Špilberk Castle

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

Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle is one of the most significant landmarks of Brno and is located on the summit of the hill of the same name.

Historical background

The castle was originally built in the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II as a defensive fortification 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 the most serious criminals and political prisoners from across the 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 closed, 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 wide panorama in the background. The Brno City Museum is also located on Špilberk Hill. 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 passages accompanied by mystical tales.

The Arnold Villa and the Villa Tugendhat

Both villas hold 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. It was later inhabited by the aunt of Greta Tugendhat, who redesigned the villa together with her husband using 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 Site)

The Villa Tugendhat is based on a design by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It impresses with its architectural clarity, integration into the natural surroundings, open spatial effect, and 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. It has therefore been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Between 2010 and 2012, the villa underwent extensive renovation and restoration, allowing the building and garden to be largely returned to their original condition. Today it once again largely resembles 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 considered a counterpart to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. The facilities are located beneath the lawn of the revitalised park at Žlutý kopec and transport visitors into a special atmosphere of times gone by. The WatertanksArt project brings the water reservoirs 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 civic, 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 little tower on the portal. It also houses an information centre, historic 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 a national cultural monument. It is no longer used for administrative purposes but instead serves cultural events. Its courtyard hosts concerts, festivals, theatre performances and film screenings, among other events.

Radnická 8

In the passageway of the town hall, you can see the famous Brno Dragon and the wagon wheel; the crooked little tower is located on the Gothic portal. Next to the tourist information centre on the ground floor, the exhibition "Master Anton Pilgram" is located on the first floor. Also worth seeing are the Crystal Hall and the Fresco Hall, as well as the mysterious treasury. 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 first floor also houses the second exhibition, "Quiet Heroism," which is accessible 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 ossuary. It is estimated that over 50,000 people were buried here. The cemetery had already existed at what is now St James's Square since the beginning of the 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 thought 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 torn down. Over time, the area around the church gradually fell into obscurity.

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 Saints Peter and Paul

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and 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 not discovered until 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 been preserved to this day. Also worth seeing is the pulpit on the left outer side of the church, which commemorates the preaching activity of John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno in the second half of the year. A well-known legend is also associated with the cathedral: the tower bells ring every day precisely at 11 a.m., commemorating the legend of General Raduit de Souches. According to the story, the Swedish general Torstensson is said to have announced that he would call off the siege of Brno if the city was not captured before the noon bells rang. General Raduit de Souches thereupon had the bells rung an hour earlier.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey