The Czech Republic is world-famous for its stunning city of Prague. But while everyone should visit that spectacular city, it is not the only attraction in the historic Central European country. In the quaint city of Znojmo are the Znojmo Catacombs - they are a fantastic labyrinth of underground passageways. Visiting the Znojmo Catacombs is an ideal excursion while visiting the magical city of Prague and they are located under the historic city of Znojmo in the Czech Republic a short drive out of Prague.

While in Europe, be sure to also explore the eerie and historical catacombs of Rome and the quarries of Paris. The original catacombs are actually the tunnels built for burying people in ancient Rome. Often there is much more to a city that just meets the eye on the surface!

About The Znojmo Catacombs

The Znojmo Catacombs are not actually catacombs and no people are actually buried there. The Znojmo Catacombs were developed for defensive purposes to defend the city of Znojmo from attack. They date back to the 1300s and were expanded over the centuries by connecting various cellars beneath buildings with each other.

  • Built: From The 1300s to 1500s
  • Purpose: Hiding And Defense

The end result was houses and palaces in the city connected with an elaborate labyrinth. Some of the tunnels lead under old fortifications and even out of the city - so that inhabitants would have an escape in case the city would have fallen or to get out of the city and forage for food in times of siege.

The caverns were well constructed and they have plenty of airshafts. The cellars had fireplaces that were connected to chimneys of houses on the surface. The smoke from the tunnels would rise through the chimneys of the houses and hide the tunnels beneath.

Inside the tunnels, water wells were built so that the inhabitants could survive for a long time. Additionally, various defensive measures were incorporated into their design in case the tunnels were discovered. Some of the defensive measures included slippery slides that would drop invades into deep wells that they couldn't get out of without ladders.

The tunnels were a part of the city's fort system and there are no plans of the tunnels in the city's archives. They are extremely intricate and run in both horizontal and vertical directions.

As time wore on, the caverns found new uses - like being used for storage (particularly wine).

Related: There's A Massive Underground Tunnel System Right In Florida, And This Is What It Looks Like

The Catacombs Today

Today the catacombs are a tourist attraction and some of the cellars are open to the public.

The warren of underground corridors under Znojmo is considered to be one of the largest in Central Europe and extends for around 27 kilometers. The main visitor tour is around 800 meters and runs from Slepičí trh and ends in the Obroková street in Znojmo.

  • Length: Total 27 Kilometers or 16.8 Miles
  • Main Tour Length: 800 Meters or 2600 Feet

Visitors can choose between two types of guided tours. The classic tour is great for families and fractures fairy-tale characters. Then there's the adrenaline tour that is more heart-pumping and involves climbing walls and crawling through some of the tunnels. These tours run on different routes and are much more adventurous. One needs to be ready for some water, mud and climbing on iron ladders.

Adrenaline Trails

For those seeking more excitement and adventure on the tour, consider an adrenaline trail. The adrenaline trails of Znojmo underground are divided into 3 routes graded by difficulty. They are coded as blue, red, and black with blue being the easiest and black the most difficult. On these tours, hard hats and the proper gear are provided.

Blue Route:

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Duration: Approx 1 Hour 15 Minutes
  • Age Restriction: Must Be 12 Years Old Or Up
  • Exit: Horní nám. 4
  • Cost: 110 CZK ($5.00)

Red Route:

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Duration: Approx 1 Hour 30 Minutes
  • Age Restriction: Must Be 15 Years Old Or Up
  • Exit: Dolní Česká 42
  • Cost: 130 CZK ($6.00)

Black Route:

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Duration: Approx 2 Hours 30 Minutes
  • Age Restriction: Must Be 15 Years Old Or Up
  • Exit: Divišovo nám. 1
  • Cost: 200 CZK ($9.00)

Related: An Entire 'Escape' Tunnel System Still Exists Under Berlin, With Decades Of History Behind Its Creation

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Classic route

For tourists wanting an easy tour of the catacombs and for those with families, then consider the classic sightseeing route. This tour is designed to be educational for adults and fun and adventurous for children. See tunnels that medieval warriors feared to tread. One will see coffins with skeletons, torture instruments, haunted criminals, preying monks, orcs, and more.

  • Adult: 95 CZK ($4.50)
  • Children: 55 CZK Aged 6-15 Years ($2.50)
  • Duration: Approx. 1 Hour

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Discover the tales of medieval Europe in a new and unique way with an underground tour. And while in the Czech Republic try their world-famous beers!

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