Brünn

Brno is known for its successful blend of history, modernity and urban vibrancy. Visit historical buildings such as the Arnold Villa and experience, in direct contrast, the Villa Tugendhat, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The city near the Austrian border offers diverse impressions and should by no means be underestimated.

Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle is one of Brno's most significant landmarks and is located on the hill of the same name, Špilberk Hill.

Historical background

The castle was originally built in the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II as a defensive structure for the Czech state and the city of Brno. Over time, its function changed: in 1783, it was decided to use the complex as a civilian prison for serious criminals and political prisoners from the entire Habsburg Monarchy. Špilberk Castle was considered one of the harshest prisons in Europe and housed, among others, well-known inmates such as the Italian Carbonari or the famous robber Václav Babinský. In 1855, the prison was dissolved, and the complex subsequently served as a barracks until it was declared a national cultural monument in 1962.

Why is the castle still interesting today?

In addition to its historical significance, the castle offers an impressive view. The lookout point in the corner tower is particularly suited for photos with a sweeping panorama in the background. The Brno City Museum is also located at Špilberk. Throughout the year, numerous concerts, theatre performances and festivals take place there. Other noteworthy areas of the site include the carillon with fifteen bells, a baroque chapel, and extensive vaulted corridors accompanied by mystical tales.

The Arnold Villa and the Villa Tugendhat

Both villas hold a special significance for Brno. While the Arnold Villa belongs to the city's older history and has shaped Brno since 1862, the Villa Tugendhat represents modernity and was built between 1929 and 1930.

Arnold Villa

The Arnold Villa was built within a few months as part of a villa colony that is among the oldest in Central Europe. It owes its name to its former owner, Josef Arnold. Later, it was inhabited by the aunt of Greta Tugendhat, who, together with her husband, redesigned the villa with Art Deco elements. After the Second World War, the Arnold Villa was also used as a kindergarten. Following its reconstruction in 2024, it was reopened to a wider public. Today, the Arnold Villa can be visited and also serves as a venue for cultural events.

Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO World Heritage)

The Villa Tugendhat is based on a design by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It impresses with its architectural clarity, its integration into the natural surroundings, its open spatial effect, as well as its technical and structural execution. High-quality materials were also used, which can be viewed on site. The villa is regarded as an icon of modernist living and is one of the most significant examples of modern architecture in the Czech Republic. For this reason, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Between 2010 and 2012, the villa was extensively renovated and restored, allowing the building and garden to be largely returned to their original state. Today, it once again largely corresponds to its 1930 appearance. Various tours can be booked for a visit; in addition to guided tours, virtual tours are also available.

Žlutý kopec Water Reservoirs (Vodojemy Žlutý kopec)

The four water reservoirs date from around the turn of the 19th to the 20th century and were built without the use of steel, wood or reinforced concrete. They are sometimes referred to as mysterious underground cathedrals from the years 1874, 1894 and 1917, and are regarded as a counterpart to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. The structures are located beneath the lawn of the revitalised park at Žlutý kopec and transport visitors into a special atmosphere of bygone times. Through the WatertanksArt project, the water reservoirs are being brought back to life: concerts, performances, visual shows and site-specific events take place there at regular intervals. This is an extraordinary place to linger, especially for those interested in art.

In addition to Špilberk Castle, the contrasting villas and the unique water reservoirs, Brno has numerous other historic buildings.

Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular, or civil, building in Brno and is located in the city centre. It houses the main symbols of three well-known Brno legends: the Brno Dragon, the Wagon Wheel, and the Crooked Tower at the portal. It also houses an information centre, historical halls, and two permanent exhibitions titled "Master Anton Pilgram" and "Quiet Heroism." The Old Town Hall also offers a beautiful view of the city centre.

Since 2024, the Old Town Hall has been listed as a national cultural monument. It is no longer used for administrative purposes today, but instead serves as a venue for cultural events. The courtyard hosts, among other things, concerts, festivals, theatre performances and film screenings.

Radnická 8

In the passageway of the town hall, you can see the famous Brno Dragon and the Wagon Wheel; the Crooked Tower is located at the Gothic portal. Next to the tourist information centre on the ground floor, the exhibition "Master Anton Pilgram" is located on the first floor. The Crystal Hall and Fresco Hall, as well as the mysterious treasury, are also worth seeing. If you would like to experience the city from above, you can also climb the 173 steps to the 63-metre-high tower.

Radnická 10

The second exhibition, "Quiet Heroism," is also located on the first floor and can be accessed via the Memory of Nations Café. The permanent exhibition leads into the 20th century and tells the stories of contemporary witnesses.

Ossuary of the Church of St James

The ossuary of the Church of St James in Brno is considered the second largest ossuary in Europe, surpassed only by the Paris Catacombs. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people were buried here. The cemetery had already existed at what is now St James's Square since the early 13th century. Since it lay within the city walls and could not be expanded, an exchange system was introduced: after ten to twelve years, a grave would be opened, the remains removed, and another deceased person buried in the same spot. The bones from the original grave were transferred to underground facilities such as ossuaries or bone houses. The rapid overcrowding is also likely to have contributed to the spread of plague and cholera epidemics. For hygienic reasons, the cemetery was closed in 1784, the remains were moved to the crypt, and the cemetery wall was demolished. Over time, the area around the church was increasingly forgotten.

Today, the ossuary is a frequently visited site and also a place of remembrance. The visit is also accompanied by music by the Brno composer Miloš Štědroň.

Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul

The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul looks back on a long and eventful history.

Historical background

The cathedral is located on Petrov Hill. Its origins date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when a Romanesque chapel was first built, followed by a church with an apse and crypt at the end of the 12th century. Further changes followed in the 13th century: a Romanesque basilica was built, the remains of which were only discovered in the early 21st century and are now open to the public. The church was also rebuilt and given an early Gothic character. With the founding of the Diocese of Brno in 1777, the church on Petrov Hill was elevated to the status of a cathedral.

What can I see?

In addition to viewing the exposed remains of the Romanesque basilica, visitors can also admire the main altar. It dates from the 19th century and has survived to this day. Also worth seeing is the pulpit on the left outer side of the church, which commemorates the preaching activities of John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno in the mid-15th century. A well-known legend also surrounds the cathedral: the tower bells ring every day punctually at 11 o'clock, commemorating the legend of General Raduit de Souches. The story goes that the Swedish general Torstensson is said to have announced that he would abandon the siege of Brno if the city was not captured before the midday bells rang. General Raduit de Souches then had the bells rung an hour early.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

Brno offers a wide range of attractions and is particularly interesting for those who are enthusiastic about history and culture. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. Feel free to also use our route planner to better plan your trip and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. Contact us at any time by email.