Mikulovice – Church, Archaeology and the Church Consecration Tournament

Mikulovice can be explored through several cultural and historical themes: the Church of St. Wenceslas, a multicultural archaeological site, and the tradition of the church consecration tournament, which is still upheld today. These themes tell different stories. At the church, the focus is on its Baroque architecture and the cemetery ensemble; the archaeological site offers a glimpse of luxury imports and the presence of elites they attest to. The local tradition is also linked to a specific event: the Posvícení is associated with the “Mí kolo více” cycling race.

Church of St. Wenceslas and the History of the Cemetery

The Church of St. Wenceslas stands on a gentle rise at the eastern edge of the village. It is visible from far away, with views opening out over the surrounding area. Its present-day Baroque appearance dates from 1768–1769. This date refers to the church’s current form and provides a specific point of reference for its architectural history. Together with the mortuary chapel and the cemetery, which is still in use, the church forms a unified ensemble surrounded by a boundary wall. Two features define its place in the village landscape: its elevated, highly visible position and the enclosed complex of the church, mortuary chapel and cemetery.

The history of the cemetery also has a specific date: in 1904, a new cemetery was established in Mikulovice opposite the old cemetery. The dates are clearly distinct: 1768–1769 refers to the church’s present-day Baroque appearance, while 1904 marks the establishment of the new cemetery.

Archaeological Site at Na Kopec

The archaeological site lies on a gently sloping plain at the western and northwestern foot of the Na Kopec hill. It is on the boundary between the cadastral areas of Mikulovice u Pardubic and Dražkovice. The term “multicultural” refers to the presence of different cultural influences at one site; it therefore describes more than a single category of finds. The finds include luxury imports from the Black Sea region and the Roman Empire. These imports also attest to the presence of elites at this location. The description of the site and the finds answer different questions: its topography locates the site, while the origin and type of imported goods underpin the interpretation that elites were present.

Church Consecration Tournament and Cycling Race

The tradition of the church consecration tournament, still upheld in Mikulovice today, is part of the village’s living history. The Posvícení is also associated with the “Mí kolo více” cycling race. In this race, participants ride down Mikulovický kopec without pedalling. The tournament represents a tradition that continues, while the race centers on its distinctive downhill ride.

Find Hotels to Suit Your Interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Mikulovice, you can choose what to do on your trip based on these different themes. Architecture and cemetery history, archaeological finds and local customs each offer a distinct way to explore the village. They make it easier to identify what brings you here: a historic ensemble, the interpretation of archaeological finds or the continuing tournament tradition.

Discover more destinations: Živanice, Pravy, Žáravice, Dašice, Bukovka, Přepychy, Holotín, Uhersko

For the overview of the wider area: Pardubice District.