Brno is a city in the Czech Republic. Old Brno: favorite attractions. Accommodation in the city

Brno is a city located in Moravia in the Czech Republic; it was the capital of this region from the 17th to the mid-20th century. It is the second largest city in the Czech Republic after Prague and one of the main tourist centers countries.

Brno was first mentioned in historical chronicles in the 11th century. Scientists believe that the name of the city comes from the common Slavic word “to defend.” Indeed, until the 19th century, Brno was of great importance in the defense of the south of the country.

What can a tourist see in Brno? Here we offer you the most interesting sights of Brno and the surrounding area with photos and brief description. For more details see this a beautiful city you can only go to Moravia.

This magnificent castle erected in the 13th century gothic style. At first it was a royal residence. Over the course of many centuries, the castle was repeatedly reconstructed and rebuilt, and by the beginning of the 17th century it had a Baroque style.

During the Habsburg dynasty, when the city belonged to Austria, it was decided to organize a prison in Špilberk for especially dangerous villains and criminals. So the castle turned into a dungeon for criminals until the mid-19th century.

Moreover, it gained fame as the most cruel prison in the entire Austrian Empire. And today it is one of the most popular historical and architectural monuments of the Middle Ages and Modern times among tourists.

This is the largest square in Brno, which appeared in the city in the 13th century. During the Middle Ages it was Market Square, around which the houses of the local nobility, merchants and rich townspeople were built.

The most important deals were concluded on Freedom Square, the biggest events in the life of the city took place. In the 19th-20th centuries it was reconstructed in the neo-Renaissance style, and turned into one of most beautiful places for a holiday in Brno.

In the center of the square is the Plague Column, erected in the middle of the 17th century, after the liberation of the city from Swedish troops and the plague. On Freedom Square you can also see many historical and modern buildings and structures.

Starting from the 13th century, a vegetable market was organized in this square. As Brno developed, Baroque palaces were built around the square. The market continues to function successfully today.

Here you can see the Parnassus fountain, designed and built at the end of the 17th century, see a sculpture of the goddess Europe and three sculptures depicting Babylon, Greece and Persia, go to a cafe or restaurant where you can taste European cuisine.

Near the Vegetable Market in Brno you can also see ancient palaces, several famous Czech theaters, many magnificent sculptural groups: The Holy Trinity, patrons of the city of the New Age, etc.

The City Hall was built in Brno in the mid-13th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It served the city for its intended purpose, as a city government body, for more than five hundred years.

Over the centuries, the Town Hall was rebuilt many times; it has retained many architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, etc. Inside you can find a stuffed crocodile, which, according to local legends, was once a real dragon.

The court and other city bodies met in the Old Town Hall, there was a city archive, they received city guests, ambassadors, etc. Today it is simply a wonderful museum, and all the city bureaucrats have safely moved to the New Town Hall.

This Catholic church, dedicated to the holy apostles, was built in the 11th-13th centuries. Initially it had a Romanesque style, a structure in the form of a basilica, but after numerous reconstructions the cathedral bears an interweaving of neo-Gothic and Baroque.

The two towers of the cathedral were erected at the beginning of the 20th century. Today this iconic building is a valuable architectural monument and historical landmark of Brno and the entire Czech Republic.

Currently, this is an active cathedral church, religious services are regularly held there, and it belongs to the diocese of Brno. The cathedral is a must-see in Brno for any tourist visiting this city.

The most interesting thing in the monastery is the monks’ crypt, where their mummies are located. Many rich and noble people of Brno were ready to give everything they had in order to get into this crypt after death, because... it was believed that from there there was a direct road to heaven.

The Capuchins lived very modestly in their cells, and their temple amazed with its luxury: sculptures in the Baroque style, paintings on the walls by famous artists, objects made of gold for worship, etc.

Tourists are allowed to explore the church and the tomb of the monks. In addition to the remains of monks, you can see coffins containing mummies of representatives of noble families of Brno. Particular attention of tourists is attracted by the glass coffin with a mummy inside it.

The original Catholic cathedral was built in the 13th century in the traditional Romanesque style in the form of a basilica. Then it was rebuilt in the Gothic style that was fashionable in the 14th century, but the church was later demolished.

