Znojmo Catacombs, Underground passage network in Znojmo, Czech Republic
Znojmo Catacombs are an underground tunnel system beneath the medieval city with multiple levels descending four stories deep. The full network spans approximately 27 kilometers, with about 1600 meters accessible to visitors and containing wells, chambers, and connecting passages.
Construction of these underground passages began between the 14th and 15th centuries, aided by skilled miners from Jihlava. The work expanded over generations as the city enlarged its water supply system and adapted the structures for defense.
The network reflects how medieval residents depended on hidden infrastructure beneath their streets for daily survival. Water management through these passages shaped local life and building practices in ways that persisted for centuries.
Guided tours take visitors through about 1600 meters of the system, typically starting from Chicken Market, with the best visiting season during warmer months. The underground maze can be slippery and cool, so sturdy footwear and a jacket are advisable.
The passages contain clever defensive features like hidden trapdoors and angled chutes that directed intruders into deep wells during medieval times. These ingenious traps reveal how residents used their underground spaces for protection when threatened.
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