive takes roughly
45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Once in the area, smaller roads wind
through picturesque vineyard landscapes—perfect for scenic stops, but
watch for narrow village lanes and occasional farm vehicles.
By
Bus
Public buses offer one of the most convenient and budget-friendly
ways to reach the region from Brno. Head to Brno's main bus station (ÚAN
Zvonařka). Direct buses to Hodonín run frequently—often nearly
hourly—with tickets typically costing under 100 Kč (prices may have
risen slightly since older info; check current fares via the IDS JMK app
or idos.cz). The journey follows scenic back roads rather than the
motorway, taking about 50–70 minutes.
You have flexible options:
Get off in Hodonín (a larger town with good connections) and switch to
local buses or taxis to reach wine villages.
Or stay on until
Mutěnice (about 5 km before Hodonín), which drops you right in the core
of the wine country—surrounded by vineyards and cellars.
Feel free to
hop off earlier at any appealing village along the route, such as those
with notable wine trails or cellars. Buses are reliable, and the slower
route lets you enjoy the countryside views.
There are also
regular buses and trains from Brno to nearby Kyjov, another gateway to
the eastern parts of the wine region—useful if you're targeting
different sub-areas.
The South Moravian public transport network (part of the IDS JMK
integrated system) is impressively extensive for a rural area, with
buses connecting most wine villages, towns, and key sites. Schedules can
seem complicated at first glance due to zone-based tickets, varying
routes, and some infrequent services on weekends or off-peak
times—always double-check via the idos.cz website/app (available in
English) or ask at information points in Brno.
Once you get the hang
of it (buying zone/time-based tickets that cover buses, some trains, and
local transit), hopping between villages becomes straightforward and
affordable. For example, local lines link Mutěnice, Hodonín, Kyjov, and
smaller spots like Petrov or Strážnice. Biking is also popular here—many
visitors rent bikes to cruise the flat-to-gently-rolling Moravian Wine
Trails through vineyards. If you're planning multiple tastings, consider
a designated driver, taxi, or guided tour, as some cellars are tucked
away on back roads. The region's laid-back vibe rewards slow
travel—whether by bus, bike, or foot—letting you soak in the sunny
hills, taste local wines, and enjoy the authentic, unhurried atmosphere.
South Moravia boasts hearty, flavorful cuisine influenced by its
agricultural heritage and proximity to vineyards. Highlights include:
Famous pickled gherkins (especially Znojmo-style, often paired with
roast beef in creamy sauce).
Pork dishes like Moravian sparrow
(slow-cooked pork chunks) served with cabbage and dumplings.
Various
pork and cabbage preparations, hearty soups (such as sauerkraut-based
kyselica), stuffed peppers, and potato dumplings (halušky).
Sweet
treats like pies or koláče filled with plum jam (powidl) or sweet
cottage cheese.
Other local favorites: strong Olomoucké tvarůžky
cheese, poppy seed noodles, and seasonal vegetables/fruits from the
fertile region.
Pair meals with excellent local wines or
slivovice (apricot/plum brandy). For more on regional specialties, check
guides to South Moravian gastronomy.
South Moravia is the heart of Czech winemaking, with four sub-regions
(Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice, Slovácko) producing award-winning
whites (e.g., Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) and reds (e.g., Blaufränkisch,
Frankovka).
Dolní Kounice — Known for red wines (especially from
the Jihlava River valley), charming traditional wine cellars carved into
hillsides, and a relaxed vibe for tastings.
Mutěnice Wine Region — One of the country's top areas for high-quality
vineyards, producing excellent wines yet remaining off the main tourist
paths. Explore cellars in Mutěnice, Polešovice, Šardice, or nearby
villages for authentic experiences.
Prehistory and Antiquity (c. 30,000 BCE – 6th century CE)
South
Moravia boasts some of Europe’s most significant Upper Paleolithic
sites. The Dolní Věstonice and Pavlov complex (near Mikulov, in the
Pálava Protected Landscape Area) dates to around 29,000–25,000 BCE
(Gravettian culture). Mammoth-hunting communities lived here in
semi-permanent settlements.
