Czech Republic South Moravian

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. The most visited sights of the city include the Spilberk castle and fortress and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Petrov hill, two medieval buildings that dominate the cityscape and are often depicted as its traditional symbols. The other large preserved castle near the city is Veveri Castle by the Brno Dam Lake. This castle is the site of a number of legends, as are many other places in Brno. Another architectural monument of Brno is the functionalist Villa Tugendhat which has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. One of the natural sights nearby is the Moravian Karst.

The Gothic Church of St. Nicholas and the Late Gothic Town Hall tower are the most recognizable landmarks. Overlooking the Dyje River valley, on the edge of the medieval city, there is Znojmo Castle, dating back to 11C. Under the city and castle is a vast labyrinth of connected passageways and cellars, Znojmo Catacombs, developed in the 14C-15C for defensive purposes and containing wells, drainage, fireplaces, trap doors and escapeways that led beyond the fortifications of the city.

Mikulov is a town in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic directly on the border with Lower Austria. Beginning in Mikulov, the 65 kilometer long Mikulov Wine Trail winds throughout the region and is a part of wine tourism in the area. Other noteworthy historic sights are the Dietrichstein sepulchre, the old Jewish Quarter, and the Piarist College. Several historic churches and a synagogue, built in various architectural styles, are located in Mikulov, including the Romanesque Church of St. Václav and charnel house, the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist, St. Sebastian Chapel on the Holy Hill.