Brno's City Centre
Brno's City Centre
This condensed tour of the city centre will take you to the most popular, interesting, and important buildings, squares, streets, and parks.
First climb the relatively steep slope of Denisovy sady (the Denis Gardens) to the top to gaze out over Brno and take in the whole picture. Visit the monumental Katedrála sv. Petra a Pavla (Cathedral of St Peter and Paul) and then descend the stairs to Zelný trh (the Vegetable Market) where you can buy fruits and vegetables while admiring Parnas, the local Baroque fountain. From Zelňák, as the Vegetable Market is also called, it is just a few steps to Stará radnice (the Old Town Hall) with its famous portal, legendary crocodile, and fabled wheel. When you get to náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), you will surely notice the clock, the facades of local houses, and the round fountains with lines by Brno poet Jan Skácel. Česká Street will take you close to Moravské náměstí (Moravian Square), where you should make sure to have a look at the statue of Margrave Jobst from underneath. Pass through the gate in Běhounská Street, and Janáčkovo divadlo (the Janáček Theatre) will appear in front of you, ready to enchant you with its magnificent water curtain while you sit in the outdoor relaxation area. To wrap up the tour, take a walk across Jakubské náměstí (St James Square), famous for its lively atmosphere in summer. Then head down Masarykova Street until you reach the main station.
DENIS GARDENS
The terrace at the top of the Denis Gardens offers a view spanning from Spilberk Castle to the north-west, across Staré Brno (Old Brno) to the Brno Trade Hall located in the south-west, and south to administrative buildings including the AZ Tower skyscraper. When the weather is good, you can even see Pálava Hill almost 40 km to the south. This city park stretches between the city centre and Husova Street across the slopes of Petrov Hill. Originally called Františkov, the park was renamed in 1919 as a tribute to the French historian Ernest Denis, who contributed to the establishment of Czechoslovakia. The park features a colonnade with a fountain and an 1818 obelisk to commemorate the end of the Napoleonic Wars. In the 1960s, the park was a highly frequented place thanks to a café with a dance floor on the terrace. The park’s current appearance is the result of an extensive renovation, completed in 2003. On the south-eastern side of the gardens, there is a cross to commemorate Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Brno in 2009.
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Ogrody Denise
569 BiskupskáDENIS GARDENS
The terrace at the top of the Denis Gardens offers a view spanning from Spilberk Castle to the north-west, across Staré Brno (Old Brno) to the Brno Trade Hall located in the south-west, and south to administrative buildings including the AZ Tower skyscraper. When the weather is good, you can even see Pálava Hill almost 40 km to the south. This city park stretches between the city centre and Husova Street across the slopes of Petrov Hill. Originally called Františkov, the park was renamed in 1919 as a tribute to the French historian Ernest Denis, who contributed to the establishment of Czechoslovakia. The park features a colonnade with a fountain and an 1818 obelisk to commemorate the end of the Napoleonic Wars. In the 1960s, the park was a highly frequented place thanks to a café with a dance floor on the terrace. The park’s current appearance is the result of an extensive renovation, completed in 2003. On the south-eastern side of the gardens, there is a cross to commemorate Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Brno in 2009.
CATHEDRAL OF ST PETER AND PAUL
The cathedral – nicknamed Petrov, like the hill – dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when a Romanesque chapel was built on the top of a hill. At the end of the 12th century, a small church with an apse and a crypt was built there, and in the 13th century it was expanded into a Romanesque basilica, the remains of which were discovered during an archaeological study of the cathedral at the end of the 20th century; the site is now open to the public. The church was then rebuilt in the early Gothic style and made a provost church and a collegiate chapter. The artist behind the 18th-century Baroque interior was architect Mořic Grimm. The current main altar was created at the end of the 19th century. The ‘Kapistránka’ pulpit located on the left side of the hall is a remarkable piece of art; it is named after the Franciscan friar St John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno in the second half of 1451. The bells on the cathedral towers ring at 11 am instead of at noon in remembrance of a legendary trick that Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches played on the Swedish army as it lay siege to Brno. As the story goes, Swedish general Torstenson claimed he would abandon the siege if his army failed to conquer the city before the bells started to ring at noon. For this reason, de Souches decided to have the bells ring one hour earlier.