The modern church of St. Yakub is characterized by a baroque style. It has high windows and light walls, so there is always a lot of light in the temple. The church is operational and is accessible to tourists during services.

Several years ago, a huge ossuary was discovered in the basements of the temple. Scientists estimate that it contains the bones of about 50,000 people. These are the remains from a nearby medieval cemetery, which was cleared of old graves.

This famous art gallery occupies 5 buildings and is considered the second largest cultural significance in the Czech Republic after Prague national gallery. In addition to painting, here you can see ceramics, glass, and textiles from Czech masters.

The Czech Republic is a very interesting and picturesque country with amazingly beautiful cities. Brno occupies a special place among them: it is second only to Prague The largest city country and the former capital of Moravia, the historical region of the country.

History of Brno

Brno is a city with a thousand-year history. Construction of the city began in the 11th century around the Špilberk castle-fortress, one of the main attractions of Brno. Thanks to its favorable location at the crossroads of trade routes, the city is quickly becoming a significant commercial and cultural center, which is also of strategic importance.

Main milestones in the history of the city:

at the end of the 12th century - the center of the appanage principality of Přemyslids - the first royal dynasty of the Czech Republic;
in 1243 received the status of a royal free city;
at the end of the 13th century - the residence of the Moravian margraves;
Since the 14th century, the affairs of the city have been governed by Moravian zemstvo diets;
from 1526 to 1918 - the economic and cultural center of Moravia, which became part of the Habsburg Empire - Austria-Hungary;
in the 19th century it became a large industrial city;
from 1918 to 1992 – part of Czechoslovakia. During the war, the city suffered greatly from bombing by Anglo-American aircraft;
since 1993 – part of Czech Republic.

Only in Brno

You can't see Brno in one day. The city's attractions are very diverse and will interest representatives of all ages and hobbies. In addition, numerous events are held in the city every year. cultural events for different tastes, and lasting more than one day.

Children will undoubtedly be delighted by the Ignis Brunensis fireworks parade and the Flight Festival that take place every summer. balloons. Fans of theater and music will be delighted by theatrical and symphonic music festivals; theatrical performances are staged here every day. Alternative and youth music festivals are of interest to young people. Finally, in August, Brno Days take place, established in honor of the city’s successful defense from the Swedes in 1645 and accompanied by a theatrical reenactment of the fighting.

For history buffs, Brno is a real Klondike. The historic city center is wonderful old City with numerous architectural attractions.

If travelers historical places If they have time, they can devote the whole day to independently getting to the town of Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz), near which the famous Battle of Austerlitz, or the Battle of the Three Emperors, which ended in the grandiose victory of Napoleon, took place in 1805. In the town you can visit the Slavkov Castle Palace, a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic, and at the site of the battle there is a memorial, a chapel and a museum.

Uniqueness architectural appearance city lies in the harmonious combination of several styles and national traditions: in it Gothic coexists with Baroque and Renaissance, and the historical spirit Austro-Hungarian Empire resonates with Czech culture.

Squares of Brno

In the ancient squares of the city, life is in full swing day and night. Magnificent historical buildings house numerous cafes and restaurants, and street musicians, performers and artists will always find something to entertain vacationing townspeople and tourists.

The most famous squares in Brno:

Cabbage Market Square (Green) is one of the oldest squares in the city; the first buildings on it appeared in the 13th century. Since ancient times, all kinds of goods have been traded here, and now you can find sellers of flowers, souvenirs, vegetables and fruits here. In the center of the square at the end of the 17th century, the Parnassus fountain was installed - an amazing masterpiece of the Baroque style. Another magnificent building in this style is Dietrichstein Palace. Nowadays, the palace building houses expositions and exhibitions of the Moravian Museum. On the square there are famous Czech theaters: the chamber theater “U Stolu”, the alternative “Goose on a Leash” and one of the oldest theaters in the Czech Republic “Reduta”. In 1767, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed on the stage of the Redoubt, and in honor of this event, a monument to this brilliant composer was erected in front of the theater.
Freedom Square is the oldest and largest square in the city. Originated in the 13th century. Fairs, concerts and performances were and are held here. In the center of the square in 1679, a plague pillar was erected - a type of religious monument common in Central Europe: a column on which a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected. The square contains the most interesting buildings and structures:
- The house of the gentlemen from Lipe is one of the oldest buildings in the city, a beautiful structure in the Renaissance style (late 16th century);
- Klein Palace – included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Built in the mid-19th century using latest technologies that time;
- The house “At Four Blockheads” was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The house got its name from the strange facial expressions of the Atlanteans supporting its richly decorated façade;
- the Omega Palace, a controversial modern building made of glass and concrete in the high-tech style;
- watch of an unusual shape, reminiscent of a 6-meter bullet. The clock strikes every day at 11 o'clock, and a special mechanism pushes a glass ball out of the clock. There is an incredible stir around the building at this time;
- fountain decorated with poems by Jan Scales. Installed in 2006.

