The main attractions of Brno. The best attractions of Brno (Czech Republic) with photos and descriptions Where is Brno located

The capital of Moravia, a city of churches with a centuries-old history, which is clearly reflected in architectural monuments, the second most important and largest city after Prague is Brno. For its colorful boulevards lined with chestnut trees, locals compare it to Paris. It can also be safely called a center of festivals, colorful fairs and fun. This city will give you a lot of impressions and surprise you!

Sights of Brno (Czech Republic) with photos

Sights, legends and history of Brno

Museums Brno

Despite the huge number of historical monuments, the city is also full of many museums:

• Moravian Museum;
• Technical Museum;
• Museum of the City of Brno, etc.

Theaters

Theater lovers should definitely visit:

• theater "Reduta";
• theater "G-Studio";
• theater "Boleka Polivki" etc.

Castles of Brno

Fans of historical fortresses full of legends and secrets will appreciate the city’s castles, namely:

• Pernstein;
• Shpilberg;
• Veveří.

Galleries

You can get closer to painting by visiting the gallery:

• them. Vannieka;
• Moravian Gallery;
• "G99 Gallery".

Cathedrals and monasteries

Every tourist should, if possible, visit at least several shrines from this list:

• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul;
• Capuchin monastery;

• Temple of the Ascension of the Diva Mary;
• Church of St. Jacob.

TOP 5 main attractions of Brno with descriptions and photos

Spielberg Castle

Spielberg Castle

Do you know that …
The castle often hosts various events, which are accompanied by performances by Brno folk groups. Therefore, before visiting this place full of legends, be sure to first read the event poster, which can be found on the official website http://www.spilberk.cz/.

This is one of the most important historical attractions of the city. It was from this castle that Brno began to unravel and develop. It was built in the 13th century by King Přemysl Otakar II. Despite the fact that the building first served as a royal residence, its main purpose was to protect the city from enemies. A little later, the castle was transformed into one of the largest European prisons, which gave Spielberg its second name - “Dungeon of Nations”. Today, Spielberg Castle is an incredible museum complex and a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Important!
Working hours: 9:00 – 17:00.
July – September: 10:00 – 18:00.
October – April: Mon – closed.
Ticket price:
Family – 205 CZK (2 – 3 children and 2 adults).
Adult – 90 CZK.
Preferential – 50 CZK.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

The cathedral is located on Peter's Hill, from which an incredible view opens. It simply fascinates with its grandeur. The church was built at the end. XIII century, where a Roman chapel was previously located. Incredibly, it was this temple that became the starting point of new times in Brno. After all, according to legend, in the confrontation with the Swedes, an agreement was drawn up between the commanders of both armies. It was that if the Swedish army did not get into the city by noon, then it should retreat. The bell ringer struck noon, and the enemies retreated, only he struck 12 blows at 11:00, an hour earlier. Thus, the city was saved and since then noon in Brno begins at 11 o'clock.

Do you know that …
The spiers of the temple towers are visible everywhere you go in the city. And the image of the church is placed on the 10 crown coin.

Villa Tugendhat

Villa Tugendhat

This architectural structure is a bright representative of the Art Nouveau style. This is the only monument in the Czech Republic that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The villa was built by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, whose chairs are produced and popular in Europe to this day. The building is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which slightly softens the massiveness of the villa. By the way, tourists are allowed to take photos inside the house, but without a tripod or flash.

Important!
Operating mode:
Tue – Sun: 10:00 – 18:00.
Entry price:
Basic tour (1 hour) – 300 CZK.
Students and pensioners – 180 CZK.
Family ticket – 690 CZK.
Extended tour (1.5 hours) – 350 CZK.
Students and pensioners – 210 CZK.
Family ticket – 805 CZK.
You must register for the excursion 2 weeks in advance on the official website.

Freedom Square

Freedom Square

This is the most beautiful and ancient square of the city, where tourists can get acquainted with the unique 6-meter clock in the shape of a sleeve. Every day at 11:00 the clock shoots glass bullets that anyone can catch. Therefore, every day a line forms at the holes of the cartridge case.
Also on Freedom Square you can get acquainted with such structures as:

• Plague Column;
• Klein Palace;
• House "At Four Blockheads";

• Omega Palace;
• Fountain with poems by Jan Skacel.

Important!
How to get to the square?
By tram number: 4, 8, 9.
Namesti Svobody station.

Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall

The Town Hall is considered the heart of the city of Brno. It is unique not only for its architectural design and style, but also for its observation deck, which offers incredible views of the city.

What to see in 1 day of stay in Brno?

Maybe for some this may not seem like much, but it is still quite possible to see the city of Brno and get to know its main attractions in just 1 day of stay. Many architectural structures and shrines are located near the central square.
When planning to explore the sights of the city of Brno on your own, be sure to see if there is any festival or fair planned there. After all, various large-scale events take place in Brno quite often.
For those who are planning to quickly get acquainted with this unique Czech town, we offer 1-day excursion route to the most outstanding places:

1. Start your morning with an introduction to the mysterious Spielberg Castle.
2. Then hurry to Freedom Square, where you must catch a glass bullet near the watch in the shape of a cartridge case at 11:00.
3. On Freedom Square you can also have lunch at one of the restaurants. Especially visit "Pod Radnicnim Kolem", where you can taste baked boar's knee, vole in bread and the best Moravian wines. You can also visit the restaurant "Tulip", where you are sure to enjoy young rabbit, duck pate and goose liver in apple-honey sauce.
4. In the 2nd half. visit today Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and explore the caves Moravian beauty.
5. Have dinner at a restaurant "Borgo Agnese", it is located on Kopchenaya street.

