Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and the capital of the South Moravian Region. It has over 380,000 people and is known for its historic old town, which features Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The city is also home to several universities, including Masaryk University, the second largest in the Czech Republic. Brno is a vibrant cultural center with many museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a lively nightlife. The city is also a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to the Moravian Karst, a beautiful limestone region with many caves and underground rivers.
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What not to miss?
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brno is a beautiful Gothic structure that sits on the Petrov hill in the city's heart. The cathedral, also known as the Petrov Cathedral, is the main church of the Archdiocese of Brno and is one of the most important landmarks in the city. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries on the site of a Romanesque church and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. The cathedral features a tall spire that can be seen from many parts of the city and is a dominant feature of the Brno skyline. The cathedral is adorned with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and stained glass windows. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, a Czech saint martyred in the 14th century and a popular pilgrimage site.
Spilberk Castle and Brno City Museum
Spilberk Castle is a medieval fortress with a long and rich history. The castle was initially built in the 13th century but was later expanded and reinforced to serve as a prison in the 18th century. Spilberk Castle was used as a prison for several centuries and was known for its harsh conditions. It was also a place of political detention during WWII and the communist era. Today, the castle has been converted into the Brno City Museum, which tells the history of the city and the castle through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The museum offers a variety of tours, including a tour of the castle's prison cells and an audio tour that brings the castle's history to life. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the castle's ramparts and towers. Spilberk castle is considered one of the most important historical monuments in the city and a must-see attraction for visitors to Brno.
Moravian Karst and Caves
The Moravian Karst is a limestone region located outside Brno. It is known for its unique and beautiful landscape, characterized by deep gorges, towering cliffs, and underground caves. The Moravian Karst is home to over 1200 caves, including the famous Punkva Cave, which features an underground river and an impressive subterranean lakes and galleries system. The caves are also home to a wide variety of bats, many of which can be visited by guided tours. The Punkva Cave is one of the most visited caves in the Moravian Karst and offers boat trips on an underground river. Visitors can also tour the Macocha Abyss, a 138-meter-deep sinkhole, one of the region's most spectacular natural wonders. The Moravian Karst is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and speleologists, and it offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, caving, and rock climbing. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage make the Moravian Karst and its caves an essential and unique attraction in Brno.
Moravian Museum
The Moravian Museum in Brno is one of the oldest and most important museums in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1817, it is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage of Moravia and Silesia. The museum's collection includes over 4 million artifacts, including archaeological finds, medieval art, and ethnographic objects. The museum's highlights include the prehistoric collection, which features artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and the medieval collection, which includes stone and metal sculptures, frescoes, and other artworks from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The museum also has an extensive collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books, as well as a collection of coins and medals.
The Moravian Museum also features temporary exhibitions and offers a wide range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. The museum's library is one of the most important in the country, and it offers access to over 200,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and manuscripts. The Moravian Museum is considered a cultural and educational center in the region and an essential destination for visitors interested in Moravia and Silesia's history, art, and culture.
Veverí Castle
Veveri Castle is a medieval castle. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city, one of the region's most important landmarks. The castle was initially built in the 12th century as a fortress to protect the city from invaders, and it has undergone several expansions and renovations over the centuries. The castle has been used for various purposes, including as a residence for Brno's bishops, a military barracks, and a prison. Today, the castle serves as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
The castle is notable for its impressive architecture and beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the castle's inner courtyard, which features a Gothic chapel and a Renaissance hall, as well as the castle's ramparts and towers, which offer breathtaking views of the city. The castle also features a small museum that displays artifacts and information about the castle's history and a café serving traditional Czech cuisine. Veveri Castle is considered an important historical monument and a popular tourist attraction in Brno.
What else to visit?
Moravian Gallery
The Moravian Gallery in Brno is one of the most important art institutions in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 and is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying art from the Moravian region. The Gallery's collection is vast and diverse, and it includes works by some of the most influential artists from the Czech Republic and Europe, including paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, and decorative art objects, as well as a rich collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Capuchin Church and Crypt
The Capuchin Church and Crypt is a unique and fascinating attraction. The church, built in the 17th century, is famous for its underground crypt, which contains the remains of over 50,000 people. The crypt is arranged in a macabre yet fascinating display of bones and skeletons, arranged in intricate patterns and designs on the walls and ceiling. Visitors can explore the crypt and learn about the history of the Capuchins and the cemetery, which was used from the 17th to the 19th century. The church is also worth a visit; it's a simple yet elegant baroque-style structure with a beautiful altar and frescoes. The Capuchin Church and Crypt is a popular destination for visitors interested in history, art, and macabre attractions.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city's old town. The building was constructed in the 14th century and served as the city's town hall for many years. The Old Town Hall is a Gothic-style building. It is notable for its impressive architecture and beautiful astronomical clock, which dates back to the 15th century and is considered one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world. The clock displays the twelve zodiac signs, the sun, and the moon. Visitors can also tour the Town Hall's chambers and the famous Gothic Hall, decorated with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The Old Town Hall is a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural and architectural monument in Brno.