Interesting fact: Brno is called “Moravian Paris” for the beauty and sophistication of its architectural appearance.

Architectural monuments

The townspeople are proud not only of ancient buildings, but also of buildings made in modern architectural styles. Among the most interesting and significant buildings are:

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is the main attraction of Brno. This Gothic cathedral acquired its final appearance at the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century. The temple is decorated with two elegant 81-meter towers. The interior decoration is made in Baroque style and is luxurious and splendid. From the observation deck of the cathedral you can look at the panorama of the city and even see the plain on which the Battle of Austerlitz took place.
The old town hall, which served the city for its intended purpose for over five centuries - from the end of the 14th to the beginning of the 20th. The foundation of the building dates back to an even earlier time - the middle of the 13th century. In the arch of the town hall there are two unofficial symbols of Brno, attributes of the main urban legends - the wheel and the crocodile. The museum is now a museum.
Špilberk Castle was built as a defensive structure by the first Czech kings, and its fate reflected the entire history of Bohemia and Moravia. At the end of the 18th century, Emperor Joseph II turned part of the castle into a prison for enemies of the monarchy with the most unbearable conditions for prisoners. Now the fortress houses an exhibition of the Brno City Museum.
The ossuary of the Church of St. Jacob, which contains the remains of at least 50,000 people. In 2012, these mourning halls were opened to group visits.
Capuchin monastery, famous for the legendary “mummy crypt” - the burial place of monks of the Capuchin order. The unique microclimate of the tomb contributed to the natural mummification of bodies. In addition to the monks, the crypt contains the remains of representatives of the city's nobility. In Brno there was a belief that from this tomb it was easier to get to heaven.
Villa Tugendhat is the famous building of the classic modernist architecture Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villa is a reference example of functional design.
The building of the Theater named after. Janacek - one of the buildings National Theater Brno, built in 1960-1965. At that time it was the largest and most technically equipped theater in the Czech Republic. Opera and ballet repertoire is performed on its stage.

Parks and natural attractions of Brno

Most big park Brno "Luzanki" is also the oldest public park in the whole Czech Republic. It was opened in the 18th century and furnished in Baroque style. Located near the historical center of the city. The 20-hectare park contains all species of Moravian plants, as well as rare and exotic trees and other plants.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Denis Gardens park was created - one of the oldest public parks in Moravia. This park is very popular among city residents, who appreciate it for its fresh air and magnificent views from the fortress walls located on the hill.

Located in the vicinity of Brno amazing monument nature – Moravian Kras is a landscape reserve under state protection.

Moravian Kras is the largest system in Europe karst caves, which includes more than 1000 caves. Only five are open to the public, the most popular being the Puncture Cave. Here you can not only admire stalagmites, stalactites and helictites, but also take a ride along the underwater river flowing into the lake.

Brno is one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the Czech Republic, famous for its numerous churches and the charming atmosphere of antiquity. At the same time, it is a lively and artistic center of cultural life in the Czech Republic, bright and festive.

City of Brno is located in Moravia. Not far from the city merge enough large rivers— Svitava and Svratka, as well as the Moravian Plain, border on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Brno is second in size only to the capital of the Czech Republic. Approximately 378 thousand people live in the city itself, and together with the province - about 730 thousand. The area of the land Brno is approximately 230 square kilometers.

City of Brno - video

The temperate continental climate, which influences the city of Brno, is characterized by fairly mild winters and warm summers. Average annual temperature air is 9.4°C.

