The Pavlov Archaeological Park is a modern museum with prehistoric artifacts. Dedicated to findings from the Paleolithic Period, it’s one of the Czech Republic’s leading archaeological sites.
Situated inside a unique and futuristic looking building, the Pavlov Archaeological Park explores the prehistoric times of “the mammoth hunters.” Walking through the underground exhibition gives an in-depth look at a period of time not normally associated with Europe.
If you’re wanting to explore artifacts created by some of the first modern Homo Sapiens, then you’ve come to the right spot. The museum is an entertaining view into the past, and one of Moravia’s truly special places!
Cost of entry into the museum is 100 CZK for adults, 50 CZK for students, children, and seniors, and 250 CZK for families. They do close during certain months, so make sure to check the website in my sources section below before going.
THE PREHISTORIC TIMES
The 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 Archaeological Park tunnels into the earth to show some of these very things.
There is a room that also doubles as an excavation site. It reminded me of the beginning of Jurassic Park, except mammoth bones replace those of the Velociraptor. Outside of it you’ll find carved stones that were used as hunting weapons.
While these are truly fascinating, the main draw is a replica of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. It’s a figurine of a nude woman that is thought to be the oldest known ceramic sculpture in the world. Knowing that the 25,000+ year old figure was found right in this area is really remarkable.
Some other things I really enjoyed were a mammoth tusk that’s also a map, a room with buried skeletons, and a display about early hunting.
THINGS TO DO AROUND PAVLOV
While the Pavlov Archaeological Park is the shiny new attraction in town, there’s plenty more to see in the area. Most of the landmarks are connected by trails through the forest hills and craggy mountain peaks.
On one of the hiking paths, you’ll find the ruins of a fortress known as Děvičky, which dates back to the 1200’s. Further along, the peak of Děvin Mountain and its limestone rock surface can be reached by foot. The views from the 550 meter high summit are spectacular, with the main highlight being the Věstonice Reservoir.
The reservoir has been a natural reserve for over 20 years and is lined with tiny villages. Smack in the middle of the water is the beautiful Church of St. Linhart, which is only accessible by boat.
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!