Family holidays in Brno: what to see in the city with children?

Velka Dohoda Center, Brno

If you are vacationing with children, then you should definitely visit several exciting places:

• Zoo Brno. Here children can feed and pet the llamas. In addition, a walk around the zoo will be educational and interesting.
• Nature reserve Obora Holedna Brno. Here you can watch deer in their natural habitat. Also there you will meet wild boars and various rare species of birds.
• Velka Dohoda Center. This is a whole range of entertainment for children. In addition to various attractions, here you will find rope bridges, bungee jumps, and obstacle courses.
• Waterpark Kohoutovice. This water park has swimming pools for small children and adults. There is also a good selection of slides and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi.

Video review of Brno sights

Brno is one of the best places for , and also quite an interesting place for lovers of city tours . And this is not surprising, because Brno is an ancient city, rich in historical sights that you can talk about for hours. But despite this, we have selected for you a short but vivid video about the sights of Brno.

Be sure to visit Brno in the Czech Republic! Use the route presented and leave your comments about how successful it is.

Brno- the ancient city of the Czech Republic, in size and importance second only to the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. The city is geographically located in the south of the country. Rivers flow on both sides of it Svitava And Svratka.

Brno is a significant cultural center in the republic. It attracts people from all over the world, thanks to the concentration of famous places and attractions.

And that is not all. The city regularly hosts congresses and festivals of national importance. In general, there is something for everyone to see in Brno.

Architectural monuments of Brno

Let's learn more about the main architectural monuments of the city of Brno.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

The temple is made in the Romanesque style. The building was built in 1296 on a hill, so it can be seen from afar.

In the mid-17th century there was a fire and the church building was badly damaged. Only a century later they were able to begin its restoration. Today the church already has two towers, each 84 meters high.

One event is significant from the history of the cathedral. In 1645, one general promised that he would leave this city if he could not capture it before noon.

The bell ringer that day made a mistake and rang a whole hour early, thus freeing the city from the invader.

And since then, in memory of this, the clock on the tower rings every day not at noon, but at 11:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

Today the image of the church is minted on. According to modern legend, their owners can become more successful.

Ossuary of the Church of St. James

In the 17th century, under the church of St. Jacob's three-chamber tomb arose, where the remains were placed in neat layers. At the end of the 18th century, the cemetery of the Church of St. Jacob's was overcrowded and was moved to the outskirts of the city, closed and forgotten about.

In 2001, during the reconstruction of the square and inspection of the dungeon, the ossuary was found. Now it is one of the tourist attractions.

Vegetable Market Square and Parnassus Fountain

For several centuries, trade in vegetables and poultry was carried out on this square. And these days you can eat fried chicken on it.

On the square you can admire the beautiful Parnassus fountain. In the center of the fountain stands a stone pedestal of the goddess Europa. The sculptures on three sides of the fountain symbolize the three powers.

Babylon is represented by a winged lion and a crown, Greece by a dragon and arrows in a quiver, and the figure of Persia with a cornucopia. The statues are located against the background of a grotto consisting of large stones.

Freedom Square and the Mariana Plague Column

In the old days, local residents called the square “lower market.” In the Middle Ages, the houses of noble and wealthy residents were located on it. From above, the area looks like an inverted letter “A”.

On the square itself there is a Marian plague pillar. This column symbolizes the liberation of the city from the siege by the Swedish army and from the plague.

At the top of the monument is the Virgin Mary and Child, and the four corners of the pedestal are decorated with statues.

Spielberg Castle

During its centuries-old existence, the castle changed its appearance several times. At first it was a residential building, then it became a military fortification, then a prison. Currently there is a museum with a permanent exhibition.

The most interesting thing for visitors is visiting the various rooms, corridors, kitchens and dungeons. On the ground floor you can see prison cells.

There is an observation deck in the corner tower, from which you can see the entire city.

Villa Tugendhat

It is located in Brno-Černé Pole and is a unique monument of functionalist architecture of the 20th century.

The villa was designed by a German architect. His project of a tall building using steel, concrete and glass, with an open plan for that time, turned out to be unlike anything else and turned the idea of ​​​​the architecture of administrative buildings upside down.

The house was built for the Tugendhat couple, who lived in the villa for 8 years until the Nazis arrived.

In the 80s, the city authorities restored the villa to its original appearance.

It is interesting to visit this building because, according to the technical ideas of the designer Mies van der Rohe (who is also the architect of the building), it was ahead of its time. The house is equipped as if it were built according to the latest innovations of the modern world, although it was built in 1930.

Old City Hall

The town hall building is one of the oldest in the city of Brno. The foundation of the structure was laid at the beginning of the 13th century. The building itself began to serve residents for its intended purpose from the beginning of the 14th century.

