The beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic

The beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic! When we arrived, by train from Ostrava, we were surprised that this is an incredibly beautiful city, filled with impressive Art Noveau buildings. We have discovered the city with a guide and have been down to no less than two underground attractions out of four.

The beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic

This time it's the beautiful city of Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, with 100 000 students out of 400 000 inhabitants. But where in the Czech Republic are we? Brno is located in Moravia in the south-east of the country.

Swedish history in the beautiful city of Brno

Brno has a historical link with Sweden. In 1645, during the 30 Years' War, the city was besieged by Sweden, led by General Lennart Torstensson. According to legend, Torstensson decided that if Brno was not defeated by 12 noon, the troops would retreat.

This plan was heard by Brno residentsand when the Swedish troops were about to enter the walls, the bells were rung, even though it was only 11 o'clock in the morning. And that's how the city survived... Even today, 350 years later, St Luke's church bells ring every day at 11am to remind them that they beat the Swedes with cunning and brains in 1645.

Den vackra staden Brno — The monument and the pride of defeating the great forces of Sweden.

Beautiful houses in Art Noveau style

Brno is also a city filled with beautiful Art Noveau style buildings.. The house in the picture below also has a special history. As you can see, the wall on the right side is in a completely different, newer style. The house is a hotel and in the 20th century a young couple checked into one of the rooms.

Their families did not agree to their marriage and they killed themselves with a homemade bomb. The entire side of the hotel was destroyed and subsequently renovated in a more modern style.

Den vackra staden Brno i Tjeckien — Beautiful and charming house in Brno, Czech Republic

The maze during the 'Cabbage Market'

Cabbage market is one of the oldest squares in Brno and is mentioned from the beginning of the 13th century. Underneath the entire square, and under the houses around it, there is a labyrinth of underground passages.

In the past, people rented space here, where they stored vegetables to be sold in the square above these aisles.

Labyrint Cabbage market — Underneath the Cabbage Market there are countless aisles where the vegetables that were sold at the market used to be stored.

Today, the pedestriana open to tourists. The rooms have been arranged to show how vegetables were stored, and there are also exhibitions on everything from ancient lighting solutions to medieval punishments for the inhabitants who committed crimes... It's definitely worth a visit! For guided tours in English, you can book an appointment in advance, or borrow an audio guide.

Labyrint Brno — An alchemist also lived down here - here you can see an old version of a distillation apparatus for spirits.

Sevärdheter i Brno — In the past, these vaults were also used as prisons.

Address Zelný trh 21, Brno. Closed on Mondays.

The Master of the Mint's cellar

The second of four underground tunnels is under the 'New Town Hall', in Dominican Square. It's the mint master's basement where you can see what the old coins looked like when they were traded, and it's right under where the old fish market used to be.

Address Dominikánské nám 1, Brno. Open Fri-Sun.

The catacombs under the beautiful city of Brno

50,000 skeletons found in catacombs under St James church the city of Brno when investigating about excavation for metro in 2001. The Ossuary as it is called is the second largest after the catacombs under Paris.

Brno was born in the 11th century and grew, and by the 13th century the cemetery next to Cabbage Square (Jakubské náměstí) was full. Tunnels (ossuaries) were dug and the dead were brought up and stored under the church, making room for new burials.

For several hundred years these rooms and passageways were filled in, but then things went faster because the plague and cholera ravaged and there were a lot of people. In 1741 more rooms were made but quickly became full, and then they would expand and dig out the tunnels under the church and Brno even more.

In 1784, new reforms came and the church was closed due to health problems., and the descent to the catacombs from the crypt of the church, was closed with a large marble disc with writings in Latin. People died and everything fell into oblivion until 2001 when the catacombs were found. Jakubské náměstí, or St James Square, is the name of the place where St James (now St Jacob's Church) is located for guided tours.

Shelters Nuclear shelter 10-Z

In Brno there is another (completely different!) sight underground. These passages are not from the Middle Ages, but from the communist era. Originally, this underground location was secret, so important political figures could take shelter here in times of crisis. There was a sophisticated air conditioning system and systems to communicate with the outside world.

Today you are welcome to the shelters on a walking tour as a tourist, with or without a guide. It is also possible to stay overnight and there is a restaurant serving "communist food". Definitely a different kind of attraction!

