Brno
Brno is known for its successful blend of history, modernity, and vibrant urban life. Visit historic buildings such as the Arnold Villa and experience the striking modern contrast of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the Austrian border, the city offers a wide range of impressions and should by no means be underestimated.
Špilberk Castle
Špilberk Castle is one of Brno’s most important landmarks and is located on the summit of Špilberk Hill.
Historical Background
The castle was originally built in the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II as a defensive stronghold to protect the Czech state and the city of Brno. Over time, its function changed: in 1783 it was decided to use the complex as a civil prison for serious criminals and political prisoners from across the Habsburg Monarchy. Špilberk Castle was considered one of the harshest prisons in Europe and housed well-known inmates such as the Italian Carbonari and the famous robber Václav Babinský. In 1855, the prison was dissolved and the complex was subsequently used 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 impressive views. The viewpoint in the corner tower is particularly suitable for photos with a wide panorama in the background. The Museum of the City of Brno is also located at Špilberk. Throughout the year, numerous concerts, theatre performances, and festivals take place there. Other notable parts of the area include the carillon with fifteen bells, a Baroque chapel, and extensive vaulted corridors surrounded by mystical stories.
The Arnold Villa and Villa Tugendhat
Both villas have a special significance for Brno. While the Arnold Villa is part of the city’s older history and has shaped Brno since 1862, 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 Greta Tugendhat’s aunt, 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 made accessible to a broader public again. Today, the Arnold Villa can be visited and also serves as a venue for cultural events.
Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Villa Tugendhat is based on a design by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It impresses with its architectural clarity, its integration into the natural surroundings, its open spatial concept, and its technical and structural execution. High-quality materials were also used and can be viewed on site. The villa is considered an icon of modernist residential architecture and is one of the most important 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 underwent extensive renovation and restoration work, allowing the building and gardens to be returned largely to their original condition. Today, it once again closely resembles its appearance from 1930. Various tours can be booked for a visit, and 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 Istanbul’s Yerebatan Cistern. The facilities are located beneath the lawn of the revitalized park at Žlutý kopec and immerse visitors in a unique atmosphere from times past. Through the WatertanksArt project, the reservoirs have been brought back to life: concerts, performances, visual shows, and site-specific events take place there at regular intervals. In particular, art enthusiasts will find an extraordinary place to linger.
In addition to Špilberk Castle, the contrasting villas, and the unique water reservoirs, Brno features many other historically significant buildings.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular (civil) building in Brno and is located in the city centre. It houses the main symbols of three famous Brno legends: the Brno Dragon, the wagon wheel, and the crooked little turret above the portal. In addition, the building contains an information centre, historic halls, and two permanent exhibitions entitled “Magister Anton Pilgram” and “Silent Heroism”. The Old Town Hall also offers a pleasant view over the city centre.
Since 2024, the Old Town Hall has been classified as a national cultural monument. It is no longer used for administrative purposes and instead serves cultural events. Concerts, festivals, theatre performances, and film screenings take place in the courtyard, among other activities.
Radnická 8
In the passageway of the Town Hall, you can see the famous Brno Dragon and the wagon wheel; the crooked little turret is located above the Gothic portal. In addition to the tourist information centre on the ground floor, the exhibition “Magister Anton Pilgram” can be found 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 enjoy the city from above, you can climb the 173 steps up to the 63-metre-high tower.
Radnická 10
Also on the first floor is the second exhibition, “Silent Heroism”, which can be accessed via the Café Paměti národa. The permanent exhibition takes you through the 20th century and tells the stories of eyewitnesses.
Ossuary of St. James’s Church
The ossuary of St. James’s Church in Brno is considered the second-largest ossuary in Europe, surpassed only by the Paris ossuary. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people were buried here. The cemetery had been located on today’s Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square) since the early 13th century. Because it lay within the city walls and could not be expanded, a replacement system was introduced: after ten to twelve years, a grave was reopened, the remains were removed, and another deceased person was buried in the same place. The bones from the original grave were transferred to underground facilities such as ossuaries. The rapid overcrowding likely also contributed to the spread of plague and cholera epidemics, which severely affected Brno’s population. 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 gradually fell into obscurity.
Today, the ossuary is a frequently visited site and also a place of remembrance. The visit is accompanied by music by the Brno composer Miloš Štědroň.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of St. 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 took place in the 13th century: a Romanesque basilica was created, the remains of which were not discovered until the early 21st century and are now accessible to the public. In addition, the church was rebuilt and took on an early Gothic character. With the establishment of the Diocese of Brno in 1777, the church on Petrov Hill was elevated to cathedral status.
What Can I See?
In addition to viewing the uncovered remains of the Romanesque basilica, visitors can also see the main altar, which dates from the 19th century and has been preserved to this day. The pulpit on the left exterior side of the church is also worth seeing; it commemorates the preaching 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 bells of the towers ring every day at exactly 11 a.m., recalling the story of General Réduit des Souches. According to tradition, the Swedish General Torstensson allegedly declared he would abandon the siege of Brno if he had not captured the city before the midday bells rang. General Réduit des Souches then had the bells rung an hour earlier.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey
Brno offers a wide range of attractions and is particularly interesting for those who are passionate about history and culture. Please make sure to inform yourself in advance about the applicable toll regulations. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your journey more effectively and display suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact us at any time via email.
