Mikulovice: Church, Archaeology and Church-Festival Traditions

Church of St. Wenceslas and Cemetery Grounds

The Church of St. Wenceslas, its mortuary chapel and the cemetery, which is still in use, form a connected ensemble surrounded by an enclosing wall. The church stands on a gentle rise at the eastern edge of Mikulovice and is visible from afar, with views extending across the surrounding area. Its present-day Baroque appearance dates from 1768–1769. This site brings together a striking building and a cemetery that is still in use. Those interested in sacred architecture will find a tangible way to explore the village’s history here, without losing sight of Mikulovice’s other facets.

The history of the cemetery also provides a separate point of reference in time: a new cemetery was established in Mikulovice in 1904, opposite the old cemetery. This date adds another historical chapter to the story of the ensemble. It can be considered separately from the church’s Baroque building history, and shows how these historic places touch on different chapters in the village’s past.

Archaeological Finds at Na Kopec

The polycultural archaeological site offers a different perspective. It lies on a gently sloping plain at the western and northwestern foot of the Na Kopec hill, on the boundary between the cadastral areas of Mikulovice u Pardubic and Dražkovice. Its location gives the site a distinct geographical context. The term “polycultural” points to several cultural contexts, making the site a different subject from the visible architectural history of the church.

Imports of luxury goods from the Black Sea region and the Roman Empire are particularly noteworthy. They also attest to the presence of elites at this site. The stated origins of the objects and their interpretation as finds go hand in hand: the objects are of interest not only because they are classified as luxury goods, but also because they point to the presence of people of high social standing. For travellers interested in archaeology, this offers a tangible point of interest, while the church and cemetery grounds are experienced more through their architecture and setting.

Church-Festival Tournament and Posvícení

The church-festival tournament is among the local customs that continue to be observed in Mikulovice. Posvícení is also associated with the “Mí kolo více” cycle race, in which riders descend Mikulovický kopec without pedalling. This specific feature distinguishes the race from a mere mention of the festival: the descent without pedalling is part of the described format of the cycling race. In Mikulovice, historic buildings and archaeological sites stand alongside traditions that continue to be observed.

If you want to plan your trip around Posvícení or the church-festival tournament, check the specific event dates in advance. The ongoing tradition and Posvícení’s connection with the cycle race give an impression of local interests, but do not replace planning around the dates for your preferred travel period.

Which focus suits your trip?

The different themes appeal to different interests. The Baroque appearance of St. Wenceslas, the cemetery and the enclosing wall bring the ensemble and village setting to the fore. The archaeological site draws attention to its location at Na Kopec, as well as to the imports and the presence of elites they attest to. The church-festival tournament and Posvícení represent the local festival tradition and its associated cycle race.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sovolusky, Dolany, Jankovice, Dolní Roveň, Jaroslav, Malé Výkleky, Opatovice Nad Labem, Staré Hradiště

Go to the parent travel overview: Pardubice District.