Vlkova věž

Vlkova věž (Wolf Tower) is a Gothic defensive tower standing in the historic centre of Znojmo, in southern Moravia. It is the best-preserved surviving piece of the town's medieval fortifications and one of the few spots offering a bird's-eye view over the old town.

Where does the name come from?

The tower takes its name from margrave Vlk ("wolf" in Czech), the commander of the town garrison responsible for defending this stretch of the walls. That's why it's commonly known as the "Wolf Tower" on maps and in guidebooks.

What role did it play historically?

Vlkova věž guarded the Lower Gate (Dolní brána), one of the town's most important entrances, on the route leading toward Vienna. Thanks to its height and position, medieval defenders could send prearranged signals from its top to the lower-lying Premonstratensian monastery in Louka, warning of approaching danger. It is considered the most massive block tower to have survived from the entire fortification ring that once encircled Znojmo's historic core.

Structurally, it's a four-storey, rectangular tower with narrow loophole windows and a tented roof. Its proportions give a good sense of what medieval defensive architecture in this region looked like.

What can visitors see inside today?

The ground floor now houses the VOC Znojmo wine information centre, run by the association of winemakers holding the VOC certification (Víno originální certifikace — "wine of original certification"). Visitors can learn about the wineries of the Znojmo wine region and, if they like, taste local wines — both on the ground floor and up on the viewing gallery.

How do you get to the top, and what should you know before climbing?

The tower stands 32 metres tall. A staircase of 123 steps leads up to the viewing gallery, roughly 20 metres above the surrounding terrain. The climb takes a bit of effort, but it rewards visitors with a panorama over the old town's rooftops, the tower of St Nicholas's Church, and the hills toward the Dyje river valley.

Vlkova věž sits right in the centre of Znojmo, within easy walking distance of the main square and other landmarks such as the Rotunda of St Catherine and Znojmo Castle, making it simple to combine with a stroll around the old town.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps lead to the top of the tower? 123 steps lead to the viewing gallery, which sits about 20 metres above ground level; the tower itself is 32 metres tall.

What was Vlkova věž used for in the Middle Ages? It was a defensive tower guarding the Lower Gate — one of the main entrances to the town on the road to Vienna — and part of Znojmo's town fortification system.

What is inside the tower today? The VOC Znojmo wine information centre, offering information about regional wines with tastings available on the ground floor and the viewing gallery.

Where does the tower's name come from? From margrave Vlk, the garrison commander who defended this section of the walls — hence "Vlkova" (Wolf's) Tower.