Brno
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 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city near the Austrian border offers a wide range of impressions and should not 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 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 civil prison for the most serious criminals and political prisoners from countries throughout the Habsburg Monarchy. Špilberk Castle was regarded as 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 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?
Besides its historical significance, the castle offers an impressive view. The viewing point in the corner tower is especially 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 notable areas of the site include the carillon with fifteen bells, a baroque chapel, and extensive vaulted passages accompanied by mysterious tales.
The Arnold Villa and the Villa Tugendhat
Both villas hold a special significance for Brno. While the Arnold Villa is part of 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 Site)
The 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 effect, and 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 is one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the Czech Republic. It was therefore included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Between 2010 and 2012 the villa was extensively renovated and restored, so that the building and garden could largely be returned to their original condition. Today it once again largely corresponds to its appearance from 1930. 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 facilities are located beneath the lawn of the revitalised park at Žlutý kopec and put visitors in a special atmosphere reminiscent of past eras. 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 "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 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 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 "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 is also home to 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 early 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 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 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 also accompanied by music composed 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–12th century, when a Romanesque chapel was first built, and at the end of the 12th century a church with an apse and crypt was constructed. 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 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 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 every day precisely at 11 a.m., recalling the legend of General Raduit de Souches. According to tradition, the Swedish general Torstensson is said to have announced that he would call off the siege of Brno if the city was not taken before the ringing of the noon bells. General Raduit de Souches thereupon had the bells rung an hour early.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
Brno offers a wide range of attractions and is especially interesting for those who are enthusiastic about history and culture. Please make sure to 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 will of course be happy to help. Contact us at any time by email.
