Nestled in the heart of Moravia, Brno silently shines, overshadowed by the fame of Prague, yet brimming with treasures of its own. This sparkling city, animated by a student atmosphere and steeped in stories, invites the curious to a fascinating exploration of medieval legends, underground secrets, and brewing traditions. From the unmissable dragon suspended at the town hall, to the catacombs lined with bones, not to mention the tasting of ancestral beers, Brno promises an extraordinary adventure with authentic flavors. Follow the guide to uncover the hidden wonders of Brno and discover an unexpected side of the Czech Republic.
A historic center between markets and mysterious marbles
The heart of Brno beats on its lively squares. After dropping off your luggage near the train station, a stroll is a must at the cabbage market (Vegetable Market Square), a true institution since the 12th century. There, colorful stalls stretch as far as the eye can see: juicy fruits, fresh flowers, tempting pastries… Impossible to resist! This market, whose reputation is well-established, is surrounded by pastel-hued baroque architecture that imparts a crazy charm to the city.
A few steps further lies the main square, where a unique event takes place every day at exactly 11 o’clock: the famous Brno astronomical clock delivers a mysterious ball to one of its visitors. Between avant-garde architecture and playful traditions, the city never ceases to surprise.
The legend of the Brno dragon and the strange symbols of the city
Listen closely: it’s impossible to speak of Brno without mentioning its dragon — or rather, its gigantic stuffed crocodile — suspended in the dark galleries of the historic town hall. According to legend, the beast once terrified the inhabitants before being tricked and vanquished thanks to the cunning of a local butcher. Suspense, chills… and guaranteed fascination when facing it!
Beside it, a huge wooden wheel stands in the entrance: a testament to the wild bet made by a villager from Lednice, who supposedly crafted the wheel and traveled the distance to Brno in just one day. Superstition or feat, each will judge for themselves! The gothic portal of the town hall is no less remarkable, with its deliberately twisted spire, resolutely iconoclastic — the ultimate snub from a sculptor at odds with the authorities of the time.
Underground explorations and unusual ossuaries
Beneath the tranquil surface of Brno lies a whole unsuspected world! Descending from St. Jacob’s park, the more adventurous will discover the Brno Ossuary, the second-largest ossuary in Europe after that of Paris. Thousands of bones, carefully arranged in macabre patterns, offer a spectacle that is both artistic and meditative — an extraordinary gallery where humility and history meet.
Encourage your curiosity to explore further depths, right beneath the cabbage market, where the Underground Labyrinth consisting of ancient cellars and medieval warehouses reveals the secrets of the past: storage, underground brewery, hiding places, and even torture chambers — thrills guaranteed in the dark corridors with walls seeping with history!
Špilberk Castle: prison, panorama, and legends
Overlooking the city, Špilberk Castle retains the memory of kings and prisoners. From its ramparts, the panorama is breathtaking: the mosaic of red roofs, the mischievous silhouette of churches, and the lush nature in the background compose a living fresco. Within its walls, a thousand lives have passed — royal residence, military bastion, and then a grim prison for political opponents. The damp corridors and dark dungeons give visitors chills as they search for the medieval atmosphere that permeates the place.
Beer, genetics, and delicious tastings
It’s impossible to leave Brno without raising a glass! Here, the brewing tradition dates back to the 14th century. At the Starobrno Brewery, you can taste golden and refreshing pilsners — the perfect opportunity to learn how the monks of yore shaped today’s local flavor. The visit ends, of course, in the tasting room, to enjoy a pint as a “liquid history lesson.”
Just steps away, the Mendel Museum showcases the legacy of Gregor Mendel, the pioneer of genetics, whose famous experiments with peas revolutionized science. The visit, both playful and scientific, rarely leaves one indifferent and adds an unexpected dimension to the city.
Green pause and cultural evenings
After so much emotion, there’s nothing like recharging in the peaceful Lužánky Park, a true haven of peace in the city center. Welcoming lawns, romantic sculptures, neo-renaissance style pavilions… Here, locals mingle with walkers to read, play, or simply enjoy the Moravian way of life.
As evening falls, Brno pulls out all the stops: head to the Reduta Theatre, the oldest performance hall in Central Europe, where the young Mozart gave his first concerts. Whether to admire a modern ballet, feel the excitement of an opera, or discover a classical concert, the Brno stage has nothing to envy from the capitals of the continent. Classical music lovers can, moreover, learn more about Czech melodic treasures by consulting this article dedicated to classical music in the Czech Republic.
Tips for an unforgettable adventure in Brno
To reach Brno from Prague, the bus (Flixbus) offers a comfortable journey at a low price, but the train or car rental remain excellent alternatives. Renting an apartment in the center ensures easy access to all the city’s wonders. Plan at least two days to visit the must-see places: Špilberk Castle, St. Jacob’s Ossuary, Starobrno Brewery, Mendel Museum, and of course, stroll from market to secret square.
Captivating, unique, Brno offers a clever mix of history, colorful myths, and sweet carefreeness to those willing to get lost. Its hidden wonders are just waiting for you!
