Boskovice

A charming small town famous for its beautifully preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture centered on an arcaded square, with a castle overlooking the town and a historic Jewish quarter. Boskovice offers authentic provincial Czech character and works well as a base for exploring the Moravian highlands.

Things to do

• Boskovice Castle — Explore this Renaissance castle perched above the town with views over the Boskovicko region and exhibitions on local history.
• Town Square (Náměstí 9. května) — Walk around the beautifully preserved arcaded Renaissance square lined with colorful buildings, shops, and cafés in the heart of town.
• Jewish Quarter and Synagogue — Visit the well-preserved Jewish quarter with its historic synagogue and cemetery, reflecting Boskovice's significant Jewish heritage.
• Caves of Moravia — Take a short trip to nearby Pustá Kylíčkova Cave or other limestone caves in the Moravian highlands for underground geological formations.
• St. James Church — Admire this Gothic and Renaissance parish church with its distinctive tower dominating the town skyline and interior artworks.
• Moravian Highlands hiking — Explore rolling countryside and forests surrounding Boskovice with well-marked trails for day hikes of varying difficulty.

Food to try

• Moravian Sparrow (Moravský vrabec) — A traditional pork dish rolled in bacon and served with gravy, hearty comfort food found in local restaurants.
• Trdelník — A sweet pastry spiral coated in cinnamon and sugar, often sold at local bakeries and street stalls, perfect for afternoon snacking.
• Olomouc Cheese (Tvarůžky) — A pungent aged cheese specialty from nearby Olomouc with a distinctive sharp flavor, available at local markets and cheese shops.
• Moravian wine tasting — Sample local wines from nearby wine regions of South Moravia, including whites and reds, at cellar doors or local wine bars.
• Fruit dumplings (Knedlíky s ovocem) — Steamed potato or bread dumplings filled with fresh plums or apricots, served with melted butter and sugar, a seasonal Moravian specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit on market day — The town square comes alive on Saturdays when local farmers and vendors sell produce, crafts, and food, offering authentic Czech provincial life.
• Respect the Jewish heritage sites — The synagogue and cemetery are active cultural monuments; dress respectfully and check visiting hours before arrival.
• Learn basic Czech greetings — Locals appreciate visitors who attempt 'Dobrý den' (good day) and 'Děkuji' (thank you), as English is less common in this small town.
• Explore on foot — Boskovice is best experienced by walking its narrow lanes and alleyways; cars are restricted in the center and the compact layout rewards wandering.

Nearby

• Moravian Karst — 16 km
• Doudleby nad Orlicí (East Bohemia) — 16 km
• Macocha Abyss — 17 km
• Brno — 32 km