The Pavlov Archaeological Park is a modern museum that focuses on the region’s prehistoric history. Dedicated to findings from the Paleolithic Period specifically, it’s one of the Czech Republic’s leading archeological sites.
Situated inside a unique and futuristic-looking building, the park explores the prehistoric times of “the mammoth hunters.” Walking through the underground exhibition gives an in-depth look at a period not normally associated with Europe. I was in awe when I first visited the Pavlov Archeological Park, it’s located in a beautiful building, with intuitive exhibits.
If you’re looking to explore artifacts created by some of the first modern Homo Sapiens, it’s the place to be in Moravia. The museum is an entertaining look into the past and one of the area’s truly exceptional places!
Museum Entry | The cost of entry into the museum is 100 CZK for adults, 50 CZK for students, children, and seniors, and 250 CZK for families. They are closed during certain months, so make sure to check their website for further details and schedules.
THE PREHISTORIC HISTORY OF THE PAVLOV ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
The cast, sloping Pavlov Hills are one of the most important settlement areas in all of Europe. Underneath them, you’ll find tools, household items, animal bones, and skeletons. The Pavlov Archeological Park tunnels into the earth to show some of these very things.
A dimly lit room doubles as an excavation site, with pieces shining with an almost fluorescent aura. It eerily reminded me of the beginning of Jurassic Park, except mammoth bones replace those of the Velociraptor. Walking around the exhibits outside of the room, you’ll find carved stones that were used as hunting weapons. Accompanying them are descriptions of their use.
While these are truly fascinating, the “almost” one-of-a-kind sight is a replica of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. The original figurine of a nude woman is thought to be the oldest known ceramic sculpture in the world. According to art professionals, the over 25,000-year-old figure is a priceless artifact, something that truly stands out as a special find for the Pavlov archaeologists.
Other Things of Note | At the beginning of the museum you’ll find a mammoth tusk that doubles as a map, a room of buried skeletons, and a display about the early hunting period. I found the ‘mammoth map’ especially unique, considering it could be the first known diagram of its kind.
THINGS TO DO AROUND PAVLOV
While the Pavlov Archeological Park is the shiny new attraction in town, there’s plenty more to see in the area. Hiking trails around the forest hills and craggy mountain peaks connect most of the sights in the area.
On one of the paths, you’ll find the ruins of a fortress known as Děvičky, which dates back to the 1200s. Its tattered remains stand above the museum and give a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. Further along, the peak of Děvin Mountain and its limestone rock surface can be reached by foot. The views from its 550-meter-high summit are spectacular, with panoramas of the Věstonice Reservoir and its lakefront villages.
The reservoir has been a natural reserve for over 20 years, with unique wildlife such as the black-headed gull and kingfisher. Smack in the middle of the water is the beautiful Church of St. Linhart, which is only accessible by boat in the warmer months.
Where is Pavlov Archaeological Park?
Pavlov is located in the southeast of the Czech Republic near the Austrian borders. While the best and easiest way to visit is by car, there is a public transport option.
By car from Brno | The drive to Pavlov from Brno should take under an hour. You’ll need to hop on the D2/E65 highway until exit 25 in Hustopece. From there follow route 420 and route 42117 until you reach the archaeological park.
If you’re driving from Prague, take the E50 until it runs into the E65.
Public transport | If you don’t have a car, the simplest way to reach Pavlov is by train and bus. You’ll need to catch a train to Breclav and then transfer to bus 570 towards Mikulov. Get off at the Pavlov bus stop which is a few hundred meters from the park. If you want to find train times check this website here, for bus schedules and other regional buses check here.
The Pavlov Archaeological Park is one of those places I immediately knew I’d write about. It’s a spectacular exhibition with wonderful material and amazing prehistoric artifacts!