The Town Hall represents almost all architectural styles, as it has been repaired and rebuilt several times.

In 1660, a shield with the city's coat of arms was erected on the town hall.

City council meetings, courts were held here, and documents and money were also stored here. And in the back wing there was a prison.

Today the town hall is the tourist center of Brno. Exhibitions and various cultural events are held here.

Capuchin Monastery

The monastery is famous for its tomb, which contains the relics of sixteen monks.

They were buried without coffins, the head of each of them lying on two bricks, in accordance with the rules of the Capuchin Order.

Thanks to the unusual air circulation system, the bodies did not decompose and looked as if they were alive. Also 150 bodies of aristocrats and townspeople of Brno are buried here.

In the monks' crypt there is an inscription: “We were already like you. And you too will be like us.”

Museums, galleries and theaters

Brno is characterized by the presence of a large number of museums, galleries and theaters.

Brno City Museum

The museum is located in Spielberg Castle. The opening of the museum took place in 1907, and the impetus for its creation was an exhibition that took place in the city in 1903.

The museum contains such exhibitions as ethnology, glass painting, archeology, Easter eggs, textiles, and ceramics. A set of these exhibitions tells about the history of life and way of life of the indigenous population.

Moravian Museum

This is the second largest museum in the Czech Republic. It opened back in 1817. The origins of its creation include influential and wealthy patrons of the arts who donated a unique collection of art to the museum.

The museum houses about six million exhibits, representing valuable scientific material from the social and natural sciences.

The museum consists of 15 departments engaged in the study and holding of exhibitions in various scientific fields.

Technical Museum Brno

The museum is located on the northern side of Brno. This building has four floors, each of which contains specially equipped rooms with various exhibits.

Here you can see the following permanent exhibitions:

• an exhibition on the history of the development of vehicles (examples of cars and motorcycles of the last century are presented);
• an exhibition about the history of aviation (a large number of plastic aircraft models from all over the world from different times are presented);
• exposition “street of crafts” (a section of the city of Brno from the early 20th century is presented, recreated in the smallest detail);
• technical games room (exhibited objects showing many laws of physics in action).

Reduta Theater

There are more than 15 different theaters in the city of Brno. The Reduta Theater deserves special attention.

It is one of the ancient theaters in Europe. Traveling troupes began performing in Brno back in the 16th century. A stage was built especially for them in one of the taverns, on the site of which a theater was founded in 1732.

In addition to theatrical performances, social events were held here. Mozart performed in this theater when he was still a teenager. Here, for the first time, a play was staged in their native language.

Today, theater critics compare Redoubt to a bar, because scandalous tours, festivals and chamber productions take place here, and they advise those who need a good shake-up to go to the performances.

Copernicus Planetarium

The Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium are located on the so-called Cow Mountain, in the center of the city. The observatory and planetarium were founded in 1954. Two hundred seats for spectators are covered by a large dome

The observatory program, compiled in a certain way, will be interesting for both adults and children. Here you can expand your knowledge about the Universe, about the stars and their structure, and even go on a journey through virtual space.

All performances in the Planetarium include a human narrator who leads the narration and voices the wonders the guests see.

He speaks in Czech. But the observatory program includes performances in French, English or German; you need to register for them in advance.

Natural attractions

The city of Brno is rich in natural attractions.

Moravian Karst and Macocha Abyss

Moravian Karst– one of the largest karst areas in Central Europe. There are more than 1,100 caves throughout the karst region.

Visitors are allowed to visit only four of them:

• Katerzyn Cave, there are stalagmites known for their unusual vertical arrangement;
• Baltsarka cave with colorful and varied stalactite “finishes” on the walls;
• Stolbno-Shoshuvskaya Cave- these are underground abysses and long corridors;
• Punkva Cave, here the excursion involves a walk along the underground Punkva River. Those who wish will also be able to examine the bottom of the abyss. Matsokha. As a result of the collapse of the top of a huge cave, this abyss was formed.

  The upper part of the abyss is 174 m long and 76 m wide. Two observation bridges are located along the edges. The upper one, located at the highest point, was built in 1882.

  In 1899, another bridge was built, located above the lower part of Matsokha and from it the bottom is clearly visible.

Luzhanki Park

The park opened to its visitors back in 1788. The arrangement of the park was carried out by the city's chief gardener A. Bisinger. The park was decorated in the Baroque style that was fashionable at that time.

The gardener’s efforts were not in vain; the park was very much loved by the townspeople.

By the end of the 19th century, thanks to the efforts of A. Shebank, in addition to all types of local plants, more than 150 species of various exotic plants appeared in the park, including: soap tree, maple-leaved plane tree, Hungarian oak and others.

Today the park occupies 20 hectares of land, on which there are many cozy shady alleys, monuments, and a decorative pond.

Annual events in Brno

Various events are held in Brno every year.

Fireworks Parade

Every year a fireworks parade takes place on Lake Brenskoe, which is a competition of pyrotechnics coming from all over the world. Thousands of Czech residents and tourists from all over the world come to watch this grand show.

