Brno is a city in the Czech Republic. The main attractions of Brno

The city in the south of the Czech Republic with the short and sonorous name Brno is not only the industrial, but also the cultural center of the republic. In terms of size, Brno is a little smaller than Prague, but it really has enough attractions to spend an unforgettable weekend or even a vacation on its streets.

What can you see in Brno?

Castles, cathedrals, squares and town halls decorate Brno in a special way. Markets and shopping centers operate in the city area, and the buildings amaze with the variety of architectural styles with a slight touch of antiquity.

The city of Brno grew around the Spielberg castle complex in ancient times. The construction of the castle dates back to the 13th century. The decree to begin construction came from King Přemysl II.

The castle had two main functions: defensive and residential. The king established his own residence in the castle. In 1645, the strong walls of the castle were useful to the Czechs; they withstood the Swedish siege without much difficulty on the part of the defenders.

In the 17th century, Shpilberg served as a prison, which was nicknamed the “Dungeon of Nations”, as political prisoners were imprisoned there.

Now the castle is both a museum and a historical monument. It regularly conducts excursions for individual tourists and tourist groups. In summer, the Spielberg gates are open to visitors seven days a week from 9 am. In winter, the day off falls on Monday.

Square, vegetable market and fountain

The square, which got its name from the vegetable market located there, is famous for its Parnassus fountain. In the center of the fountain composition you can see the goddess of Europe, followed by statues of the three powers.

The vegetable market is still active today. It is attended by locals and visitors spending their holidays in Brno.

Impressions of castles and squares are often erased from memory, but surprise from the whims of nature remains in its nooks and crannies for a really long time. When traveling around Brno, it is worth setting aside a day to visit the Moravian Karst.

Kras is a system consisting of karst caves underground. The caves are located in the reserve of the same name near the town of Blansko, which borders Brno.

Length underground tunnels is 25 kilometers. The total number of caves exceeds 1000, many of them are still unexplored.

The following caves are open to the public in Moravian Kras:

• Katarzynska;
• Baltsarka;
• Stolbno-Shoshuvskaya;
• Punkva.

Bats and lizards live in the dungeons of Krasus, so you should not visit these places alone. It is much safer to explore the caves as part of an excursion group.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

The magnificent Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul was built in the 13th century on the site of a former Roman church. The majestic spiers and vaults of the cathedral gave solace to the residents of Brno when the city was besieged by the Swedes. Today the church is no less important for the townspeople.

There is a museum in the cathedral, there is an active information Center, and organ concerts are also held. The building is located on Petrova Street and is open to visitors from 7 am.

Town Hall on Green Market Square

The ancient and richly decorated town hall is the heart of the city. Previously, a court, a council, and an institution that printed money were located there. Now there is a cultural center in the town hall, listed in all Brno guidebooks.

The town hall was built in three architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance.

In the summer, under the arch of the town hall, a coin minter shows his work to tourists. The building houses a museum and art gallery. The old town hall is located in the center of Brno.

Villa Tugendhat in Art Nouveau style

The building is the property of the Tugendhat couple. The villa was designed for them by Ludwig van der Rohe in 1930. This building was included in the UNESCO list as one of the best houses in the Art Nouveau style.

You can visit the villa on weekdays from 10 to 6 pm. It is sometimes open to the public on weekends. The building houses a museum and offers detailed tours.

Veveří Castle on the bend of two rivers

Just 20 kilometers from the city of Brno there is a wonderful architectural monument - the Veverzy castle complex. The Svratka and Veverka rivers flow nearby.

The castle was rebuilt in the 13th century. Used by crowned heads for hunting and countryside holiday. After the castle served as a prison, it was handed over to the city and a museum was organized there.

During the warm season, concerts, holidays and festivals are held in Veveri. It is better to go to the castle by taxi or private car. You can book an excursion from Brno, then delivery to its gates will be carried out by a comfortable bus. An excursion will cost a tourist 180 CZK, a single visit will cost 30 CZK.

Church of St. Jacob on Jacob's Square

The capital of Moravia, a city of churches with a centuries-old history, which is clearly reflected in architectural monuments, the 2nd 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 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

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 national cultural monument 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

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

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 List World Heritage UNESCO. 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

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

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 an incredible view 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?

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 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.

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 most high 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. This is where they lead " wine routes» – tourists are invited to visit wineries and stylish cellars.

Thanks to its location between 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 rich history, still decorate central square Brno. Among them is the House of the Lords from Lipe, one of 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 watch 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 plays. 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 changed its glory impregnable fortress to the gloomy status of the 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. Price entrance ticket– 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 local residents. 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, 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 enough interesting museums, the most famous of them is Moravian. 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 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. Co observation platforms open beautiful views to 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. Here, in wildlife inhabited by deer, mouflons, and wild boars. 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, it is quite popular place recreation. You can get here by public transport. Coastline It 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 go to picturesque cape 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. Popular walking route, originating in the city 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 luxurious natural landscapes. 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.

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

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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 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. For more than a thousand years of 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 shopping 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 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 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.

