Introducing Brno
Brno, The Czech Republic's second largest city is a cultural jewel in the heart of Europe, offering an authentic Czech experience. Art fills its galleries and music drifts across its squares. Medieval sites, Habsburg-era grandeur, elegant restaurants, and the pulse of student life all flow together, making it one of Czechia’s most fascinating destinations.
Fun Facts about Brno
- A dragon used to terrorise Brno - Today, the so-called dragon hangs in the Old Town Hall — but it’s actually a crocodile.
- A clock in Brno drops a marble every day - At exactly 11 am, the Astronomical Clock releases a single glass marble, and visitors gather to catch it as a keepsake.
- There’s a hidden medieval well under the market - Under the Vegetable Market square lies a well that once supplied the city with water.
- Brno has an alley so narrow it needs traffic lights - Near St. James' Church, the alley only fits one person at a time, so you have to wait for the green light to enter.
- You can drink cocktails in a Cold War nuclear bunker - The preserved Nuclear Shelter 10-Z is now a bar with atomic-age relics.
- Monks mummified themselves in Brno - The Capuchin Crypt holds the naturally preserved bodies of monks, thanks to the unique airflow and soil conditions.
A Brief History of Brno
Brno’s origins trace back over a thousand years, with the first recorded mention dating to the 11th century. By the Middle Ages, Brno flourished as an important trade hub, with its strategic location attracting merchants, artisans, and invaders alike.
Brno grew into an administrative and military hub under Habsburg rule from the 17th to the early 20th century. Later, when Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918, Brno shifted away from its Austrian and German ties, fully embracing its role as a center of Czech culture.
Top 9 Attractions In Brno
1. Spilberk Castle
Rising above Brno, Spilberk Castle commands the skyline. Built in 1243, it began as a royal fortress and military stronghold. However, it is most infamous for its dark history as a prison, where political prisoners were confined in its notorious dungeons.
2. Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul
Brno’s skyline owes much to the elegant spires of this cathedral. Inside, you'll be treated to Gothic architecture with Baroque touches, while tall windows illuminate the medeival stone. Located on a hill, it offers panoramic views, while the noon bell carries a historical significance.
3. Old Town Hall
A twisted spire, a mischievous legend, and a hidden crocodile, Brno’s Old Town Hall packs surprises into every stone. Vaulted halls and historic chambers display exhibitions on the city’s medieval trade and civic life.
The treasury room holds ceremonial objects, guild relics, and ancient documents. while passageway under the tower houses the famous Brno Dragon. Climb the tower for panoramic views across the old city rooftops.
4. Moravian Gallery
The Moravian Gallery spans five buildings, showcasing everything from Gothic altarpieces and Renaissance portraits to Czech modernism and contemporary design. Collections include Baroque masterpieces, 19th century landscapes, and avant garde photography.
5. Brno Ossuary
Beneath St James’ Church lies the Brno Ossuary, holding the remains of over 50,000 people. Walls are stacked floor to ceiling with human skulls and bones, from burial practices, plagues, and wars that filled these underground vaults.
6. Brno Labyrinth
The fascinating Labyrinth is a network of tunnels, cellars, and dungeons beneath the city that dates back to the the 1200's. Exhibits display old wine barrels, alchemists' tools, and archaeological relics while period lighting brings the underground world to life.
7. Mendel Museum
Celebrating Gregor Mendel, the Augustinian friar whose experiments laid the foundations of modern genetics. The museum holds his letters, his original microscope, preserved botanical samples and a library with a collection of works related to genetics.
8. Villa Tugendhat
A masterpiece of modern architecture, Villa Tugendhat was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the 1920s. Inside, visitors find original furniture and open plan living spaces, experiencing first hand this revolutionary design.
9. Lužánky Park
Lužánky Park, the oldest public park in Brno, offers peaceful walking paths, landscaped gardens, and wide open lawns perfect for picnics or lazy afternoons. Sculptures and fountains dot the grounds, blending history with nature.
Legends & Mysteries in Brno
The Speaking Dungeon of Špilberk Castle - 100's of years ago, a dungeon room drove prisoners insane with eerie voices speaking to them in strange languages. Bricked over, its exact location remains a mystery to this day.
The Cursed Bell of St. James - One of the church bells is said to contain silver from a forbidden treasure, and it rings by itself during storms, warning of disaster.
The Vanishing Monk - In the Capuchin Crypt, visitors have reported seeing a robed monk walking among the mummies, only to disappear when approached.
Nearest Cities to Brno
- Olomouc - About an hour by train or car, known for its history and vibrant atmosphere.
- Jihlava - An hour away, perfect for a day trip with its medieval charm.
- Vienna - Only 1.5 hours by train or car, check out Austria's magnificent capital city.
- Bratislava - About 90 minutes away, Slovakia's charming capital is packed full of attractions.
- Prague - About 2.5 hours by train, Prague is the majestic capital of the Czech repuplic .
Key Facts About Brno
Main Attractions: There's plenty to see in Brno including Špilberk Castle, St. Peter & Paul Cathedral, the Moravian Gallery, the Brno Ossuary, and the Mendel Museum.
A Rich History: Brno’s origins date back over a thousand years, transitioning from a trade hub to a cultural center after Czechoslovakia's formation.
Legends and Mysteries: Brno is rich in legends, including tales of the Speaking Dungeon, the Cursed Bell of St. James, and the Vanishing Monk of the Capuchin Crypt.