For several weeks, every evening there is an enchanting performance accompanied by music.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the timing of the competition-festival changes every year.

Festival of flights on balloons and balloons

In the city of Brno, a traditional hot air balloon festival has been organized every year for about 10 years in a row. Aeronauts from all over Europe take part in it. Guests can do more than just watch colorful hot air balloons fly. Those who wish can take to the skies and admire the landscapes and splendor of the fortresses from a bird's eye view.

International symphonic music festivals

Brno hosts two symphonic music festivals every year. Namely:

• International Music Festival Spielberg;
• International Music Festival Brno.

Both take place outdoors. Symphonic music festivals are held by the Philharmonic Society of the Moravian capital.

Representatives of active youth in the city of Brno can easily find many nightclubs, dance discos and bars.

The majestic cultural and architectural monuments will not leave anyone indifferent. For lovers of tasty and refined food, the doors of local restaurants with delicious dishes of Czech cuisine are always open.

Some sights of Brno can be seen in this video:

Thus, a trip to Brno will be interesting for people of all age groups and involved in different activities.

Sights of Brno. The most important and interesting sights of Brno - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

• Last minute tours to the Czech Republic

All All Architecture Places for walking Museums Nature Religion

Any Free entry UNESCO

the very best

Pernstein

South Moravian Region, Nedvedice

Another Czech castle that has its own mysterious White Lady is Pernštejn. The White Lady, as you understand, is a ghost, and why another one? Just read the descriptions of a couple of fortresses, and it will become clear that at one time the Czech Republic was a country of curses and romantic young ladies.

the very best

Old Town Hall Brno

Brno, Radnicka, 369/10

The building of the Old Town Hall (Stara Radnice), located near the Green Market Square, is not without reason considered the very heart of Brno, because it has become the secular center of the ancient city. The town hall housed the city council and the court; money was printed and documents were stored in the town hall.

free entry

Church of St. Jacob in Brno

Brno, Jakubska 11

The Church of St. Jakub or the Church of St. James, located on Jacob's Square in Brno, was built at the end of the 13th century. The original architecture of the church, made in the Romanesque style, completely changed its appearance during repeated reformations and acquired distinct Gothic-Baroque features.

The city of Brno, the second largest after the Czech capital Prague, is rich in many historical and cultural attractions. Over more than a thousand-year history in different eras, it was influenced by the peoples of Moravia, Germany, Austria and Holland, which, of course, is reflected in the modern appearance of the city. Its construction began in the second half of the 13th century around the ancient castle-fortress Špilberg, which became one of the main symbols of Brno. Thanks to its favorable location (major trade routes passed through the city), Brno soon became a developed cultural and commercial center. This contributed to the influx of new residents and, as a result, the development of the city. In the 18th century, Brno experienced a high rise in industry, and from that moment on the city acquired the title of the industrial capital of the Czech Republic.

The second largest city after Prague, Brno is not only the industrial capital of the Czech Republic, but also a major cultural and commercial center.

The sights of Brno are beautiful cathedrals and churches, luxurious theaters and galleries, majestic castles and ancient monasteries and, of course, streets, walking along which you can feel the atmosphere of the city. The main architectural attractions of Brno are located in its central part - this is the majestic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the spiers of which are visible from any part of the city, the Catholic Church of St. Jakub, which houses one of the largest ossuaries in Europe, the Cathedral of St. Thomas, the heart of the city - the building of the Old Town Hall, the Augustinian monastery, also called the Augustinian Abbey of St. Thomas. Also in the center you can stroll through the ancient squares of Brno. Among them are the largest square of the city - Freedom Square with the Plague Column in the middle, Jacob's Square, Capuchin Square, Dominican Square, Moravian and Comenius Square.

The central part of the city is a pedestrian zone covering the entire historical center of Brno. In addition to cultural attractions, tourists can enjoy an abundance of cafes, restaurants and shops.

If you come to Brno with children, be sure to visit the city zoo. It opens at 9:00 and is located a 30-minute walk from the center. The zoo houses more than 800 animals, including endangered species such as Przewalski's horses. The well-organized territory of the zoo allows you to walk animals in open areas, and for visitors there is an electric excursion train, on which you can explore all areas of the park area. In addition, for visitors with children there is a petting zoo, where children can pet animals, ride a pony, and play with guinea pigs and rabbits. In addition to the zoo, nature lovers are recommended to visit the botanical garden and arboretum at the University. Mendel.

Connoisseurs of theatrical art will also not be bored in Brno, because the doors of more than 15 independent and professional theaters and studios are open in the city. The most interesting of them is the avant-garde Goose on a String Theatre, located on the central and one of the main squares of the city - Cabbage Market. “Goose on a Leash” is the main alternative theater of the Czech Republic, participant and prize-winner of international festivals and competitions. Productions of “Goose” are famous for their originality and masterful acting. To impress and surprise the audience is the theater’s credo, which can be seen in everything: from the whimsical design of the building to its original performances.

There is a restaurant in the backyard of Gusya, which is a must-visit due to its fabulously colorful interior and first-class Czech cuisine.