Brno, main city region South Moravia, located in the southeast, at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers, in the area of ​​​​the smooth closure of the Bohemian-Moravian Upland and the South Moravian Plain. The city itself stands on the middle tiers of a hill that defines its historical layout. Two hills stand out - Petrov and Špilberk, on which stands the castle of the same name. Brno's industrial clusters are located mainly in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the city.

DOUBLE PEDIGREE

Brno is a city that is equally Slavic and German - this is how its history unfolded. This circumstance explains and defines a lot in it clearly and specifically.

The Moravian Museum in Brno houses an exhibit with global significance, - Westotsky, or Paleotic, Venus. This figurine of a woman made of baked clay, according to experts, was created between 29,000 and 25,000 BC. BC e.; its height is 111 mm and its width is 43 mm, and this is the oldest artifact of its kind on the planet. No later than this time, therefore, sites of ancient people appeared in Moravia. As for the Brno region specifically, the first settlement, the fortification of which was discovered by archaeologists, was founded by the Celts of the Boi tribe around 400 BC. e. And this settlement was called, according to some purely speculative hypotheses, Eburodunon. There are also more logical etymological versions regarding the name Brno. For example, it is associated with the common verb for the ancient Western Slavs “brinity” - to strengthen and with the Czech word “brneni”, which comes from it, - armor. In the XII-XIX centuries, when the city was spoken mainly in German, its name sounded like Brunn.

Somewhere in the 60s. BC e. The Celts were driven out of Moravia by the Germanic tribes of the Quadi and Marcomanni. Western Slavs began to settle in the area of ​​the future city in the V-VIII centuries. The first written mention of the settlement of Brno in European chronicles dates back to the 9th century. by the 11th century it is already reported as a fortified fortress of Prince Břetislav and the adjacent city of Břetislav Castle at the crossing of the Svratka River. The crossing appeared around 1000. At the end of the 11th - beginning of the 12th century. Dutch, Flanders, Walloons, Jews. Among the new colonizers of Moravia in general and Brno in particular, the majority were Germans. From 1182 the city became the residence of the Margrave of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1243, King Vaclav I Přemyslid of Bohemia (c. 1205-1253) granted Brno the privileges of a free city; under him, Brno was surrounded by fortified walls with five gates. In the 13th century. To protect the city from the south, a powerful castle fortress with the German name Špilberk was erected in the 16th century. equipped with new fortifications and reconstruction of the castle building in the Austrian Baroque style.

How many sieges this fortress on the hill withstood, we can talk about it separately for a long time (part of this will be discussed further). No less important is that thanks to which the fortress remained impregnable, and the defenders of Brno were ready to lay down their lives for hometown, regardless of your nationality. There is only one answer - life in the city was very good. In 1355, a clerk named Jan (that's all that is known about him) compiled the “Book of Verdicts of the Brno Conshels” (consels or consuls are 12 advisors to the burgomaster). This was a set of rules according to which the city government, the Evangelical Church of John Amos Komensky (“Red Church”), should work. so that things in the city go dynamically and successfully: where to build what, how to take care of all citizens, etc. Many cities in Europe relied on this document as a standard. However, there were also deviations from fair verdicts: in 1454, King Ladislaus, nicknamed Pogrobek, expelled the Jews from Brno. But not far away, the Jewish settlement that had moved then was inside the city limits.

The Augustinian monks, whose order settled in the city in 1356, did a lot for the development of artistic and musical culture in Brno. In 1653, the charitable Augustinian Turnov Foundation arose, the goals of which were to support musicians, organize concerts, and music schools. And today Brno is the musical center of the Czech Republic, the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world are held here, and the largest Music Academy in the Czech Republic. L. Janacek, who lived and worked in Brno.

The last Brno Germans left the city as the Red Army approached, liberating the city on April 26, 1945.

WHAT IS GIVEN TO BRNO

Like all historical cities, Brno has its own traditions, which arose thanks to one or another historical event or a long-term process.

Among such events, there is one that looks like a legend, but it actually happened. In 1645, Brno was besieged by the Swedes. Unsuccessfully. Extremely annoyed by this, the Swedish general Thorstensen publicly declared in strong terms that if the fortress did not fall by noon the next day, he would abandon attempts to take it. He stated recklessly. Having learned about this, he intervened in the situation." The bell ringer of the town hall. In the city, it was customary to announce the arrival of noon by ringing the bells on the town hall tower. And on the day when everyone was tensely awaiting the outcome of the siege, the bell rang at 11.00. The Swedes understood everything, of course, but they sheathed their weapons and retreated, taking the untimely sound of the bell as an unkind sign for themselves. Since then, noon in Brno has always conventionally arrived an hour earlier than it should have. 1645 had a not at all symbolic meaning for Brno: from this year the city. became the capital of Moravia, and its eternal rival Olomouc lost this status. There were several reasons for this, and one of them was that Brno, as in 1643, did not surrender to the Swedes, and Olomouc did not resist them in 1642.