Mint Master's Cellar
The Mint Master's Cellar in Brno is a unique and historic attraction in the city's heart. The cellar, which dates back to the 16th century, was used as a mint during the medieval period, and it is one of the oldest preserved minting places in Europe. The cellar is a complex of underground corridors and rooms where visitors can learn about the history of coin production and see the original tools and equipment used to mint coins. The Mint Master's Cellar also features a small museum that displays coins and other artifacts from the history of the mint. Visitors can take guided tours of the cellar, which offer a glimpse into the past and coin production process. The Mint Master's Cellar is considered an important historical monument and an exciting destination for visitors interested in history, art, and technology.
How to travel there?
Several modes of transportation can reach Brno. Here's a brief overview of the options:
By bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries that operate to and from Brno. The central bus station is located in the city center and offers connections to many destinations.
By train: Brno has a central railway station that offers regular connections to major cities in the Czech Republic, as well as neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Poland, and Germany.
By car: Brno can be reached via the D1 motorway from Prague and the R52 expressway from Vienna. There are several parking garages and lots available in the city center.
By plane: Brno-Turany Airport is located about 10 km from the city center and offers regular flights to several destinations within Europe, such as Prague, London, and Paris. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to the city center.
When to travel there?
The best time to travel to Brno depends on your personal preferences and interests. Here are a few things to consider:
Spring (April to June): Spring is a great time to visit Brno as the city comes to life with blooming flowers and trees. The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer (July to September): Summer is the peak tourist season, and the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively, with many events and festivals, such as the Brno Cultural Summer, which features concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events.
Fall (October to November): Fall is a great time to visit Brno, as the city is covered in beautiful autumn colors. The weather is mild and perfect for exploring the city's parks and gardens.
Winter (December to March): Winter in Brno can be pretty cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, but the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas and New Year. The city offers many indoor activities, such as visiting museums, and the Christmas markets are a must-see.
Average costs
The average costs for a traveler coming to Brno can vary depending on the type of trip and personal preferences. Here are some general estimates for various expenses:
Accommodation: Prices for accommodation in Brno range from budget-friendly options such as hostels and guesthouses, which can cost around 15-30€ per night, to more upscale options such as hotels, which can cost around 60-150€ per night.
Food and drink: The cost of food and drink in Brno is generally quite affordable. A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant will cost around 5-10€, while a more upscale restaurant will cost around 15-30€. A pint of beer at a local pub will cost around 2-3€.
Transportation: Public transportation in Brno is relatively cheap, with a single ride on a bus or tram costing around 1.50€. Taxis are also reasonably priced, with a short ride within the city center costing around 5-10€.
Activities: Brno's top attractions are free to visit, such as the historic old town, the castle, and the many parks and gardens. Some paid activities, such as visiting the crypt, the Mint Master's Cellar, or the Moravian Gallery, can cost around 5-10€ per person.
Where to eat & drink?
There are many great restaurants in Brno, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Here are a few of the most popular and highly recommended restaurants in the city:
Jean Pauls Bistro
Atelier Cocktail Bar & Bistro
KOISHI Fish & Sushi
Go Vietnamese, and much more
Brno is home to many great coffee spots catering to various tastes and preferences. Here are a few of the most popular and highly recommended coffee spots in the city:
SKØG URBAN HUB
Monro
Monogram Espresso Bar
My Kitchen
Café Pilát
Events
Brno is home to various annual events, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Here are a few of the most popular and highly recommended events in the city:
Brno Cultural Summer
This annual event takes place in the summer and features a wide variety of cultural activities such as concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions. The event is held in various venues throughout the city, offering something for everyone, from classical music to modern theater performances.
Brno International Film Festival
This annual event takes place in the fall and features a wide variety of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. The festival is held at various venues throughout the city, and it offers an excellent opportunity to see films that may not be available in regular cinemas.
Christmas markets
Every year, at the end of November and until the end of December, the city center of Brno is filled with Christmas markets where visitors can find various gifts, souvenirs, and traditional Czech Christmas food and drinks. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the Czech Republic's festive atmosphere and enjoy its beautiful Christmas decorations.
Instagrammable places
We have prepared a different, maybe for some of you, unusual location in Brno, where you can capture the best photos for your social media! Here are our tips:
Observatory and planetarium
Villa Tugendhat
Mahen Theatre
Slavkov Castle
Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
Bar 4pokoje
SKØG Urban Hub
Castle Lednice
We've reached the end of the article about Brno. This city has a modern atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our blog. How about planning a trip to Prague or Česky Krumlov? Remember to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!
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