Brno is known for its mix of history, modernity, and vibrancy. Visit the old buildings like the Arnold Villa and see the direct modern contrast of the Villa Tugendhat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city near the Austrian border definitely has a lot to offer and should not be underestimated!
Spielberg Castle is one of the most important landmarks of Brno and is located on the summit of the hill of the same name.
Originally built in the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II as a defense for the Czech state and the city of Brno, the purpose of the castle changed over time. In 1783, it was decided to use it as a civil prison for serious criminals and political prisoners from across the Habsburg monarchy. Spielberg Castle was known as the toughest prison in Europe and housed famous inmates such as the Italian Carbonari and the infamous robber Václav Babinský. In 1855, the prison was closed, and the castle served as a barracks until it was declared a national cultural monument in 1962.
In addition to its impressive historical background, the castle offers a breathtaking view. The viewpoint in the castle’s corner tower is perfect for photos with the endless scenery in the background. The Museum of the City of Brno is also located in Spielberg Castle. Take the opportunity to enjoy numerous concerts, theater performances, and various festivals that take place throughout the year. Other interesting features of the Spielberg complex include a carillon consisting of fifteen bells, a baroque chapel, and dark vaulted corridors filled with mystical stories.
Both villas hold special significance for the city of Brno. While the Arnold Villa is part of the older history and has adorned Brno since 1862, Villa Tugendhat represents the modern era and was built between 1929 and 1930.
The Arnold Villa was built in a few months as part of a villa colony, one of the oldest in Central Europe. It is named after its former owner, Josef Arnold. Later, the villa was also inhabited by Greta Tugendhat's aunt, who, together with her husband, renovated the Arnold Villa with Art Deco elements. After World War II, the Arnold Villa was used as a kindergarten and, after its reconstruction in 2024, was made accessible to a wider audience again. The public can visit the Arnold Villa and attend numerous cultural events.
The design of Villa Tugendhat was based on the plans of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The result of the unique villa impresses with its formal architectural purity, its integration into the natural environment, and its connection between the spaces, as well as its technical and structural design. Luxurious materials were also used, which you can admire in the villa! Villa Tugendhat is considered an icon of modernist living and is the only example of modern architecture in the Czech Republic. As a result, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Between 2010 and 2012, the villa was renovated and restored, so the building and gardens were returned to their original state. Now, the villa looks as it did in 1930. To visit Villa Tugendhat, you can book various tours. In addition to guided tours, a virtual tour is also available.
These four water reservoirs date back to the turn of the 19th to 20th century and were built without the use of steel, wood, or reinforced concrete. They are also called the "mysterious underground cathedrals" from the years 1874, 1894, and 1917 and are considered counterparts to the Yerebatan Cistern in Istanbul. The water reservoirs are located beneath the lawn of the revitalized park on Žlutý Kopec Hill and transport you to a time long past. Thanks to the WatertanksArt project, these water reservoirs are now full of life again! Experience great concerts, performances, visual shows, and site-specific events in this unique atmosphere. This place is especially worth visiting for art enthusiasts.
In addition to Spielberg Castle, the contrasting villas, and the unique water reservoirs, there are other historically significant buildings in Brno.
The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in Brno and is located in the city center. It houses the main symbols of three famous Brno legends: the Brno Dragon, the Wagon Wheel, and the crooked turret of the portal. The Old Town Hall also includes a tourist information center, historical halls, and two permanent exhibitions: "Magister Anton Pilgram" and "Silent Heroism." The Old Town Hall also offers a wonderful view of the city center.
Since 2024, the Old Town Hall has been a national cultural monument and is no longer used for city administration but for cultural purposes. Concerts, festivals, theater performances, and film screenings take place in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall.
In the passage of the Old Town Hall, you can discover the famous Brno Dragon and the Wagon Wheel, while the crooked turret is located at the Gothic portal. In addition to the tourist information center on the ground floor, the aforementioned exhibition "Magister Anton Pilgram" can be found on the first floor. Also interesting are the Crystal and Fresco halls, as well as the mysterious treasury. If you want to be more active, you can climb the 173 steps to the 63-meter-high tower.
Here you will also find the second exhibition, "Silent Heroism," on the first floor, which can be accessed via the Café Paměti národa. The permanent exhibition takes you into the 20th century and tells the stories of eyewitnesses.
The Bone Chapel of St. James Church in Brno is the second-largest bone chapel in Europe, surpassed only by the Paris Bone Chapel. It is estimated that over 50,000 people were buried here. The cemetery has been located on the present-day Jakub Square since the early 13th century. Since the cemetery was within the city walls, it was not possible to expand, so a system of exchange was introduced. After ten to twelve years, the grave would be opened, the remains removed, and another deceased person would be buried in the same spot, meaning the contents of the original grave were transferred to underground ossuaries or bone chapels. The rapid overcrowding was likely one reason for the frequent plague and cholera epidemics that devastated Brno's population. Therefore, in 1784, the cemetery was abolished for hygiene reasons, and the remains were moved to the crypt. The cemetery wall was also demolished, and the area around the church gradually faded from memory.
Today, however, the Bone Chapel is a place of great interest and serves as a place of remembrance. A visit to the Bone Chapel of St. James Church is enhanced by the music of Brno composer Miloš Štědroň.
The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral has a long history.
This landmark is located on Petrov Hill. The origin of the cathedral dates back to the 11th to 12th centuries, when a Romanesque chapel was built, followed by a church with an apse and crypt at the end of the 12th century. In the 13th century, further changes took place, and a Romanesque basilica was constructed, the remnants of which were only discovered at the beginning of the 21st century and are now accessible to the public. The church was then remodeled in the early Gothic style. With the establishment of the Brno diocese in 1777, the church on Petrov Hill was elevated to the status of a cathedral.
In addition to visiting the discovered Romanesque basilica, you can also admire the main altar, which dates from the 19th century. The pulpit, located on the left outside of the church, is also of interest as it recalls the time of Kapistrán, who preached in Brno during the second half of the year. There are also legendary stories surrounding the church, such as the bells of the towers ringing precisely at 11 a.m. at noon, a reminder of the legend of General Réduit des Souches. But 11 a.m. is not actually noon, right? This is because Swedish General Torstenson had declared that he would lift the siege of Brno if he did not take the city before the noon bells rang. General Réduit des Souches did not hesitate and had the bells ring one hour earlier!
The city of Brno has much to offer and is especially interesting for those who engage deeply with historical topics. The city also offers a special charm for architects, who can explore the contrasting villas in detail. So, if you are traveling to the Czech Republic soon, make sure not to miss Brno. Please note that in the Czech Republic, vehicles are required to display a vignette, and you can conveniently order your digital vignette from us!