If Olomouc in the Czech Republic is considered the “Second Prague,” then Brno cannot be called the “third Prague,” although certain similarities in this regard, of course, can also be found. The residents of Brno themselves believe that their city is much more reminiscent of Paris with its boulevards with chestnut trees or Vienna. Regarding Vienna, this is indisputable: to the Austrian capital from Brno along a straight line 111, on the highway - 144 km, and the city forever imprinted in itself the style and tastes of the old city, its imperial pretentiousness and at the same time artistry, as well as its own custom - to always have a clear civil position. Thus, during the Hussite Wars (between 1419 and 1434), unlike many other cities in the Czech Republic, it remained faithful to King Sigismund; the Hussites besieged the city twice - in 1428 and 1430, but left its walls with nothing. 1619 Brno supported the anti-Habsburg so-called Estates Uprising, which became one of the triggers of the Thirty Years' War.

During the Reformation in the Czech Republic, Brno remained faithful to the Catholic Church and gave shelter to many of its monastic orders, which repaid the city with the construction of churches and monasteries. Brno was once called the “prison of nations” in the rest of Europe, and in the most literal sense of these words. Because people of various nationalities languished in the basements of Špilberk Castle, who ended up there mainly for political dissent towards the Austrian monarchy. The castle ceased to be a prison in 1858.

Its geographical position at the crossroads of the most important roads in Central Europe determined its profile as a commercial and industrial city. Skilled and hardworking artisans have always lived here, which was wisely taken advantage of by enterprising and efficient German merchants. By the 19th century Brno has become the most important economic center of the Czech Republic. And although Brno was subjected to intense bombing during World War II, its residents were able to quickly restore both the city itself and its industrial potential. Today Brno has a diversified industry, in which priority belongs to heavy engineering. This does not mean that new, high-tech types of industry are not developing; fortunately, the two main Brno universities - Masaryk University (Masaryk University) and the Technical University, as well as other educational institutions produce excellent specialists and actively conduct scientific research. Business people Europe knows the road to Brno well; for almost 80 years now, exhibitions and fairs of various themes have been held here almost continuously, one after the other or in parallel. The area of ​​the Brno Exhibition Center, which has existed since 1928, today is 196 thousand m2, and it is never empty.

ATTRACTIONS OF BRNO

■ Freedom Square (Lower Market) with a “plague” column, which is crowned with a sculpture of St. Mary, dedicated to the victory over the Swedes in the 17th century, the House of the “Gentlemen on Lipa” (Renaissance, late 16th century); House “At Four Blockheads” (neo-baroque, 1902); Vegetable Market Square with the Reduta Theater (XV century) and the Parnassus Fountain (XVII century)

■ Ring of boulevards laid out in the 1860s. on the site of ancient city fortifications.

■ Špilberk Castle (originally built in the 13th century, after a fire it was restored in the 16th century in the Baroque style, it houses the Museum of the History of the City).

■ Churches: Saints Peter and Paul (Gothic, neo-Gothic, XIII-XX centuries), Saint Jacob (Gothic, Renaissance, XIII-XVI centuries) and his ossuary, the Finding of the Holy Cross (Baroque, XVII-XVIII centuries) and the monastery capuchins; St. John (John of Nepomuk, Baroque, 18th century) and other religious buildings.

■ Old Town Hall (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, XIII-XVI centuries).

■ New Town Hall (Renaissance, Baroque, XVI-XVIII centuries)

■ Dietrichstein Palace (Baroque, 17th-18th centuries) and the Moravian Museum and the Children's Museum located in it.

■ Other museums: Moravian Gallery ( Art Museum), Mendeleanum (natural science named after G. Mendel at Masaryk University), Technical, “Anthropos” (anthropology), ethnographic, gypsy culture.

■ Villa Tugendhat (1930) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

■ Park on Cow Hill, with a Planetarium and Observatory named after. N. Copernicus.

■ Karst cave system Moravian Kras.

■ Lake Brno (reservoir), recreation area.

■ Nearby is the city of Slavkov, near which the Battle of Austerlitz took place

■ Brno residents have two favorite symbols, and both are kept by the Old Town Hall. This is an ordinary-looking wooden wheel and a crocodile under the arch of the entrance to it, or rather, his stuffed animal. The wheel, according to legend, was brought to Brno by a craftsman from Lednice, who bet that he could make it in a day and deliver it to the town hall, and the distance there is 40 km. He won the argument. A stuffed crocodile, also according to legend, was given to the city in the 15th century. Crocodiles made of glass, porcelain and edible ones made of marzipan are sold everywhere in Brno, and they are called dragons here.
■ Špilberk Castle is full of legends, and all of them are creepy. According to one legend, women who cheated on their husbands were thrown into the basements of the castle; according to another, women were only frightened by imprisonment, but were always pardoned; according to a third, the castle ceased to be a prison after its owner spent the night as a prisoner in the basement.
■ In addition to the bells on the Old Town Hall tower, the clock on the tower of Špilberk Castle also chimes noon at 11 am. In 2010, a six-meter clock shaped like a sleeve was installed on Freedom Square. At 11:00 this clock shoots a glass bullet; tourists who find themselves here at this hour try to catch an unusual souvenir. The glass bullet is by no means accidental. According to legend, the same General Thorstensen who vowed to take Brno before noon is immortal, and only a glass bullet can finish him off.