Brno skyddsrum kommunisttid — Before the age of computers ...

The shelters are called "Nuclear Shelter 10-Z" and are located at Husova, Brno-střed in Spilberk park. It takes 5-10 min from the main square.

Špilberk Castle

There are three castles in the city of Brno (Špilberk, Veveri and Lisen Castle), of which Špilberk Castle is the largest and most significant. From a royal castle to a baroque fortress, then to a notorious prison from the Austro-Hungarian era and now to a city museum.

The castle was founded around 1300 in Moravia. and home to counts and gentry, located on a hill overlooking the entire city, Brno became the capital at that time. Earlier capitals are Znojmo and Olomouc, and Prague only became the capital after the First World War in 1919.

Address: Špilberk 210/1, Brno. Closed on Mondays.

Villa Tugendhat

One of the most interesting The main attraction in Brno is Villa Tugendhat. Greta and Fritz Tugendhat brought in architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who was a pioneer of modernist architecture.

This villa, which is actually occupied a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 1929 and 1930. However, the design feels much more modern than that. Unfortunately, Greta and Fritz had to leave after a very dramatic story, which you can read about in the link below. This is also where the documents were signed when the Czech Republic and Slovakia became two countries in January 1993.

READ MORE: Villa Tugendhat - design and fascinating history

Villa Tugendhat is located at Černopolní 45, a 30-minute walk and 2.4 km from the Main Square in Brno. You can also take bus 5 from Šilingrovo náměstí.

More from the beautiful city of Brno

Amadeus Mozart in Brno in 1767

On 30 December 1767, Mozart, at the age of 11, with his 16-year-old sister Anna Maria Nannerl, played a concert in the Reduta Theatre on the main square (then the Taverna Theatre). According to documentation Mozart complained that the trumpets did not play in time with each other.

The Parnas Fountain in Brno

In the centre of the large vegetable square (cabbage market) is this beautiful fountain. It was built between 1693-1695 by Adam Tobiáš Kracker from Vienna.

Reduta Theatre in Brno

The Reduta Theatre is the oldest theatre in Central Europe and is located on the Great Vegetable Square (Zelný trh 313) in the centre of Brno. It was then called the Tavern Theatre and the first amateur plays date from 1660.

The Mahé Theatre in Brno with light bulbs 1882

The National Theatre was the first in Europe to have electric lights in 1882. It was Thomas Edison (inventor of the light bulb) who was allowed to play freely in the theatre. They built a small steam power plant next to the theatre to power the lights!

St Peter & Paul Cathedrals

You can't miss the great cathedral in Brno with its two huge 84 metre spires. The cathedral is incredibly beautiful with thousands of baroque stuccoes in white.

The Brno crocodile is a legend

Many old cities have their tales of nasty dragons and Brno has a crocodile. How about the radio crocodile station, the American football team Brno alligators, or the intercity train Brno dragon and much more.

Brno racing circuit

Every year in August, the Moto GP championship and the Moto Grand Prix are held here. Here they are crazy about motor sports and motorbike races are also held here. European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) series.

Rivers

Take a boat trip and see Brno from the Svitava and Svratka rivers. We usually canoe or take a boat trip as often as we can to see destinations from the water.

Horse-drawn track carriage for real

The railway came to Brno in 1839 on the line to Vienna. Horse-drawn carriages began in 1869 and still exist today. There is also a cycle path to Vienna.

Eat Czech food in Brno

Of course you should eat Czech food like soup, poultry, dumplings and a big Starobrno. Very good!

Castles and vineyards outside the beautiful city of Brno

Just south of Brno is an area full of castles and vineyards. Here you can visit the stunning castles of Lednice and Valtice, as well as the lovely town of Mikulov. Plus, you can sample Czech wine directly from the vineyards!

READ MORE: Castles and vineyards in the Czech Republic

Punkva caves north of Brno

Just north of Brno in the Czech Republic there is a cave full of stalagmites and stalagtites, where you can take a boat trip. Moravian Karst in Blansko!

