Brno

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 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 the most significant landmarks of Brno 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 the most serious criminals and political prisoners from across the lands of 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 and 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 viewpoint in the corner tower is particularly suited for photos with a wide 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 notable 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 ranks among the oldest in Central Europe. It owes its name to its former owner, Josef Arnold. It was later inhabited by Greta Tugendhat's aunt, who, together with her husband, redesigned the villa with Art Deco elements. After World War II, the Arnold Villa was also used as a kindergarten. Following its reconstruction in 2024, it was made accessible to a wider public once again. 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 through 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 considered an icon of modernist living and one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the Czech Republic. For this reason, it was 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 appearance from 1930. Various tours can be booked for the 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 facilities are located beneath the lawn of the revitalised park at Žlutý kopec and transport visitors into a special atmosphere of times gone by. 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 Wheel, and the crooked little tower on the portal. It also houses an information centre, historic halls, and two permanent exhibitions titled "Magister Anton Pilgram" and "Silent 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 concerts, festivals, theatre performances and film screenings, among other things.

Radnická 8

In the town hall's passageway, you can see the famous Brno Dragon and the Wheel; the crooked little tower is located on the Gothic portal. Next to the tourist information centre on the ground floor, the exhibition "Magister 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 first floor also houses the second exhibition, "Silent Heroism", which is accessible via the Café Paměti národa. The permanent exhibition leads into the 20th century and tells the stories of contemporary witnesses.

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 already existed at what is now James's Square since the beginning of the 13th century. Since it was located within the city walls and could not be expanded, an exchange system was introduced: after ten to twelve years, a grave was opened, the remains were removed, and another deceased person was 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 abolished in 1784, the remains were moved to the crypt, and the cemetery wall was demolished. Over time, the area around the church increasingly fell into oblivion.

Today, the ossuary is a frequently visited site and, at the same time, a place of remembrance. The visit is also accompanied by music from 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 only discovered at the beginning of the 21st century and are now open to the public. The church was also rebuilt and took on 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 cathedral.

What can I see?

In addition to viewing the exposed remains of the Romanesque basilica, visitors can also admire the main altar. This 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 activity of John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno during the second half of the year. A well-known legend is also associated with the cathedral: the bells of the towers ring daily at exactly 11 o'clock, commemorating the legend of General Raduit de Souches. The background to this is the tradition 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 ringing of the midday bells. General Raduit de Souches then had the bells rung an hour early.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

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