Archaeologists uncovered the world’s
oldest known ceramic figurine—the Venus of Dolní Věstonice (a stylized
female statuette fired from local clay)—along with thousands of other
artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, ritual burials (notably a
triple grave), and evidence of early technology. These sites reveal
sophisticated art, social organization, and adaptation to Ice Age
conditions; they remain among the richest mammoth-hunter encampments in
Europe.
Celtic tribes (Volcae) inhabited the area until around 60
BCE, followed by Germanic groups such as the Quadi. In the 6th–7th
centuries CE, during the Migration Period, Avars dominated briefly
before West Slavic tribes settled the region, naming themselves after
the Morava River.
Great Moravia: The First Slavic State (9th
century)
By the late 8th century, a principality arose in
south-eastern Moravia (core territory around the modern South Moravian
Region, extending into parts of present-day Slovakia and Lower Austria).
In 833, Prince Mojmír I (r. 830–846) united it with the Principality of
Nitra to create Great Moravia—the first major West Slavic polity.
Rastislav (r. 846–870) invited Byzantine missionaries Saints Cyril and
Methodius in 863. They introduced Christianity, translated liturgy into
Old Church Slavonic (the first Slavic literary language), and
established an independent archbishopric under Methodius— a remarkable
cultural achievement that briefly elevated Slavonic to parity with Latin
and Greek.
Under Svatopluk I (r. 870–894), Great Moravia reached its
zenith, stretching from Bohemia to southern Poland and western Hungary.
Its political and religious center lay in southern Moravia (sites like
Mikulčice, just across the modern border but culturally linked). The
empire collapsed after Svatopluk’s death due to internal strife and
Magyar invasions (906/907).
Medieval Period: Margraviate of
Moravia (10th–15th centuries)
After the Magyar defeat at the Battle
of Lechfeld (955), Moravia passed to the Přemyslid dynasty of Bohemia.
It was formally incorporated as a province in 1029. Junior Přemyslid
princes governed from seats including Brno and Znojmo, giving the
southern areas semi-autonomous status.
In 1182, Emperor Frederick
Barbarossa briefly elevated Moravia to an independent margraviate under
Conrad II Otto of Znojmo; it was restored as a distinct margraviate in
1197 under the Bohemian crown, with its own diet (Landtag) and
administration—status it retained for centuries. Brno emerged as a key
political and burial center (e.g., Margrave Jobst of Moravia, d. 1411,
buried in Brno’s Church of St. Thomas).
The 15th century brought
Hussite conflicts and Hungarian occupation under Matthias Corvinus
(1469–1490), fostering a distinct Moravian identity separate from
Prague.
Habsburg Era and Early Modern Period (1526–1790s)
In
1526, Moravia (with Bohemia and Silesia) came under Habsburg rule via
Ferdinand I. Unlike Bohemia, Moravia accepted hereditary Habsburg
succession with less resistance. Protestantism flourished initially, but
the Catholic Counter-Reformation followed the Thirty Years’ War. Brno
became the sole capital after 1641 (it alone withstood Swedish siege).
Ottoman and Tatar raids, plus Prussian invasions (1740s–1750s),
repeatedly tested the region; the unsuccessful Prussian siege of Brno
(1742) and Battle of Domstadtl (1758) were notable.
Administrative
mergers with Austrian Silesia occurred in 1782, with Brno as capital.
Napoleonic Wars and 19th Century
South Moravia gained global fame
on 2 December 1805 with the Battle of Austerlitz (Battle of the Three
Emperors) near Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz). Napoleon’s French forces
decisively defeated the combined Austrian and Russian armies. The truce
was signed in Slavkov Castle; the battle is widely regarded as
Napoleon’s tactical masterpiece.
In the 19th century, Moravia became
an Austrian crown land (1848). Industrialization, Czech national
revival, and German-Czech tensions grew, though less violently than in
Bohemia. Viticulture—already centuries old—expanded in the southern
districts (Mikulov, Znojmo, Velké Pavlovice), laying the foundation for
today’s wine routes. Brno developed as a textile and engineering center.