READ MORE: Punkva Caves - underground boat trip in the Czech Republic

READ MORE: What to do in Prague - 30 tips for sights and experiences

Helena

19 July 2016 6:00

Czech Republic

city guide Europe, history, Motorhome trip Czech Republic, metropolis, Experiences in Europe

Helena

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31 Comments

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Matts Torebring says:

What a cityscape and story, which you can experience on site. And with a guide. Everything is so much easier to take in and understand. Fantastic trips you get to make. Really fun to follow you both below and above ground.

19 July 2016 - 6:39

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TantGlad says:

Beautiful and exciting reading.

Enjoy and hugs.

19 July 2016 - 6:41

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Lena - gott för själen says:

What a beautiful city with an exciting history.

Hug Lena

19 July 2016 - 7:52

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Geddfish says:

Wow, how exciting!
Brno looks to be a beautiful old city, absolutely wonderful to explore! What lovely old ornate houses. First photo, amazing in its colours, I think.
And the exciting story underground. Scary too.
I assume you are completely satisfied with the trip 😀.
Sunny hugs <3

19 July 2016 - 8:15

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Ama de casa says:

Haha! Clever Brno people and gullible Swedes 🙂 !

It was a nice way to go underground - as an excursion destination 🙂.

19 July 2016 - 8:18

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DianasDrömmar says:

Wow, what a beautiful city Hugs

19 July 2016 - 8:24

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Lennart says:

Interesting city!

19 July 2016 - 8:41

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Ann-Sofie says:

Exciting!

19 July 2016 - 9:37

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Ditte says:

It's great to visit these places that are both beautiful and have a story to tell (here are several stories...).
A good guide is worth a lot and I understand that you have access to it.
Nice to know and see more of Brno through you.

19 July 2016 - 10:01

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Matts, yes this was a very interesting trip! And of course it is good to have a guide, it will be a different experience when you get to know the history of things.

Aunty Glad, a great city and glad you enjoy reading!

Lena, really! This is a city I would love to see more of!

Geddfish, we are very happy and I would love to see more of Brno! Beautiful, interesting and nice city!

Ama de casa, yes haha, right?

Diana's dreams, yes we liked them in this city right away! Beautiful houses and relaxed atmosphere.

Lennart, definitely worth a visit!

Ann-Sofie, the visit here was very interesting!

Ditte, Brno was a city that surprised me in a positive way, and having a guide gives you an extra boost.

19 July 2016 - 10:02

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Steve says:

The pictures above ground don't really give any old Eastern European vibes. I understand that you were surprised by what you encountered.

The underground activity really brings history to life.
Communist food, what could it be?

19 July 2016 - 10:31

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Steve, I think it was simply the food of that era. And so with the accompanying menus: typewritten text without any enticing paraphrases 😉.

19 July 2016 - 10:46

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Anita Malta says:

It's amazing really that there are so many little gems close by to visit. I have never even heard of this city, which makes your post even more interesting. Nice pictures and a very readable text 🙂 .

19 July 2016 - 12:19

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BP says:

Brno is very similar to Gdansk I must say. Oh what an interesting read. Very funny. Oh the guide actually looks very communist - prejudice, I know;-)

19 July 2016 - 13:26

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Znogge says:

What an exciting experience, but I'm a bit claustrophobic and don't know if I've managed it. There are similar alleys under Edinburgh and we refrained from...

19 July 2016 - 13:55

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Biggeros says:

It was an interesting dish (municipal dish):)))
What an interesting story from an ancient city. Incredible way to store vegetables and other things underground. I wouldn't want to spend the night there though. Nice pictures of buildings. Hugs

19 July 2016 - 14:51

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Renates Reiser says:

Really beautiful place, yes! The underground labyrinth also sounded exciting. Now I wanted to visit more of the Czech Republic myself. 🙂

19 July 2016 - 17:03

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Marianne - Glimt av verden says:

It seems that Brno is both a very nice city and an exciting destination in other ways!

19 July 2016 - 17:15

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Anita Malta, there really is a lot to see around Europe!

BP, yes we also thought about Riga, which also has many Art Noveau houses. And the guide probably went into the communist feeling I think 😉.

Znogge, there was quite a lot of space in the aisles so I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. But of course I do not know how anyone else can experience it! I myself am afraid of heights instead 😉.

Biggeros, "communist food" was probably the food eaten at that time. Probably more traditional food and without so much outside influence 😉.

Renate, Brno is indeed a beautiful city, and with a lot to see and experience!