As you know, the Czech Republic is famous for its magnificent medieval castles, and Brno is no exception in this regard. Among the wooded surroundings near the Brno reservoir stands the majestic Veverzy Castle, one of the oldest castles not only in Moravia, but throughout the Czech Republic. Excursion trips to the castle are organized daily from Brno, and all kinds of cultural events and activities are often held on its territory.

City of Brno is located in Moravia. Not far from the city, quite large rivers - Svitava and Svratka - merge, and the Moravian Plain borders on the Bohemian-Moravian Upland. Brno is second in size only to the capital of the Czech Republic. Approximately 378 thousand people live in the city itself, and together with the province - about 730 thousand. The area of ​​the land Brno is approximately 230 square kilometers.

City of Brno - video

The temperate continental climate, which influences the city of Brno, is characterized by fairly mild winters and warm summers. The average annual air temperature is 9.4°C.

Currently, Brno is one of the main economic centers of the Czech Republic. The city's industry has achieved its greatest development in the field of heavy engineering. Such industries as printing, chemical, woodworking, textile, cement, food and others are at a fairly high level. International industrial fairs have been held in Brno since 1926. You can also visit the Financial, Tourism and other fairs here.

Brno has an international airport called Turany. The airport serves planes arriving from Western European capitals (Moscow, and of course) and other cities. Brno also has a fairly significant railway junction. The public transport network includes trams, trolleybuses, buses and taxis. The local trolleybus route network is the largest in the Czech Republic.

Residents of Brno are very interested in football. There is a stadium here called Luzhanki, but, unfortunately, it needs major renovations. Behind this stadium, a new one is being built - the Brno Colosseum, which can accommodate up to 30 thousand football fans. Formula 2, FIA GT, WTCC and MotoGP races are held in the city at the Brno circuit.

Sights of the city of Brno

One of the main attractions of Brno - Dominican Church named after St. Michael, built in the Baroque style in the second half of the 17th century on the site of a Gothic church. In the 18th century, statues were installed around the temple, which were created by several sculptors at the same time. In the past, the premises attached to the church housed shops that sold meat, fish and poultry.

At the top of Mount Spielberg there is a fortress of the same name, which is a very popular attraction among tourists from European countries. This fortress is depicted on Czech coins. Fortress Spielberg Castle became in the 16th century. In the 19th century, the castle premises were converted into prison cells in which Polish, Italian, French and, of course, Czech prisoners were kept. During World War II, prisoners of war were tortured by the Nazis within the walls of the fortress. Not far from the castle there are two chapels, built, like the castle itself, in the Gothic style. Currently, the fortress houses a museum.

To pay attention Nicolaus Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium, which are located in the central region of Brno. There are always guides here who will give you excursions. In the planetarium you can use a powerful telescope, with which you can see the Moon, numerous stars and some planets.

Another attraction of Brno is Capuchin monastery. The monastery building was built in the 16th century; it houses the relics of the monastery monks, who, thanks to a special ventilation system, look as if they were alive.

You can't pass by Freedom Square, the so-called heart of the city. The square hosts many concerts and performances. Also, the movement of vehicles, both personal and public, is prohibited here, so the square is an excellent place to relax.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul built in the 14th century in the Gothic style on the site of an old monastery built in the Romanesque style. The cathedral clock, striking noon at 11 o'clock in the afternoon, reminds residents of the city of the events that took place here at the end of the 17th century, when a local bell ringer saved Brno from an attack by the Swedish army.

1. In restaurants and hotels in the city, it is considered good manners to leave the waiter or concierge who served you a small amount (5-10% of the total cost of the order and service) as a reward. You can also thank the taxi driver who delivered you to your destination on time and safe by rounding up the fare.

2. The most favorable currency exchange rate will be offered to you in state banks, for example, Ceskasporitelna, Zivnostenskabanka, Komercnibanka. Private offices and exchange offices charge a fairly large percentage of the commission fee, so it is recommended to resort to their services only when there is no other choice.

3. There is no need to carry large sums of money with you when walking around the city, because you can always pay with a credit card in places such as gas stations, large supermarkets and restaurants.

4. When visiting public places or traveling on public transport, it is best to carry valuables (tablets, photo and video cameras) in bags, as there is a danger of becoming a victim of pickpockets.
5. The work schedule of government institutions here is as follows: from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 16:30 pm, Saturday is a short day, Sunday is a day off.

6. Tourists who prefer nightlife should pay attention to the fact that cafes and bars generally close no later than 11 pm. However, the city has quite a lot of nightclubs and discos that are open until the morning.

7. Please note that in the city, throwing garbage in places not intended for this purpose is punishable by large fines. In parks, you can have a picnic only in special recreation areas.
8. Smoking is prohibited in public places in Brno. Prohibition signs installed everywhere will warn you about this. However, most restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas.

9. The population of the city (both pedestrians and drivers always) try to follow the traffic rules, which they know very well. Guests of the city should also not violate them, as here you will face problems with local representatives of the law for this.

10. If you are already 23 years old and have an international driving license, you can rent a car. At the rental location, you will be asked to leave a certain amount of money as a deposit, which depends on the make and class of the car.