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Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
CATHEDRAL OF ST PETER AND PAUL
The cathedral – nicknamed Petrov, like the hill – dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when a Romanesque chapel was built on the top of a hill. At the end of the 12th century, a small church with an apse and a crypt was built there, and in the 13th century it was expanded into a Romanesque basilica, the remains of which were discovered during an archaeological study of the cathedral at the end of the 20th century; the site is now open to the public. The church was then rebuilt in the early Gothic style and made a provost church and a collegiate chapter. The artist behind the 18th-century Baroque interior was architect Mořic Grimm. The current main altar was created at the end of the 19th century. The ‘Kapistránka’ pulpit located on the left side of the hall is a remarkable piece of art; it is named after the Franciscan friar St John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno in the second half of 1451. The bells on the cathedral towers ring at 11 am instead of at noon in remembrance of a legendary trick that Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches played on the Swedish army as it lay siege to Brno. As the story goes, Swedish general Torstenson claimed he would abandon the siege if his army failed to conquer the city before the bells started to ring at noon. For this reason, de Souches decided to have the bells ring one hour earlier.
VEGETABLE MARKET
For centuries, the Vegetable Market, nicknamed Zelňák, has been a place where the local citizens buy fruit, vegetables, flowers, etc. In the lower part of the square, you can enter an underground labyrinth, a unique system of underground passages and cellars from the Middle Ages. The square is dominated by a monumental Baroque fountain, called ‘Parnas’, by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Another point of interest is Reduta, one of the oldest theatre buildings in central Europe, in front of which you will find a statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that serves as a reminder of the concert the child virtuoso gave here in December 1767 when he was only 11. At the upper part of the square lies Dietrichsteinský palác (the Dietrichstein Palace), built between 1614 and 1620 and designed by the Italian architect Tencalla. Today it houses Moravské zemské muzeum (the Moravian Museum). Right next to it are two Baroque palaces – the house of the abbots of the Žďár monastery and Dům pánů z Fanalu (the House of the Lords of Fanal), today the seat of Divadlo Husa na provázku (the Goose on a String Theatre). And make sure not to miss the Baroque sculptural group of the Holy Trinity in front of the palace, created by Antonín Schweigl in 1729. Also in the upper part is a block of four houses of Gothic and Renaissance origins called Malý Špalíček. The latest addition to the square is a roofed marketplace in a renovated building which used to be called Dům potravin (the House of Food).
Cabbage Market Sqaure
Zelný trhVEGETABLE MARKET
For centuries, the Vegetable Market, nicknamed Zelňák, has been a place where the local citizens buy fruit, vegetables, flowers, etc. In the lower part of the square, you can enter an underground labyrinth, a unique system of underground passages and cellars from the Middle Ages. The square is dominated by a monumental Baroque fountain, called ‘Parnas’, by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Another point of interest is Reduta, one of the oldest theatre buildings in central Europe, in front of which you will find a statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that serves as a reminder of the concert the child virtuoso gave here in December 1767 when he was only 11. At the upper part of the square lies Dietrichsteinský palác (the Dietrichstein Palace), built between 1614 and 1620 and designed by the Italian architect Tencalla. Today it houses Moravské zemské muzeum (the Moravian Museum). Right next to it are two Baroque palaces – the house of the abbots of the Žďár monastery and Dům pánů z Fanalu (the House of the Lords of Fanal), today the seat of Divadlo Husa na provázku (the Goose on a String Theatre). And make sure not to miss the Baroque sculptural group of the Holy Trinity in front of the palace, created by Antonín Schweigl in 1729. Also in the upper part is a block of four houses of Gothic and Renaissance origins called Malý Špalíček. The latest addition to the square is a roofed marketplace in a renovated building which used to be called Dům potravin (the House of Food).
FREEDOM SQUARE
Brno’s most significant square, located in its historic centre
The triangular shape of the square, nicknamed Svoboďák, was determined by ancient trade routes and by a stream (more precisely, a city sewer). This place, which was once called Dolní trh and then Velké náměstí (Lower Market and Big Square), was first mentioned in records from the 13th century.
Today it is surrounded by several remarkable buildings. One is the Renaissance Dům pánů z Lipé (House of the Lords of Lipá), with mythological and biblical scenes and grapevine ornamentation gracing its facade. Kleinův palác (Klein Palace) is a Renaissance Revival building with big cast-iron oriel windows that reference the main trade of the Klein family, which once owned ironworks in Sobotín. Dům U Čtyř mamlasů (House of Four Giants), with four giants carrying its weight, is another remarkable building, built in 1902 and designed by Alois Prastorfer and Germano Wanderley. The functionalist facade of the Komerční bank by architect Bohuslav Fuchs, which caused quite a stir at the time, is also worthy of mention. Similar controversial reactions were caused by the shining facade of the Omega Palace from 2006 by the architects Tomáš Pilař and Ladislav Kuba.
