Valtické podzemí, Wine cellar complex in Valtice, Czech Republic

Valtické podzemí is a 900-metre network of restored, interconnected historic wine cellars beneath Valtice. The passages are lined with reinforcing arches built by local bricklayers and masons, and the cellars hold a collection of emblematic bricks from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, loess sculptures and fossils.

The cellar system developed from monastic wine production efforts begun in the late 13th century, with monks establishing vineyards and storage methods in the area. The tunnels were gradually expanded over subsequent centuries to meet growing demand for wine storage and trade.

Guides here are called sklepiér, trained in winemaking, cellar wine service and the Lednice-Valtice area. The cellars host tastings and themed events: the Night of Open Cellars, Hudbobraní, country evenings, a Miss Burčák pageant, Dýňobraní and St Martin's goose feasts. A collection of sign bricks from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire is kept underground.

Wear sturdy shoes because the stone floors can be slippery and uneven throughout the passages. Bring a light jacket since the underground temperature remains cool year-round, noticeably colder than outside.

The cellars hold a collection of sign bricks from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, along with loess sculptures and fossils. The vaults also sheltered livestock and people during the Hussite Wars, and after World War II local farmers stored vegetables in some of them.