Brno on the map, panorama

The history of the settlement in the territory where modern Brno is located supposedly dates back to 400 BC. e. According to one version, the city was founded by the Celts, and it is this point that Ptolemy mentions in his geographical atlas under the name “Eburodunum”. Czech linguists believe that the name of the city of Brno comes from the words “brdo” or “brniti”, meaning “hill” and “to defend” respectively. It is known that already in the 11th century there was a fortress on one of the hills around which the settlement grew. Its founder is considered to be Prince Břetislav I the Warrior, a representative of the Czech royal Přemyslid dynasty.

By order of Prince Břetislav I, his eldest son was to rule in Prague, and Moravia was divided between two younger sons - Vratislav and Konrad. Brno, which in those days was called Břetislav Castle, became the seat of Conrad and the center of the Duchy of Brno. It bordered on Austrian lands and protected the southern borders of the Czech Republic.

In 1992, Brno became the focus of attention of the entire European political elite. Here, at Villa Tugendhat, negotiations took place between the prime ministers of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This place became a kind of “Belovezhskaya Pushcha” for Czechoslovakia - as a result of the meeting, the final “divorce” between the two federal republics was formalized.

Geography and climate

Brno is located on the southeastern edge of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, which stretches from the north of the country to the border with Austria. The wooded hills of the Bobravska Upland approach the city from the west, the ledges of the Draganska Upland from the north, and the Dyjsko-Svratetska hollow extends to the south and southeast of Brno. The highest point of the city (497 m) is located on its northern outskirts.

The Svratka and Svitava rivers and their tributaries flow through Brno. Svratka, having covered a 25 km long path within the city, forms the Brno Reservoir in its northwestern part. This reservoir is a popular vacation spot for townspeople and tourists.

Brno is surrounded by centuries-old mixed forests; its surroundings belong to protected areas. To the north of the city, the famous Moravian Karst Nature Reserve stretches for 25 km - one of the largest karst massifs in Europe. The vast valley south of Brno is home to vineyards. “Wine routes” lead here - tourists are invited to visit wineries and stylish cellars.

Thanks to its location between the mountain range and the lowlands of South Moravia, Brno boasts a mild climate. Comfortable weather prevails here from March to November, but tourists prefer to come here from May to September. Summer in Brno is warm, but not hot: daytime air temperatures usually range between +23...+25 °C, at night +11...+13 °C. There are also sultry days when the thermometer approaches +30 °C, but this temperature does not last long. Most precipitation occurs in July-August.

Winters in the city are warm and with little snow. The coldest months are January and February. The daytime air temperature at this time is from –2 °C to 0 °C, at night the average is –5 °C. Frosts of 10 degrees are rare here.

Sights of Brno

The heart of Brno is the central and largest Freedom Square in the city. It arose in the 13th century at the intersection of three shopping streets. Over the centuries, the square changed its appearance, adapting to fashionable trends in architecture, but it always remained a place where city life was in full swing.

Many buildings with a rich history still decorate the central square of Brno. Among them is the House of the Lords of Lipe, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, built in the 16th century. Next door is the Klein Palace in the neo-Renaissance style (19th century). Iron and glass were used in its construction, which was an innovation for the architectural appearance of Brno. The Plague Column, erected in 1679 in memory of the townspeople whose lives were claimed by the plague epidemic that raged here for 10 years, has survived to this day. The marble column is crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and at the foot there are sculptures of saints.

A spectacular but controversial landmark of Freedom Square is the house “At the Four Caryatids”. The façade of the building, built in the era between the two world wars, is decorated with life-sized sculptures holding up the balustrade of the house. But the sculptures, which were supposed to be majestic, do not produce such an impression. The facial expressions of the characters in the composition usually cause laughter, for which they received an apt nickname from the townspeople - “mamlas”, that is, “blockheads”. And the building itself got its name – “At the Four Blockheads”.

Omega Palace is another building in Brno that is often subject to criticism. An abstract glass building, squeezed between the facades of ancient buildings, is the creation of a modern design studio. Her project won the competition for the development of a gap that had been empty for many years, despite the fact that most townspeople were categorically against such eclecticism.

An original monument of modern architecture is a six-meter clock in the shape of a sleeve. Every day at 11:00 they “shoot” a glass bullet. Catching it is a good omen, so by 11 o’clock there is a line of tourists. Eleven o'clock is a significant time for Brno, and the clock strikes not only on Freedom Square at this time. The ringing echoes over the city and from Petrov Hill, where the magnificent Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the 13th century, stands. According to legend, in 1645, during the siege of Brno by the Swedes, the commanders on both sides entered into an agreement on the retreat of the Swedish troops if they failed to capture the city before noon. During the attack, no one noticed that the bell ringer struck the cathedral bell an hour earlier. The Swedes retreated, and the tradition of ringing the bell at 11:00 remained for centuries.

The Peter and Paul Cathedral itself, with its slender spiers soaring into the sky, dominates Brno and is one of the main attractions of the city. Built in the Romanesque style, at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries the cathedral significantly modified its appearance and acquired Gothic features. The interiors of the temple are dominated by Baroque style. The walls are decorated with luxurious paintings, a statue of the Madonna, created in the 14th century, is kept here, and an old baroque organ sounds. The temple often hosts concerts of chamber and organ music. The cathedral is open from 7:00 to 18:30.

