Jihlava sits exactly where Bohemia becomes Moravia, on the ridge of the Czech-Moravian Highlands. Silver made it rich in the 13th century, and the money went into one of the largest squares in the country, a ring of walls, and a labyrinth of cellars under the whole old town. It is a proper hill town — and utterly unvisited by foreigners.
1. Masarykovo náměstí
The great square · Map ↗
Enormous — 36,000 square metres, sloping, with fountains, arcades and church towers at each end. Space is the luxury here.
2. The city walls & the Gate of the Mother of God
Old town edge · Map ↗
The last surviving medieval gate, with a viewing gallery, and a preserved stretch of walls above steep gardens.
3. Church of St James towers
North of the square · Map ↗
Twin unequal towers over red rooftops; the climbable one gives the classic panorama of the whole town.
4. Jihlava catacombs
Under the old town · Map ↗
25 kilometres of medieval cellars, partly open to visitors. For couples who like the extraordinary, an underground proposal is unforgettable — and needs a booked, timed tour.
5. Heulos park & the Jihlava river valley
Below the walls · Map ↗
Steep woodland paths, a stream and city walls above — green and private within five minutes of the square.
Above ground and below it
Few towns offer both a huge open square and a medieval underworld. If you want something nobody in your circle will have done, the catacombs are the most unusual proposal setting in the Highlands — cool, lamplit and quiet. We coordinate with the tour timing so the moment lands in a calm stretch.
Highlands weather
At 500 metres, Jihlava is cooler than Prague and keeps snow longer — a genuine advantage for winter photos. Bring an extra layer even in summer evenings; the Highlands cool quickly after sunset.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jihlava from Prague?
About 130 km, an hour and a half by car on the D1 motorway. It sits midway between Prague and Brno, so it works as a stop on the way to Moravia.
Can you really propose in the catacombs?
Yes, on a guided tour — they are open to the public seasonally with timed entry. We brief the guide discreetly if needed, and photograph in the quieter chambers. Book well ahead in summer.
Is the square too big for intimate photos?
It can be, which is why we usually mix it with the walls, the park below and the arcades. The scale is best used for wide, cinematic frames rather than close ones.
When does Jihlava look best?
Late spring and autumn. Winter is also strong here — the Highlands hold snow when Prague is grey, and the square under snow is genuinely beautiful.