Using Flixbus, I crossed the border from Slovakia into Czechia to visit Brno during my trip to Bratislava with my brother, Liam. I couldn’t wait to explore this medieval city. I have wanted to visit the mummified monks and bone crypt for a long time, and now this trip was finally happening. This is my ultimate guide to Brno’s hidden gems, Czechia. Enjoy this list of amazing things to do in this fascinating city.
SEE THE CRYPT OF THE CAPUCHIN MONKS
Beneath the Church of the Holy Cross and Monastery lies a fascinating yet somber crypt displaying the naturally mummified remains of 17th-century Capuchin monks and a few notable citizens. This has been high on my list of places to visit for some years. We love a bit of dark and strange tourism, so if you are new here, you will find more weird and wonderful things like this in past posts. A future article will highlight some of the best and our favorite spooky travel spots. You will find this fascinating place on Kapucínské nám (Capuchin Square).
If you would like to know more about this place, there is more information on the official website belonging to the crypt https://hrobka.kapucini.cz/.
The Capuchins had a very simple burial method, which reflected one of the charisma of the order: poverty. The deceased brother, dressed in a religious habit with a cincture and a rosary, was placed in an oak coffin with a retractable bottom and, after the ceremonies in the church, he was carried down the stairs to the tomb. There, they laid him on the bare ground, using only stones or bricks under his head. The coffin then served for another burial.
https://hrobka.kapucini.cz/
ŠPILBERK CASTLE, HRAD ŠPILBERK
An amazing hilltop 13th-century fortress that has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and even a prison. It now houses the incredible Museum of the City of Brno, and the views out over the city are stunning. The museum is open seven days per week, 9am until 5pm. The castle itself is open from 9am until 5pm, then from 5.30pm till 10pm. Also, the castle grounds are open from 6am for all you early risers.
ŠPILBERK TICKETS
There are several ticket prices, depending on what you would like to see during your visit. The cheapest ticket being 70CZK, the most expensive 240CZK.
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PETER & PAUL
You can see this imposing neo-Gothic masterpiece with its piercing twin spires perched high on Petrov Hill. Venture up the tower for amazing panoramic city views. The church is open every day until 6.30pm for visits. You can also visit the Towers and Jewels exhibition from 11am to 4.45pm Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 6.30pm on Sunday.
CLIMB THE TOWER OF THE OLD TOWN HALL
Climb the 63-meter tower of one of Brno’s oldest buildings for an amazing view all around the city, and be sure to see the unusual Brno Dragon, a stuffed crocodile with a famous tale.
EXPLORE THE UNDERGROUND LABYRINTH
Unfortunately, the labyrinth was closed during our trip, but this is something you should definitely add to your itinerary. A network of medieval cellars and passages, formerly used for food and wine storage, lies beneath the vegetable market’s streets. The tunnels also provided refuge during wartime.
BRNO’S FAMOUS ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK & MARBLES
Head to Freedom Square at 11am to catch the daily spectacle when the bullet ‘shaped clock releases a marble, a quirky local tradition with a historic twist. Black bullet-shaped clock commemorating the city’s 17th-century victory against Swedish invasion. A short walk from the clock and you can also find Skácel’s Fountain and the Plague Column.
THE MARIAN PLAGUE COLUMN
The Morovy sloup is a memorial column to give thanks for the end of a plague outbreak in Brno. You can find it in Freedom Square, Náměstí Svobody, across from Skácel’s Fountain and the Astronomical Clock.
THE OSSUARY OF SAINT JAMES
Beneath the Church of Saint James lies the second largest ossuary in Europe, where thousands of human skulls and bones have been respectfully arranged to tell a unique story of the past.
TOUR THE 10-Z BUNKER, KRTY 10-Z
Jump into Cold War history by exploring this former nuclear fallout shelter. Choose a guided or self-guided tour and, for the adventurous, consider spending a night in its quirky hostel. You can find the hostel on Booking.com.
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THE TOWN SQUARE, CABBAGE MARKET
Here in the town square, you will find many unique and wonderful things: monuments, museums, fountains, shops, restaurants, and more. Also known as the cabbage market, or the vegetable market by the locals.
HOLY TRINITY COLUMN
PARNAS FOUNTAIN
The Parnas Fountain in Brno is a stunning historical landmark that adds a unique charm to the city’s main square. The fountain, built in the Baroque style, features intricate statues and details reflecting its rich history and artistic craftsmanship. In the square, the fountain stands as a symbol of Brno’s heritage, creating a picturesque spot. It’s a perfect place to pause, take photos, and appreciate the beauty of Brno’s historic center.
FROG FOUNTAIN
A quirky little fountain in the market square, but look carefully, as you could easily miss it. The fountains sit at ground level, and there is also a crocodile and lizard fountain, too. If you stand facing the Moravian Museum, you will find it to the left, in a line.
MORAVIAN MUSEUM
The museum is at the market square in the centre of the city, Zelný trh 6. It opens Wednesday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. The museum showcases hundreds of exhibits showcasing the best of local and Moravian history and culture from pre-history to modern times. Including rocks and minerals, fossils, comics, and illustrations.
There are several ticket prices, all of which include different parts of the museum that are split over three floors. You can find them all here – https://www.mzm.cz/mista/oteviraci-doba-a-vstupne.
CHURCH OF SAINT THOMAS & EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF KING JOHN of LUXEMBOURG
You will find this striking monument of King John of Luxembourg next to the beautiful Church of Saint James. The church is open to the public Monday 9am to 11am and Wednesday 9am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm. Sadly, at the time of our visit, it was closed.
MORE MUSEUMS TO VISIT
Pražák Palace, Moravian Gallery. Art museum with contemporary art and collections dating back to Gothic times. Open 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Museum of Romani Culture. Exhibits, art, costumes, and a research library dedicated to the Romani people. This museum is a twenty-minute walk from the town centre. Open every day 10am to 6pm except Monday and Sunday when it is closed.
OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM
Learn about the wonders of the night sky through engaging stargazing sessions and informative exhibits, perfect for families and science enthusiasts alike. Look for the UFO sculpture outside in the gardens too for a unique photo opportunity. The observatory is a short taxi ride from the centre of Brno.
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF MASARYK UNIVERSITY
Last but not least, wander among diverse plant collections and themed gardens maintained by the local university, an ideal escape into nature without leaving the city. Giant lily-pads, bonsai trees, giant redwoods and more. You’ll find the gardens a 25-minute walk from the city centre at Kotlářská 2. The cost of a ticket is around €10.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN BRNO
Read this post to find out what I got up to in Bratislava. 20 amazing things to see and do in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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