Another symbol and oldest landmark of Brno is Špilberk Castle. It dates back to the 13th century, when the Czech ruler Přemysl Otakar II ordered the construction of a fortified royal residence on the top of one of the hills. The castle changed its Gothic facade in the 16th century, when after a fire it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. In the next century, the Habsburgs decided to turn part of its premises into dungeons for enemies of the monarchy, and Špilberk Castle replaced the glory of an impregnable fortress with the gloomy status of a dungeon. If you go here with a guide, you will hear many legends and chilling stories about the terrifying order that reigned in these casemates. From May to September the castle is open to visitors every day; in other months it is closed on Mondays. The entrance ticket costs 90 CZK.

The castle regularly hosts theatrical performances and concerts. Their schedule is presented on the city website, information can also be obtained at the museum ticket office.

Walking around Brno, you will definitely find yourself on the old square, which is called the Green Market. Already in the 13th century, vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, and pottery were traded here. Today you can buy flowers, souvenirs, various snacks, and sweets here. The square is decorated with ancient buildings, among them the Dietrichstein Palace and the luxurious Parnassus fountain (XVII century).

Town Hall Street, running from the market, leads to the Old Town Hall, which has been the center of the city's social life since the 13th century. The loggias of the courtyard and the majestic tower, built in the mid-16th century, give it special splendor. The main portal is made in the Gothic style.

Walking through the arch leading into the town hall, you can see a stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling and a wheel against the wall. Both exhibits are city mascots; their appearance dates back to the 17th century. According to legend, a crocodile known as the “Brno Dragon” sailed down the Svratka River and settled in the vicinity of Brno, terrifying the locals. One of the prisoners of Špilberk Castle allegedly managed to deal with him, for which the brave man was released. But in fact, the stuffed alligator was presented as a gift to Archduke Matthias either by Turkish ambassadors or Venetian actors, and he donated it to the city. The wheel is not much younger than the dragon. According to legend, it was made in one day by a wheelwright from Lednice as a bet, and by the evening of the same day it rolled into Brno, having covered 40 km.

In 1935, the city authorities moved to the building of the former Landtag (Zemstvo Parliament), located next to the beautiful Dominican Church of St. Michael on the Dominican Square. And in the Old Town Hall today concerts, exhibitions and performances are staged. At the top of the tower there is an observation deck from where a spectacular panorama of Brno opens. The city's tourist office is located in the building.

On Capuchin Square, located near the Green Market, you will see the gloomy, ascetically modest building of the Church of the Capuchin Order. There is a tomb here where the mummies of 16 monks and some noble citizens rest. The inscription on the tombstones gloomily states: “We were already like you. And you too will be like us.”

A visit to the Church of St. John will evoke more joyful emotions. It was built in the 19th century and, thanks to its spectacular red brickwork, became known as the Red Church. Here you can admire the rich ceiling paintings, lavishly decorated interiors, and altarpieces. They say that visiting this temple brings happiness to couples in love.

Among the city's church buildings, the Starobrnen Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Queen Eliška, stands out. The nuns of the Cistercian order became famous for their merciful healing; a hospital was established at the monastery, one of the first in Europe. In the 18th century, the monastery was rebuilt, the facade acquired a baroque appearance. Only the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has retained its Gothic features. The monastery is also interesting because in the century before last, Gregor Johann Mendel, the founder of modern genetics, stayed here as abbot. It is also interesting that it was the monastery brewery that became the founder of the famous Czech beer brand Starobrno.

Art Nouveau is represented in Brno by a magnificent, elegant building – Villa Tugendhat. The house, a completely unusual example for the 1930s, was built by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Tugendhat family, the richest in Brno. The villa is located among luxurious but traditional mansions, and looks quite modest against their background. All its splendor lies in the arrangement of the interior space. A huge room with an area of ​​237 m², not delimited into clear zones, is decorated with rare wood and trimmed with marble. Villa Tugendhat was the first residential building in the world to be built using steel load-bearing structures. It is a benchmark in the field of functional design and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Museums

Brno has quite interesting museums, the most famous of which is the Moravian Museum. Founded in 1817, it has one of the largest exhibitions in the country. There are about 6 million exhibits in the halls and storage facilities. The collections are so large that they had to be placed at 12 sites, both in the city and outside it. To visit the permanent exhibitions, you can buy a general ticket for 100 CZK.

The Moravian Museum houses a unique artifact - the world's oldest ceramic piece made of fired clay, known as the Vestonice Venus. The age of this figurine is from 25 to 29 thousand years. The priceless creation is usually kept behind seven locks; it is exhibited only on dates that are significant for the Czech Republic.

The Brno Technical Museum is located on 4 floors of a modern building. The highlights of the exhibition are craft workshops from different eras, telephone booths, a dental office from the beginning of the last century, vacuum tube electronic computers, and the first transistor computers. There is also an Experimentarium where adults and children can conduct various experiments. Airplanes and cars are displayed in an open area.

Brno has excellent art collections - the Moravian Gallery, Gallery G99 - part of the House of Arts, where exhibitions of contemporary artists are constantly changing. Small thematic museums operate at the main architectural landmarks of the city.