Marianne, we can definitely recommend Brno, and we ourselves would have liked to stay a little longer 😉.

19 July 2016 - 17:27

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Rolle o Carina says:

Wow, how beautiful you get to see and be a part of!

Take care and enjoy.....

19 July 2016 - 17:53

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Denandraresan.com says:

Great to hear about Brno and your adventures there! Many Czechs we have met have said that Brno is nicer in Prague. May well compare a little later 🙂

19 July 2016 - 19:34

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Deciree says:

Much better with guided tours...then you get to know everything!!! :-))

19 July 2016 - 20:38

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Susjos says:

What an exciting city! And it's fun to have a guided tour, you get to know so much more!

20 July 2016 - 0:08

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Kicki says:

What nice and interesting journeys you tell us about, have a nice summer, kraam!

20 July 2016 - 0:10

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Rolle o Carina, yes indeed, and there is a lot to see and experience in the Czech Republic 🙂 .

Denandraresan, interesting to hear the Czechs say that! We haven't spent enough time in Prague to really compare, but we liked Brno a lot. Very beautiful and nice city, and also a lot to see! By the way, I replied to your blog about the mine in Ostrava, hope the comment got through!

Deciree, I agree! It's always interesting to have a guide who can explain what you see.

Susjos, really, we were surprised by this beautiful and interesting city!

Kicki, glad you like our travel stories, and thank you!

20 July 2016 - 8:59

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Katta - Bucketlife says:

How cool with all this history! I would love to wander around the underground passages and fantasise about those who went there before me.

Looks very beautiful above ground too 🙂

20 July 2016 - 11:22

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Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:

What a beautiful city! Wonderful to get to know both the beautiful pictures and the stories behind them. Cool with the visits underground too. What a finale you got on the trip!

20 July 2016 - 15:32

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Katta, I also think it's interesting when you really get a sense of what it might have been like in the past, and you got that here!

Anna, yes we were tired (full programme) but Brno was really a nice city! Would have liked to see even more 😉 .

20 July 2016 - 18:14

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OnTripdk says:

Wow what a beautiful city. I have never heard of it before but it seems to be a hidden gem and it must be on the wish list. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us:-)

29 July 2016 - 22:43

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Ontripdk, Brno is truly a gem! We can definitely recommend a visit there!

30 July 2016 - 8:36

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Jesper, The Biveros Effect says:

Brno along with Olomouc are my favourite cities in the Czech Republic. I prefer them both to Prague. Didn't get enough visits to Brno when we lived in Bratislava, which was only 1½ hours away. But the times we were there were some of the best excursions we made. 🙂

However, don't tell a Czech that the Czech Republic is part of Eastern Europe, or you'll probably get an explanation of about 1 hour that it's central Europe 🙂.

06 November 2017 - 10:52

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The beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic

The beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic

Swedish history in the beautiful city of Brno

Beautiful houses in Art Noveau style

The maze during the 'Cabbage Market'

The Master of the Mint's cellar

The catacombs under the beautiful city of Brno

Shelters Nuclear shelter 10-Z

Špilberk Castle

Villa Tugendhat

More from the beautiful city of Brno

Amadeus Mozart in Brno in 1767

The Parnas Fountain in Brno

Reduta Theatre in Brno

The Mahé Theatre in Brno with light bulbs 1882

St Peter & Paul Cathedrals

The Brno crocodile is a legend

Brno racing circuit

Rivers

Horse-drawn track carriage for real

Eat Czech food in Brno

Castles and vineyards outside the beautiful city of Brno

Punkva caves north of Brno

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31 Comments

Matts Torebring says:

TantGlad says:

Lena - gott för själen says:

Geddfish says:

Ama de casa says:

DianasDrömmar says:

Lennart says:

Ann-Sofie says:

Ditte says:

admin says:

Steve says:

admin says:

Anita Malta says:

BP says:

Znogge says:

Biggeros says:

Renates Reiser says:

Marianne - Glimt av verden says:

admin says:

Rolle o Carina says:

Denandraresan.com says:

Deciree says:

Susjos says:

Kicki says:

admin says:

Katta - Bucketlife says:

Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:

admin says:

OnTripdk says:

admin says:

Jesper, The Biveros Effect says:

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