Four sculptural installations are located in the square, very different in terms of the time of their origin, design, and subject. The early Baroque plague column from 1689 is a reminder of plague outbreaks in Brno. The circular grids of the two bronze fountains feature lines by local poet Jan Skácel. The most controversial installation is the monument made of black granite: a clock from which small marbles fall out every day at 11 a.m. A discrete line on the paving outlines the foundations of the removed Church of St Nicholas.
Freedom Square
FREEDOM SQUARE
Brno’s most significant square, located in its historic centre
The triangular shape of the square, nicknamed Svoboďák, was determined by ancient trade routes and by a stream (more precisely, a city sewer). This place, which was once called Dolní trh and then Velké náměstí (Lower Market and Big Square), was first mentioned in records from the 13th century.
Today it is surrounded by several remarkable buildings. One is the Renaissance Dům pánů z Lipé (House of the Lords of Lipá), with mythological and biblical scenes and grapevine ornamentation gracing its facade. Kleinův palác (Klein Palace) is a Renaissance Revival building with big cast-iron oriel windows that reference the main trade of the Klein family, which once owned ironworks in Sobotín. Dům U Čtyř mamlasů (House of Four Giants), with four giants carrying its weight, is another remarkable building, built in 1902 and designed by Alois Prastorfer and Germano Wanderley. The functionalist facade of the Komerční bank by architect Bohuslav Fuchs, which caused quite a stir at the time, is also worthy of mention. Similar controversial reactions were caused by the shining facade of the Omega Palace from 2006 by the architects Tomáš Pilař and Ladislav Kuba.
Four sculptural installations are located in the square, very different in terms of the time of their origin, design, and subject. The early Baroque plague column from 1689 is a reminder of plague outbreaks in Brno. The circular grids of the two bronze fountains feature lines by local poet Jan Skácel. The most controversial installation is the monument made of black granite: a clock from which small marbles fall out every day at 11 a.m. A discrete line on the paving outlines the foundations of the removed Church of St Nicholas.
MORAVIAN SQUARE
One of the largest squares in Brno, made up of several parts
This square, sometimes called Moravák, encompasses both the area in front of Jan Křtitel Erna’s Baroque Kostel sv. Tomáše (Church of St Thomas) and a park awaiting renovations. These two parts are divided by a busy road with tram rails. The area in front of the church, with an adjacent Augustinian monastery called Místodržitelský palác (the Governor’s Palace) that currently houses Moravská galerie v Brně (the Moravian Gallery in Brno), features several interesting installations. The latest, and perhaps the most controversial, addition to the square is an eight-metre equestrian statue of Jobst of Luxembourg by sculptor Jaroslav Róna. Also called Courage, the statue offers a surprising and humorous view when standing under the horse’s belly. The statue of Justice by Marius Kotrba in front of the Supreme Administrative Court draws a lot of attention, too. It is a part of a concept based on the four cardinal virtues by Plato which also features an oblong fountain standing for Temperance and a bronze model of medieval Brno symbolising Prudence.
The park also consists of two parts, again separated by a road. The smaller eastern part is dominated by a monumental memorial to the victory of the Red Army over fascism by Vincenc Makovský. The bigger part of the park is today in a general state of neglect and is scheduled to be repaired. From the end of the 19th century till the end of World War II, a building called the German House was located there. After the war, the square was transformed and a pentagonal fountain was built in its centre. Its tips were originally made of red asphalt, which was supposed to look like a star from a bird’s-eye view.
Moravské náměstí
Moravské náměstíMORAVIAN SQUARE
One of the largest squares in Brno, made up of several parts
This square, sometimes called Moravák, encompasses both the area in front of Jan Křtitel Erna’s Baroque Kostel sv. Tomáše (Church of St Thomas) and a park awaiting renovations. These two parts are divided by a busy road with tram rails. The area in front of the church, with an adjacent Augustinian monastery called Místodržitelský palác (the Governor’s Palace) that currently houses Moravská galerie v Brně (the Moravian Gallery in Brno), features several interesting installations. The latest, and perhaps the most controversial, addition to the square is an eight-metre equestrian statue of Jobst of Luxembourg by sculptor Jaroslav Róna. Also called Courage, the statue offers a surprising and humorous view when standing under the horse’s belly. The statue of Justice by Marius Kotrba in front of the Supreme Administrative Court draws a lot of attention, too. It is a part of a concept based on the four cardinal virtues by Plato which also features an oblong fountain standing for Temperance and a bronze model of medieval Brno symbolising Prudence.