Currently, Brno is one of the main economic centers of the Czech Republic. The city's industry has achieved its greatest development in the field of heavy engineering. Such industries as printing, chemical, woodworking, textile, cement, food and others are at a fairly high level. International industrial fairs have been held in Brno since 1926. You can also visit the Financial, Tourism and other fairs here.

Brno has international Airport, which is called "Turzhany". The airport serves planes arriving from Western European capitals (Moscow, and of course) and other cities. Brno also has a fairly significant railway junction. The public transport network includes trams, trolleybuses, bus routes and taxi. Local trolleybus route network is the largest in the Czech Republic.

Residents of Brno are very interested in football. There is a stadium here called Luzhanki, but, unfortunately, it needs major renovations. Behind this stadium, a new one is being built - the Brno Colosseum, which can accommodate up to 30 thousand football fans. Formula 2, FIA GT, WTCC and MotoGP races are held in the city at the Brno circuit.

Sights of the city of Brno

One of the main attractions of Brno - Dominican Church named after St. Michael, built in the Baroque style in the second half of the 17th century on the site of a Gothic church. In the 18th century, statues were installed around the temple, which were created by several sculptors at the same time. In the past, the premises attached to the church housed shops that sold meat, fish and poultry.

At the top of Mount Spielberg there is a fortress of the same name, which is a very popular attraction among tourists from European countries. This fortress is depicted on Czech coins. Fortress Spielberg Castle became in the 16th century. In the 19th century, the castle premises were converted into prison cells in which Polish, Italian, French and, of course, Czech prisoners were kept. During World War II, prisoners of war were tortured by the Nazis within the walls of the fortress. Not far from the castle there are two chapels, built, like the castle itself, in the Gothic style. Currently, the fortress houses a museum.

To pay attention Nicolaus Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium, which are in central region Brno. There are always guides here who will give you excursions. In the planetarium you can use a powerful telescope, with which you can see the Moon, numerous stars and some planets.

Another attraction of Brno is Capuchin monastery. The monastery building was built in the 16th century; it houses the relics of the monastery monks, who, thanks to a special ventilation system, look as if they were alive.

You can't pass by Freedom Square, the so-called heart of the city. The square hosts many concerts and performances. Also, the movement of vehicles, both personal and public, is prohibited here, so the area is great place for relax.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul built in the 14th century in the Gothic style on the site of an old monastery built in the Romanesque style. The cathedral clock, striking noon at 11 o'clock in the afternoon, reminds residents of the city of the events that took place here at the end of the 17th century, when a local bell ringer saved Brno from an attack by the Swedish army.

1. In restaurants and hotels in the city, it is considered good manners to leave the waiter or concierge who served you a small amount (5-10% of the total cost of the order and service) as a reward. You can also thank the taxi driver who delivered you to your destination on time and safe by rounding up the fare.

2. The most favorable currency exchange rate will be offered to you in state banks, for example, Ceskasporitelna, Zivnostenskabanka, Komercnibanka. Private offices and exchange offices charge a fairly large percentage of the commission fee, so it is recommended to resort to their services only when there is no other choice.

3. When walking around the city, you don’t have to carry large sums of money with you, because you can always pay credit card in places like gas stations, large supermarkets and restaurants.

4. When visiting public places or traveling to public transport It is best to carry valuables (tablets, photo and video cameras) in bags, as there is a danger of becoming a victim of pickpockets.
5. The work schedule of government institutions here is as follows: from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 16:30 pm, Saturday is a short day, Sunday is a day off.

6. Tourists who prefer nightlife should pay attention to the fact that cafes and bars generally close no later than 11 pm. However, the city has quite a lot of nightclubs and discos that are open until the morning.

7. Please note that in the city, throwing garbage in places not intended for this purpose is punishable by large fines. In parks, you can have a picnic only in special recreation areas.
8. Smoking is prohibited in public places in Brno. Prohibition signs installed everywhere will warn you about this. However, most restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas.

9. The city population (both pedestrians and drivers always) try to follow the rules traffic who know very well. Guests of the city should also not violate them, as here you will face problems with local representatives of the law for this.

