A lovely place in the heart of Znojmo
Pension Althanský Palác
The Althanský Palác is located on the Upper Square (Horní náměstí), in the very centre of Znojmo, on the way to the Znojmo Castle. From its terrace there is a magnificent view on the Town Hall Tower and the St. Nicolas Church. With good visibility, the Alpine peaks can be seen on the horizon.
News from the pension
News…
Opening information
Dear guests, we are preparing the reopening of Althanský Palác from 30 April 2022. In addition, we are expanding our accommodation capacity for you with three double rooms and one quadruple room (with its own [...]
Culture at Althanský Palác
Although we were closed for a longer time, we welcomed several interesting cultural events at Althanský Palác. The world-famous soprano Anna Prohaska performed here. In addition, we provided accommodation for musicians of the traditional "Hudební festival [...]
New rooms
Dear guests, we are preparing new rooms at Althanský Palác for you. Our accommodation capacity will be expanded by: 3 x double rooms 1 x quadruple room with own wine cellar You will find [...]
Accommodation options
Rooms
“We reconstructed the building without subsidies and from Czech money.
By staying at the Althanský Palác, you can help save this unique cultural monument that the government and the city have failed to take care of.”
Althanský Palác Team
History & Present
The early Baroque town palace was built by Count Maximilian Lawrence in 1666-74 on the site of two medieval burgher houses on the Upper Square. The artistically valuable façade from the second half of the 17th century is marked by a tall order of Corinthian pilasters ending with an entablature. The centre consists of a columned portal with a balcony, above which are placed two stone coats of arms of the Houses of Starhemberg and Scherfenberg.
At the turn of 1631 and 1632, Albrecht von Wallenstein dwelt in this palace. It is said that superstitious Wallenstein had an astrological observatory built on the palace roof and the Italian astrologer Seni tried to read his destiny from the stars.
In 1723, Emperor Charles VI stayed with his daughter Maria Theresa here on their way to coronation in Prague and on the way back.
Originally, the Althanský Palác was owned by the Starhemberg family. Around 1712, when the house was taken by Znojmo Marshall Michal Ehrenreich, Earl of Althan, the palace became an official building. Even in the interwar period it served as the residence of the District Government and long after World War II it continued to serve as District Authority building.
OFFER
of Services
“Jana and all the others we met were really very nice and very helpful. The premises of Althanský Palác are stunning. The location is absolutely fabulous. If you are going to Znojmo, definitely book your room here. You won’t regret that.”
Tereza, Brno
“The accommodation is situated in an optimum location – right in the very historical centre of Znojmo. Just a stone’s throw from all the historical monuments, cafés and wine bars. Those who like old historical buildings will come into their own. Excellent parking in the yard, availability of breakfast (amazing coffee). Just lovely. Jana is an excellent host.”
Sara, Slovakia
RECOMMENDATION
Activities in Znojmo & surroundings
The town of Znojmo
can be viewed from the top of the Town Hall Tower. Several churches can be seen in the historical centre: the Jesuit Church of St. Michael, the Dominican Church of Finding of the Holy Cross and the Gothic St. Nicolas Church. Beautiful are the views of the Znojmo Castle and the Dyje Valley with a water dam.
Louka Monastery
Visitors can take a trip by a tourist train to the Louka Monastery, combined with wine tasting. Outdoor swimming pool is located next to the monastery. To get back to the town centre, you can take the tourist train again or simply take a pleasant walk upstream of the Dyje, passing below the railway viaduct, built in 1871 and nowadays being a historical monument.
Znojmo Castle and Rotunda of St. Catherine
In good weather it is possible to visit the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Catherine and the Znojmo Castle. Znojmo has a plenty to offer to its visitors and we will be happy to give you sightseeing tips.
Tips for trips
Znojmo is an ideal starting point for trips to the Dyje Valley. Two protected natural parks are located in its surroundings: Podyjí National Park on the Czech side and Thayatal on the Austrian side.
In recent history, it was a strictly guarded border zone. The area was inaccessible and that is why its nature is better preserved than in other nature reserves exposed to long-term massive tourism. We definitely recommend you to visit the romantic castle ruins of Nový Hrádek near Lukov, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and the meanders of the Dyje. Nature enthusiasts can see here many rare specimens of fauna and flora. Right here we saw a black stork for instance. In the courtyard of Hrádek, denseflower mulleins are growing and with a little luck you will see here two rare butterfly species: clouded Apollo and Old World swallowtail.
Another interesting historical site is the Kaja castle ruin on the Austrian side of the border. Some better preserved historical monuments worth visiting are the castles in Vranov nad Dyjí, Bítov or Hardegg on the Austrian side.
Only a stone's throw away from Znojmo is a small village called Hradiště with a terraced descent ending at a water dam. Also from here you can enjoy some beautiful views of Znojmo. Fig trees are growing on the terraces, reportedly being the northernmost occurrence of fig tree. We also found here the eresus moravicus, a 1.5 cm large spider that was only described quite recently (2008).
We also recommend you to visit the Havranice Heath, preferably in the early evening with a picnic basket with some local wine. It just tastes gorgeous here. You might only be disturbed by a flying stag beetle, our biggest beetle species.
If you are looking for active relaxation, you can try the extensive network of Znojmo cycling routes or hike down the hills and valleys in the scenic nature around the Dyje.
There really are a plenty of spots around Znojmo worth visiting. We will be happy to give you more information and help you plan your trips.