Parks and reserves

Brno is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Parks, gardens and public gardens occupy a significant part of its territory; protected reserve lands adjoin the outlying areas. The most popular park within the city is Špilberk. It surrounds the castle of the same name, located on a hill, with terraces. The park was laid out in the 19th century, in accordance with the traditions of English garden art. There are perfect lawns everywhere, immaculately smooth walking paths and alleys, garden sculptures, and gazebos. The observation decks offer beautiful views of the city.

The extensive Luzanka Park, located almost in the very center of Brno, near the university, has a long history. It is alleged that it was laid out in the 16th century, and two centuries later it became the first public park in the country. Here, in the shade of tall trees, there are playgrounds, lawns, jogging paths, tennis courts, ponds and even a mini-zoo, and a cafe. There are benches everywhere, but many townspeople prefer to sit right on the grass.

At the beginning of the last century, the Botanical Garden appeared in Brno. It is run by the university. Masaryk, but open to everyone, admission is free. The garden is small, but very beautiful and well-kept.

On one of the hills on the outskirts of the city there is a zoo. The paddocks, enclosures and pavilions are arranged on terraces. Some enclosures are not separated from visitors. For example, kangaroos jump freely on an unfenced lawn, people are simply asked not to enter their territory. The fauna here is widely represented - from polar bears to lions, tigers, and giraffes. The zoo can be reached from the center of Brno in 20 minutes by tram number 1.

A wonderful place for walks is the Obora Holedna protected forest park. It is located in the immediate vicinity of Brno, adjacent to the residential areas of the city. Deer, mouflons, and wild boars live here in the wild. The latter are not always friendly, so during the period when they are feeding their offspring, they are kept behind a fence. Deer walk freely, often approaching people themselves in the hope of a treat, so take apples, carrots or dried bread with you.

A large park area adjoins the Brnoska Preraza reservoir. Further along the Svratka River, the park area turns into natural forests. The reservoir is located on the outskirts of Brno and is a very popular holiday destination. You can get here by public transport. The coastline is well-equipped, there are beaches, including a nudist beach, a tennis court, boat stations, many cafes, beer bars, a fish restaurant, and there are paths in the park. Pleasure steamers ply along the reservoir; they head to the ancient town of Veverska Bityshka, making several stops along the way. Tourists usually get off at the picturesque cape of the Svratka River to climb the hill where the magnificent Veverzy Castle rises - one of the oldest and largest in the Czech Republic.

You should definitely visit the Moravian Karst Nature Reserve, which stretches north of Brno. Its relatively small area contains all types of karst phenomena - canyons, grottoes, deep sinkholes, underground lakes and rivers. There are 1,100 explored caves here, four of them are accessible to tourists. Travelers go on a tour of the caves, covering part of the path on boats gliding along the surface of the underground river flowing into the lake. At the end of the inspection, the Matsokha Gorge appears before them, which is a 140-meter abyss.

Leisure

There are countless hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding area of ​​Brno. It is interesting to go on a hike along the route around the Brno Dam, passing through the natural park Podkomorskie Forests, and then to Veveri Castle.

You can head north to the Adamovsky forests, then to the town of Bilovice nad Svitavou, from where there is a path to the picturesque fortified ruins of the town of Obřany. A popular hiking route starts in the town of Slavkov u Brna, formerly known as Austerlitz. It passes through Slavkov Castle, which hosted three emperors - Napoleon, Alexander I and Franz I. Here you can see an exhibition dedicated to the Battle of Austerlitz. The route then passes through the secluded villages of Lutrstek and Letonice, and ends in Bucovice, where the famous Bucovice Castle, built in the 17th century, is located.

The surrounding area of ​​Brno is covered by a wide network of cycling routes, and the international cycling route Prague - Vienna passes through the city. Fans of cycling can go in any direction, making stops in the most interesting corners of Moravia.

Fans of water recreation will not be disappointed either. There are beaches on the Brnoska Prehrada Reservoir, and here you can go yachting, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Beach areas are also located on three small dams of the Rzicka River, as well as southwest of Brno, in the lower reaches of the Bobrava River - these places are famous for their magnificent natural scenery. You can also swim in Lake Golasecke near the village of Golaski, located south of Brno.

Souvenirs

In Brno you will find many large shopping centers and small shops. They are in no way inferior to those in Prague, but the prices here are lower than in the capital. In addition, Brno stores offer a wider range of inexpensive and high-quality goods from Austria, which is located next door.

The largest shopping center is Galerie Vankovka, located in the very center of the city. The Olimpia shopping and entertainment center is also very popular among shopping lovers, where, in addition to fashionable clothes, shoes, and accessories, you can buy souvenirs, including handicrafts made by Moravian craftsmen.

Traditional local souvenirs include cute dolls and puppets, magnets, dishes with images of recognizable landmarks, original pot-bellied beer mugs and glasses for stronger drinks. Those wishing to purchase more elegant souvenirs should pay attention to vases and glasses made of Bohemian glass, porcelain and crystal items, jewelry made of small Czech garnets set in silver, and elite Czech costume jewelry.