10. If you are already 23 years old and have an international driving license, you can rent a car. At the rental location, you will be asked to leave a certain amount of money as a deposit, which depends on the make and class of the car.

Brno on the map, panorama

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. Local residents say that in the process of creating the country, the best attractions went to the capital, and the best people- the city of Brno. Of course, there are also many architectural attractions here and some are of military significance. After all, the name of the city comes from the word “armor”; the Prussians and Swedes could not take it in battle.

Attractions

The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, made in the Gothic style. It towers over the Old Town, has the famous clock and roads that lead to this cathedral from any direction. Down to the square there is a market where you can buy fruits and vegetables.
Pan Lip's house was presented to the sapper who saved the whole city from the explosion. It was organized by the Swedes, who made an underground tunnel to the city in order to blow up the city wall. Now there is a telescope on the roof of the house, which allows you to view the surroundings of the entire city.
The Moravian Museum is widely known for its Venus of Vestonice figurine, which dates back more than 25,000 years. It represents the earliest product in the world that has survived to this day.
Spielberg Fortress is a must-visit place. It was built in the 10th century and after some time served as a prison. Nowadays, many excursions are held here, which allow you to visit the punishment cells where dangerous criminals were detained, as well as learn the history of the fortress itself and Brno as a whole.
New Town Hall. It was built back in the 13th century to hold local diets and trials. After its reconstruction, it is now the municipal building, where meetings of local deputies and the city council are held.
Capuchin monastery. It includes a fairly large crypt, where for 300 years monks and people belonging to the aristocratic family of the Czech Republic were buried. The tour includes viewing the mummified remains.
The redoubt is a fairly ancient theatrical building throughout Central Europe. Here, the traditions of theatrical skill and art date back to the 17th century. It was in the Redoubt that the great composer Mozart gave a concert at the age of 12.

Currency exchange

The best options for exchanging money are the following banks:

Ceska Sporitelna;
Komercni;
Zivnostenka.

There is always a more favorable rate and a small commission (maximum 2%). Banking hours begin at 8:00 and until 16:30 from Monday to Friday. If necessary in local currency on Saturday and Sunday, optimal choice will be located near the historical part of Brno and the Grand Hotel. This is where several currency exchange offices are located with an acceptable exchange rate, without any deception. But it’s better to refrain from exchanging money with your hands.

Taxi service

There are several ways to get to this city:

Brno-Prague (airport). The distance is 280 km, the time spent on the journey is less than 3.5 hours. The cost of a taxi trip is about 198 euros.
Brno-Budapest (airport). Distance: 367 km, travel time: less than 4.5 hours with a trip cost of 295 euros.
Brno-Vienna (airport). Distance: 144 km, travel time: 2 hours, travel cost: 165 euros.
Brno - Pardubice. Distance: 160 km, travel time: 2.5 hours, cost: 155 euros.

How to get there

You can get to the city of Brno through the large air network of the entire region. From Russia you can get from Vnukovo by UTair airline. And from the airport to the city itself the bus is coming routes No. 76 and No. 89 day and night, respectively (every half hour). The fare is quite reasonable - 1 euro, by taxi - about 12 euros.

Climate Features

Brno is characterized by mild winters and relatively cool summers. In summer, the air temperature here rises to +23 +25 degrees, at night it drops to +12. The coldest month of the year is considered to be January, when during the day the air temperature ranges from +1-0 degrees, and at night it reaches -5.

The most acceptable and popular time to visit the city is considered to be from late spring to early autumn.

How to relax?

Holidays in this city attract tourists for several reasons. This:

Cultural entertainment. The city is popular for its events, which are held as part of the “cultural summer” project. From June to September, theatrical performances take place here, concert programs, fireworks and a festival of balloon flights.
Historical heritage. The city is second cultural capital Czechs. A large number of attractions and architecture in the classicist and baroque styles are concentrated here.