20th Century to Present
After World War I, Moravia became a
province of Czechoslovakia (1918) with limited autonomy. Nazi Germany
occupied it (1939–1945) as part of the Protectorate of Bohemia and
Moravia; some southern border areas were annexed directly into the
Reich. Postwar, ethnic Germans were expelled.
Communist-era reforms
(1949 and 1960) abolished historical Moravia, creating the South
Moravian Region (and North Moravian). The modern Czech Republic (1993)
retained these boundaries, with the region re-established in 2000. Brno
grew into a hub of science, technology (e.g., Masaryk University, CERN
collaborations), and culture.
A tragic modern event: the devastating
EF4 tornado of June 2021 struck the Břeclav and Hodonín districts,
killing six and causing massive damage—the strongest tornado ever
recorded in Czechia.
South Moravian Region (Jihomoravský kraj) is an administrative region
in the southeastern Czech Republic, occupying the southwestern part of
historic Moravia. It lies in the transitional zone between the Bohemian
Massif to the northwest and the Western Carpathians to the east, with
strong influences from the Pannonian Basin in the south. The region
borders the South Bohemian Region (west), Vysočina Region (northwest),
Pardubice Region (north), Olomouc Region (northeast), and Zlín Region
(east) within the Czech Republic; it also shares international borders
with Slovakia (Trenčín and Trnava Regions to the southeast) and Austria
(Lower Austria to the south).
The region spans 7,187.8–7,188 km²,
ranking as the fourth-largest of the Czech Republic’s 14 regions. Its
topography is highly diverse for its relatively modest size,
transitioning from uplands and karst plateaus in the north and
northwest, through a central valley, to extensive flat lowlands in the
south and southeast. This variety creates distinct natural units shaped
by the region’s position at the edge of the Danube drainage basin.
Topography and Relief
The northern and northwestern sections
belong to the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Českomoravská vrchovina) and
the renowned Moravian Karst (Moravský kras). Here the landscape features
rolling hills, dissected plateaus, and dramatic limestone formations.
The Moravian Karst contains one of Europe’s most extensive cave systems,
including the Punkva Caves and the iconic Macocha Gorge (a 138.5 m deep
abyss formed by collapse).
The eastern part rises into the Western
Carpathians, specifically the White Carpathians (Bílé Karpaty), where
the highest point of the entire region—Mount Durda (842 m)—is located in
Hodonín District. These hills form a more rugged, forested belt.
A
broad structural depression known as the Lower-Moravian Valley
(Dolnomoravský úval) separates the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands from the
Carpathians, acting as a natural corridor.
In the south (particularly
Břeclav and parts of Hodonín Districts), the terrain flattens
dramatically into fertile lowlands dominated by fields, meadows, and
remnants of riparian forests. Elevations here drop to the regional
minimum of 150 m (or 149 m according to some measurements) at the
confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers. This southern plain is part of
the broader Vienna Basin/Pannonian foreland, with thick alluvial
deposits and occasional sandy “hrudy” (relict dunes).
Geology and
Soils
Geology reflects the region’s position on the boundary of major
European tectonic units. The Moravian Karst is classic Devonian
limestone with extensive karstification (caves, gorges, underground
rivers). The White Carpathians consist of flysch sediments (sandstone,
claystone). The southern lowlands feature Quaternary river sediments,
flood loams, and clays deposited over centuries; older dune sands appear
in elevated “hrudy” patches. Soils range from fertile chernozems and
fluvisols in the south (ideal for agriculture and viticulture) to
cambisols and rendzinas on the limestone uplands.
Hydrology
The region lies entirely within the Danube River basin (Black Sea
drainage). The main artery is the Morava River (March), joined by major
tributaries: the Dyje (Thaya, forming part of the Austrian border),
Svratka (with its own tributary the Svitava), and smaller streams. The
southern lowlands contain an intricate network of oxbow lakes, meanders,
and backwaters, especially at the Morava–Dyje confluence (locally called
“Soutok”). This area has been nicknamed the “Moravian Amazonia” for its
rich wetland biodiversity.
