The labyrinth is built on up to four distinct levels, stacked vertically beneath the city streets.
During the Thirty Years' War, the tunnels were used as shelters for the local population and as a means for defenders to move troops undetected.
The tunnels were interconnected during the 1960s primarily to stabilize the ground, as the city above was experiencing structural failures due to the void spaces.
The underground system is linked to the ventilation shafts of the city's old town houses, which were used to control air quality and prevent food spoilage.
Stalactite-like formations have developed in some damp areas of the tunnel due to the lime content in the mortar and stone seepage.
The Znojmo Underground is an extensive, multi-level labyrinth of interconnected medieval cellars stretching approximately 27 kilometers beneath the historic center of Znojmo. Originally excavated between the 13th and 17th centuries, the tunnels functioned as drainage systems, defensive fortifications, and storage areas for local wine and food supplies. The modern visitor circuit covers about one kilometer, featuring a guided path that descends into the subterranean network. Visitors encounter chambers with historical displays, including alchemical laboratory reconstructions and remnants of past siege technology. The complex maintains a constant low temperature and high humidity year-round due to its depth. Structural walls are carved directly into the local granite and sandstone bedrock. The network was formally connected and reinforced in the 1960s to prevent the collapse of the city center above. It represents one of the most complex historical underground systems in Central Europe.
The well-lit central hall featuring the reconstructed medieval workshop display.
Bring a light sweater or jacket as the temperature remains significantly lower than the surface even in mid-summer.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the floors can be uneven, damp, and occasionally slippery.
Check in advance if you prefer a guided tour, as the route is best navigated with the provided contextual information.
Do not attempt to explore beyond the designated visitor route, as many tunnels remain unreinforced and structurally unstable.
Open daily during the peak tourist season; reduced operations or occasional closures during winter months.
No flash photography is permitted inside certain display areas. Maintain a quiet volume to respect the acoustics of the tunnels.
