Things to do
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Louka Monastery
Founded by Premonstratensian canons in the twelfth century, this sprawling complex on the southern edge of town now keeps a working winery in its vaulted cellars. Guided tours visit the Romanesque crypt and the baroque halls, and a separate tour pairs the cellars with a tasting. It lies about twenty minutes on foot from the old town.
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Podyjí National Park
Deep meanders of the Dyje cut through granite woods along the Austrian border west of town, protected on both banks as a pair of national parks. Marked trails from Znojmo reach the steep Šobes vineyard and the border town of Hardegg. The visitor centre at Čížov has maps and a stretch of the old Iron Curtain fence. A loop on foot from Znojmo fills a full day.
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Rotunda of St Catherine
Painted walls inside this small Romanesque round church show a procession of Přemyslid princes from the twelfth century, a rare survival of Romanesque painting. Entry is limited to small groups every half hour, and only when the indoor climate allows, so rainy days often mean closure. Tours last a quarter of an hour. Tickets come from the Minorite monastery nearby, and it closes on Mondays.
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St Nicholas Church
Standing at the edge of the bluff, this Gothic hall church has a tall nave and a pulpit shaped like a globe. The small St Wenceslas chapel beside it is built on two levels. The terrace behind gives a classic view over the river gorge and the railway viaduct. Services take priority on Sundays.
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Town Hall Tower
Rising about eighty metres over the main street, this late Gothic tower is all that remains of the old town hall. A gallery near the top looks across the roofs to the Dyje valley and the vineyards beyond. Stairs are narrow and entry is ticketed. Opening is seasonal, with daily hours in summer.
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Znojmo Underground
Nearly thirty kilometres of passages run under the old town, dug in the Middle Ages for storage and refuge. The standard guided tour follows lit corridors through cellars on several levels. A longer adventure route in overalls, helmet and headlamp involves crawling and must be booked ahead. Temperatures stay cool all year, so a warm layer helps.