Several large reservoirs regulate flow and
provide recreation/water supply, notably the Nové Mlýny cascade on the
Dyje and the Vranov Reservoir upstream. Floodplains historically
experienced regular inundation, though regulation has altered the
regime.
Climate
South Moravia possesses the warmest and driest
climate in the Czech Republic, thanks to its southerly position,
rain-shadow effects from surrounding highlands, and Pannonian
influences. Mean annual temperature at Brno (the regional capital) is
approximately 9 °C (48 °F), rising slightly farther south. Summers can
exceed 32 °C, while winters are milder than in northern Bohemia (rarely
below –17 °C). The growing season lasts about 200 days in the
lowlands—among the longest in the country—supporting intensive
agriculture and viticulture.
Annual precipitation is modest, often
around 450–600 mm in the southern plains (lower than the national
average), with a July maximum and February minimum. Microclimates vary
sharply: cooler, wetter conditions prevail in the northern highlands and
White Carpathians, while the sheltered southern lowlands enjoy more
sunshine hours, which explains why 94 % of all Czech vineyards are
concentrated here (Břeclav District alone accounts for 46 % of the
national total). The main wine sub-regions are Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké
Pavlovice, and Slovácko.
The Brno Dragon, Wheel, and Crooked Pinnacle (Brno)
Brno, the
regional capital, proudly displays three legendary symbols in its Old
Town Hall (the oldest secular building in the city, now a national
cultural monument). These—housed in the passage and on the Gothic
portal—have become emblems of Brno’s identity, often featured in local
humor and tourism.
The Brno Dragon (Brněnský drak) is the most
famous. Long ago, a ferocious dragon terrorized the countryside around
Brno, making its lair between the villages of Lišeň and Slatina. It
devoured livestock, sheep, goats, and even market-goers heading into the
city—ladies from Tuřany with their cabbage, winemakers from Mikulov
carrying Veltliner and Blaufränkisch wines, and mead-makers from
Břeclav. Its roars after meals struck fear into the townspeople. A
clever young butcher’s journeyman arrived in town and devised a plan. He
obtained a cowhide (or ox/sheep hide in some versions), stuffed it with
quicklime (caustic lime), sewed it shut to resemble a juicy carcass, and
left it as bait. The dragon swallowed the “Trojan feast.” The lime
reacted horribly inside it; desperate for relief, the beast flew to the
Svratka River and drank until the river ran dry for a full day. It then
burst with a tremendous cracking sound, exploding into 174 pieces (some
supposedly still missing). The remains were collected, preserved (with
skin reinforced by metal and plaster), and hung in the Town Hall as
proof of the victory.
Variations exist: some say the butcher used
poison instead of lime; others claim the dragon was a gift from Holy
Roman Emperor Matthias (as Margrave) in 1608 after it died in the
streets, or link it to older tales like a dragon slain near Trutnov in
1006 whose skin reached Brno. Records show maintenance of a “dragon” as
early as 1568 (painting, deworming, fumigation), predating many stories.
Biologists confirm the hanging artifact today is the skin of a female
Nile crocodile, about 5 meters long and 200 kg—likely an exotic import
whose impressive size inspired the legend in a pre-modern world
unfamiliar with crocodiles. It has been renovated multiple times (e.g.,
1956 for teeth and eyes) and even dressed in a neon jumper with
flamethrower effects during Christmas events.
The Brno Wheel
(Brněnské kolo) originates from Lednice (about 50 km south). A
wheelwright named Jiří Pirk (or Birk) was drinking in the pub when he
boastfully bet his friends he could fell a tree, craft a full cart wheel
from its wood, and roll it by hand all the way to Brno in a single day.
The next morning, hungover, he raced to the forest, finished the wheel
by noon, and rolled it through Židlochovice (grabbing sausages on the
run) just as the city gates were closing at dusk. The Town Hall issued
confirmation of his feat; he left the wheel behind rather than roll it
home. It still hangs in the passage as proof.
The Crooked Pinnacle
(křivá věžička) tops the Gothic portal of the same Town Hall, carved by
sculptor Anton Pilgram (a Brno native who worked in Austria and
Hungary). The councillors commissioned the elaborate gateway but
underpaid him and demanded he host a celebratory banquet. In revenge,
Pilgram climbed the scaffolding on his last night and deliberately fixed
one pinnacle crooked. He fled to Vienna. Attempts to straighten it
failed—the stone miraculously bent back overnight. Locals say it
symbolizes the councillors’ crooked dealings and will only straighten
when Brno’s leaders keep their promises.
The Legend of the
Macocha Abyss (Moravian Karst)
In the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras),
a UNESCO-nominated cave system north of Brno near Blansko and
Vilémovice, lies the Macocha Abyss (Propast Macocha)—Central Europe’s
deepest sinkhole at 138.5 meters, formed when the roof of a vast
underground cave collapsed. The Punkva River flows through its bottom,
accessible via boat tours in the Punkva Caves.
The name “Macocha”
(stepmother) comes from a chilling morality tale. A widowed farmer
remarried; his new wife bore a son of her own but resented the healthy
stepson, fearing he would inherit everything. An old herbalist advised
her that the stepson’s death would cure her sickly biological son. She
lured the boy to the edge of a deep chasm (promising the best berries)
and pushed him in. By miracle, he survived the fall and cried out;
woodcutters or villagers heard him, rescued him, and confronted the
stepmother. In remorse (or punished by the mob with pitchforks and
torches), she threw herself into the abyss. On stormy nights, her
mournful weeping is still said to echo from the depths. Some versions
add that the boy’s desperate voice haunted her until she panicked and
jumped.
Tourists view it from upper and lower bridges; the story is
retold by cave guides, reinforcing the region’s dramatic karst landscape
as both beautiful and haunted.
The Legend of the Three Stone
Maidens on Děvín (Pálava Hills)
Near Mikulov in the Pálava Protected
Landscape Area (a UNESCO biosphere reserve), the limestone hill of Děvín
(555 m) features striking rock formations, including three slender,
standalone pillars known as the Three Stone Women or Three Maidens (Tři
kamenné ženy / Tři panny).
According to local pověst, they were three
daughters of the medieval castle lord on Děvín (ruins of Děvičky Castle
still stand atop the hill). One version says the mother cursed her lazy,
disobedient daughters, turning them to stone. Another tells of the
eldest being betrothed to the devil against her will; in defiance, she
and her sisters chose to petrify themselves rather than submit.
Heartbroken, their father lived out his days as a hermit in a hut beside
the rocks. The formations are part of a national nature reserve with
rare flora (irises, orchids) and fauna, and the legend ties into the
area’s ancient settlement history (Paleolithic finds nearby include the
famous Venus of Dolní Věstonice).
Climbers tackle nearby rocks on
adjacent Kotel hill, but the Three Maidens remain a symbolic warning
against defiance or parental curses in this sun-drenched,
vineyard-dotted corner of South Moravia.
Legends of Mikulov
Castle
The historic town of Mikulov (on the Austrian border,
surrounded by vineyards) centers on its castle, which has passed through
Liechtenstein, Dietrichstein, and other hands since the 13th century.
Several supernatural tales cling to it:
Heinrich Steinpeiss and
the Luminous Stone: The 14th-century Burgrave Heinrich Steinpeiss owned
a glowing “stone of fortune” said to bring prosperity and protection to
his lineage. The artifact (or its legend) symbolized the castle’s early
power on a former Slavic site.
During 18th-century Baroque
reconstruction (1719–1730) under the Dietrichsteins, ghostly figures
reportedly wandered the halls at midnight—possibly spirits of ancient
Slavic inhabitants or the “Shadow Mayor” (Schattenbürgermeister), an
ethereal guide appearing in times of crisis.
In 1866, during the
Austro-Prussian War (when the castle hosted Prussian leaders and the
Prelude of Nikolsburg truce was signed), a raven perched intelligently
on a windowsill, interpreted as an omen or spy.
Hidden chambers
allegedly hosted secret imperial meetings. A phantom orchestra played a
haunting symphony in the wine cellars just before a devastating 1945
fire at the end of World War II, as a final farewell from lost
musicians.
General apparitions include flickering shapes on walls and
phantom horse hooves from bygone eras.