- Location: 692 01 Pavlov, South Moravia, Czech Republic
- Mountain system: External Western Carpathians
- Maximum height: 549 m
- Highest point: Devin
In the south of the Czech Republic stretch the picturesque Pavlovsky Mountains - a local hill, named after the nearby village of Pavlov. This region is known for its high limestone rocks dotted with irises, as well as a large number of architectural and natural monuments.
General information about Palava
According to geological research, this mountainous hill was formed in the Mesozoic era. It does not reach high altitudes, but, despite this, it is the highest natural point of the South Moravian region. The peak of Palava is the peak of Devin, which in the times of the Alpine folding was raised up to a height of 549 m.
In 1976, a landscape reserve with an area of 83 square meters was created in this area. km. It includes the Pavlovsk mountains, as well as Milovitsky and other forests stretching all the way to the border of Austria. In 1986, this elevation became part of the Biosphere Reserve "Lower Morava", created by the UNESCO World Organization.
Pálava's biodiversity
The basis of these hills are hard limestones, which form numerous beautiful cliffs. Due to the intactness of Palava, rare species of animals and plants are preserved here. At the foot of the mountains stretch the steppes, meadows, forest-steppe and thermophilic oak forests. Meadows and swamps prevail in the floodplain of the Taya River.
At the foot of the Pavlovsky Mountains one can find wineries, thanks to which the neighboring Pavlov settlement is often called a "village of winemakers".
Places of interest in Palava
Numerous archaeological finds indicate that this Czech region was already settled during the Stone Age. There were even traces of ancient settlements and hunting for mammoths. The most preserved archeological monuments of Pálava are:
- ruins of the ancient castle Devichki on top of Devin Peak, the first mention of which dates back to the 13th century;
- ruins of the Orphan Castle on the top of Table Mountain, founded also in the XIII century;
- The Holy Hill, where you can see the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher and the bell tower;
- parking Dolni-Vestonice, or Vestonitska Venus, dating back to the Paleolithic era.
In addition to these attractions , the mountains are known for no less interesting natural objects. Among them - a protected natural monument Turold, which includes a mountain peak and a cave labyrinth. It is unique in that here limestone rocks form numerous tunnels, filled with shrubs and valley flora.
Arriving at the Pavlovsky Mountains, you should visit the mountain peaks forming the so-called Kotel Massif, and the Holy Mountain , which is a place of pilgrimage. Here another natural monument is registered - the Cat's Rock, which is a rock formation, enveloped by valley plants.
How to get to Palava?
This hill is located in the southern part of the Czech Republic, almost on the banks of the Taya River. Prague is located 210 km from the Pálava Mountains, but only 10 km from them is the Austrian border. From the Czech capital you can get here by public transport , a taxi or a rented car . Every day Prague Prague bus departs the RJ bus route, which takes 4.5 hours to stop at Rudolfa Gajdoše in Pavlov. From it to the Pavlovsky Mountains 8 minutes walk.
For tourists who want to travel from Prague to this landmark by car, you need to follow roads number 38, D1 / E65 and E50. It should be borne in mind that along these routes there are paid sections and road sections, on which road works are conducted. The whole way to Palava can take 3-4 hours.