In Podivín, several cultural highlights reveal different sides of the town: the cemetery gate with its distinctive design, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, and the recurring Podivínské hody. Architectural history, craftsmanship and a festive tradition each offer a different point of reference for planning. They also relate to different timeframes: the seasonal access rules are important for the cemetery, while the Hody take place on a set date.

Cemetery Gate and Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish cemetery in Podivín was established in the second half of the 17th century. Its ceremonial hall has an Oriental Romantic design, with a lantern crowning the dome. The cemetery gate offers a different architectural feature: its perspective design creates the optical impression of an endless space. The dome and gate thus illustrate different design features of the cemetery.

The gate’s history is also remarkable. The hand-forged iron grille dates from the 16th century and originally adorned the entrance to the Liechtenstein family’s castle theatre in Lednice, which no longer exists. The cemetery gate is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It thus brings together its present function as a cemetery gate and the grille’s former use.

The Jewish cemetery is closed from October to March; during this period, visits can be arranged in advance with the Podivín Municipal Office. If you plan to visit the cemetery during these months, arrange your visit with the office beforehand.

Church of St. Peter and Paul

The construction of the Church of St. Peter and Paul dates back to the first half of the 13th century. The church has an unusual Neo-Gothic design and is visible from the surrounding area. Together with the adjoining rectory and the Baroque statue of St. Thecla, it is listed in the Czech Republic’s register of immovable cultural monuments.

Several aspects are worth distinguishing when considering the church: its construction dates provide an early historical reference, its Neo-Gothic design defines its appearance, and the monument listing also includes the adjacent rectory and the statue of St. Thecla. This makes it possible to consider the church both as a building in its own right and in connection with the two other listed elements.

Podivínské hody on June 29

The Podivínské hody, held in honour of St. Peter and Paul, have taken place regularly on June 29 since 1976. They open the series of Hody in Podluží. The programme includes festive processions and Hody celebrations. Unlike the buildings that shape the town year-round, this tradition connects local culture with a specific date on the calendar.

If you would like to plan your trip around the Hody, use June 29 as your reference date and check the event details for the year you plan to travel. The tradition is held regularly; this does not guarantee any specific current programme items.

A hiking route starting at the railway station

Alongside the cultural monuments, there is an easy hiking route starting in Podivín: “Od vlaku k vlaku – Z Podivína do Ladné” begins at Podivín railway station and ends at a railway stop after just over seven kilometres. Its stated length is therefore a separate planning consideration, independent of visits to the cultural sites.

The route description was last updated in February 2021. Conditions and markings may change, so check them before setting off. This lets you consider the hike as a separate option, without conflating it with visits to the cemetery or church.

Discover more destinations: Krumvíř, Rakvice, Kurdějov, Dolní Dunajovice, Kostice, Kašnice, Mikulov, Bulhary.

For the broader travel overview: Břeclav District.