Where to stay

There are about 180 hotels in the city ranging from luxury to economy class. If in a 4* hotel accommodation costs from 7500 rubles. per day, and in 3* - from 4500 rubles. More economical options can be found in the following hotels:

Slavia. Here rooms cost from 4,000 rubles per night per person.
City Brno. The hotel is located close to the Church of St. Peter and Paul. For a day's stay here you need to pay from 2700 rubles.
Apartmanovy Dum Centrum. The hotel is located in close proximity to the Moravian Gallery. Here a room will cost from 2800 rubles. per day per person.
Hotel Vista Brno. Located on Hudcova street. It has been newly renovated and is available for breakfast " Buffet" The cost of living is from 2900 rubles.
Europa Hotel Brno. Located at Trida Kapitana Jose 27. Room rates start from 2,500 rubles. per person per day.

These are the most economical hotels located close to city attractions, which is extremely convenient for tourists. For inexpensive accommodation, you can also pay attention to the Amphone and Pyramida Brno hotels.

Inexpensive restaurants and bars

Restaurant Green

It is located on Varzhnetskaya Street, not far from the city center. The restaurant has an attractive interior surrounded by greenery. The wine list will pleasantly surprise you with its variety, and the beer will be at an affordable price (1 euro). National Czech cuisine is deliciously prepared here, especially young pig with sauerkraut.

Pegas Pivnice

This bar-restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the Pegas Hotel, on Jakubska Street 4. It is one of the best beer bars in all of Brno. Its popularity is due to deliciously prepared Czech cuisine, large portions, excellent intoxicating drinks, beautiful interior and affordable prices.

An average lunch here will cost 15 euros.

Pivovarska Pivnice

This beer bar is located in Mendlováměstí. Famous for its delicious beers and excellent cuisine. In addition to the bar, there is an outdoor terrace, a café and a restaurant. Prices are quite reasonable, at the level of Pegas Pivnice. Therefore, it is often visited by tourists who want to taste traditional Czech cuisine at affordable prices.

Borgo Agnese

The restaurant is located on Kopeichnaya Street. Boasts both Czech and Mediterranean cuisine. It is considered one of the best establishments in the city. There is a romantic atmosphere here, and the hall itself is made in Italian style.

It is worth trying voles, deliciously prepared risotto, pasta, pork or seafood dishes. The wine list will also delight you with its variety. However, don’t be afraid of the prices; they are quite reasonable here. So a good portion of Czech soup will cost 4 euros, Italian pasta - no more than 10 euros.

Pod Radnicnim Kolem

The restaurant is located in the Old Town Hall building and is decorated in Moravian style. Here you will be offered excellent Moravian wines and Czech cuisine. On Thursday and Friday you can enjoy a live dulcimer orchestra. On average, a main course in a restaurant will cost 5 euros.

Sherlock Holmes

This is a very affordable restaurant-pub located in the very center of the city. Here you can taste excellent cuisine: mushroom soup with chicken, pumpkin soup, delicious hot dishes (stuffed duck breast, chicken meat), as well as homemade pastries.

The city of Brno itself is an excellent option for economical holiday in the Czech Republic. Here you can not only enjoy cultural recreation, but also to taste delicious Czech cuisine and all this at affordable prices, which is good news.

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. “Wine routes” lead here - 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 reigns 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 the central square of 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 clock in the shape of a sleeve. Every day at 11:00 they “shoot” a glass bullet. Catching her 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 at this time strikes not only on Freedom Square. The ringing echoes over the city and from Petrov Hill, where the magnificent Cathedral Peter and Paul, built in the 13th century. 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 ancient baroque organ sounds. 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 became the first in the world residential building, 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 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, 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, there are tennis courts, ponds and even a mini zoo, there are cafes. There are benches everywhere, but many townspeople prefer to sit right on the grass.

At the beginning of the last century, a Botanical Garden. 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, mouflon and wild boar. The latter are not always friendly, so during the period when they are feeding their offspring, they are kept behind a fence. Deer roam 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 park area transitions 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 get off at the picturesque cape of 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. On its relative small area all types of karst phenomena are represented - canyons, grottoes, deep failures, 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's interesting to go to hiking along the route around the Brno Dam, passing through the natural park Podkomorskie Forests, and further 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 traveling by bicycle can go in any direction, making stops in the most interesting corners 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 scenery. 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.

Largest shopping mall– 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, accessories, you can buy souvenirs, including products self made, made by folk craftsmen of Moravia.

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.

It might be useful to read: