Things to do
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Děvín
Highest summit of the Pálava hills, this limestone ridge rises above the vineyards about seven kilometres north of town, crowned by the ruins of Dívčí hrady castle. Marked trails start from Pavlov or Klentnice, and the full ridge walk takes most of a day. The slopes are a strict nature reserve, so walkers keep to the paths. Shade is scarce, so carry water.
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Dietrichstein Tomb
Behind a tall baroque facade at the top of the main square, the former Church of St Anne holds the coffins of the Dietrichstein family in a crypt below. Fire gutted the church in the eighteenth century, and the front was rebuilt as the family's memorial. Entry is ticketed and seasonal. The square's Renaissance houses lead downhill from its steps.
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Goat Tower
Perched on a rock above the old town, this round medieval watchtower is a short, steep walk from the main square. A stair climbs inside to a gallery facing the château across the rooftops, with the Pálava hills behind. Opening is irregular, and a flag on the tower shows when it is open. Late afternoon light falls on the château walls from here.
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Holy Hill
A pilgrimage path of chapels climbs this limestone knoll east of the square to the white Church of St Sebastian and a bell tower at the top. The rocky slopes are a nature reserve with steppe flowers in spring. The climb takes about half an hour on uneven stone steps. Sunset views take in the château, the town and the Nové Mlýny reservoirs.
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Jewish Cemetery
Thousands of gravestones, some carved in the early seventeenth century, climb a wooded slope at the edge of the former Jewish quarter. A ceremonial hall at the gate holds a small exhibition. Opening is seasonal, with shorter hours in spring and autumn. Men are expected to cover their heads, and paths between the rows are steep.
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Mikulov Castle
Rebuilt after a fire in 1945, the Dietrichstein château houses the regional museum and a cellar holding a giant wine barrel of more than a hundred thousand litres. Tours combine the halls, the library and the wine exhibition. The season runs from April to late November, with Friday to Sunday opening only in spring and late autumn. Closed Mondays.