The park also consists of two parts, again separated by a road. The smaller eastern part is dominated by a monumental memorial to the victory of the Red Army over fascism by Vincenc Makovský. The bigger part of the park is today in a general state of neglect and is scheduled to be repaired. From the end of the 19th century till the end of World War II, a building called the German House was located there. After the war, the square was transformed and a pentagonal fountain was built in its centre. Its tips were originally made of red asphalt, which was supposed to look like a star from a bird’s-eye view.
ST JAMES SQUARE
On summer nights, this is one of the liveliest spots in Brno
The square, often simply called Jakubák, serves as the centre of Brno’s social life, with its pulsating, cosmopolitan atmosphere, enlivened by a number of gastropubs, restaurants, cafés, and bars that attract both locals and visitors from all over the world. In summer, the area behind the church is packed with people either standing or sitting on the pavement, and almost always enjoying a refreshing beverage. Kostel sv. Jakuba (the Church of St James), with its 94-metre tower, is one of the most valuable sites of the Late Gothic era in the Czech Republic. Its three naves, with majestic columns and beautiful vaults, hold a number of Renaissance and Baroque tombstones of Brno citizens, including Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches, who defended Brno during the Thirty Years’ War when it was besieged by the Swedish army. Another architectural sight is the functionalist Kavárna Savoy (Savoy Café). From the square, you can also enter the Brno Kostnice u sv. Jakub (the Ossuary at the Church of St James), the second-biggest in Europe after the catacombs of Paris
Jakubské náměstí
Jakubské náměstíST JAMES SQUARE
On summer nights, this is one of the liveliest spots in Brno
The square, often simply called Jakubák, serves as the centre of Brno’s social life, with its pulsating, cosmopolitan atmosphere, enlivened by a number of gastropubs, restaurants, cafés, and bars that attract both locals and visitors from all over the world. In summer, the area behind the church is packed with people either standing or sitting on the pavement, and almost always enjoying a refreshing beverage. Kostel sv. Jakuba (the Church of St James), with its 94-metre tower, is one of the most valuable sites of the Late Gothic era in the Czech Republic. Its three naves, with majestic columns and beautiful vaults, hold a number of Renaissance and Baroque tombstones of Brno citizens, including Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches, who defended Brno during the Thirty Years’ War when it was besieged by the Swedish army. Another architectural sight is the functionalist Kavárna Savoy (Savoy Café). From the square, you can also enter the Brno Kostnice u sv. Jakub (the Ossuary at the Church of St James), the second-biggest in Europe after the catacombs of Paris
MASARYKOVA STREET
Masarykova connects the train station with the Freedom square
Records from the 12th century show that this street was already in use as a main trade route through the city. Once called Ferdinand Street, it served as a counterpart to Česká Street and was a meeting point for local German citizens. Following the fall of the monarchy, it was quickly renamed to honour Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. During the Nazi occupation, it was named after Herman Göring. In 1955, it was renamed from Masarykova to třída Vítězství (Victory Road), but the local citizens generally ignored the new name and held to the previous name, if only semi-officially. All the houses located along the street today were built during the massive renovations that Brno underwent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction was so extensive, in fact, that apart from Kostel sv. Maří Magdaleny (the Church of St Mary Magdalene) – built for local Franciscans probably by Ondřej Erna in the mid-17th century – no original mediaeval building was preserved. Among the buildings of note are Stefan Haupt’s Art Nouveau house (7 Masarykova Street) by Leopold Bauer and Friedrich Wittreich’s functionalist commercial and apartment building (19–21 Masarykova Street) by Otto Eisler.
Masarykova
MasarykovaMASARYKOVA STREET
Masarykova connects the train station with the Freedom square
Records from the 12th century show that this street was already in use as a main trade route through the city. Once called Ferdinand Street, it served as a counterpart to Česká Street and was a meeting point for local German citizens. Following the fall of the monarchy, it was quickly renamed to honour Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. During the Nazi occupation, it was named after Herman Göring. In 1955, it was renamed from Masarykova to třída Vítězství (Victory Road), but the local citizens generally ignored the new name and held to the previous name, if only semi-officially. All the houses located along the street today were built during the massive renovations that Brno underwent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction was so extensive, in fact, that apart from Kostel sv. Maří Magdaleny (the Church of St Mary Magdalene) – built for local Franciscans probably by Ondřej Erna in the mid-17th century – no original mediaeval building was preserved. Among the buildings of note are Stefan Haupt’s Art Nouveau house (7 Masarykova Street) by Leopold Bauer and Friedrich Wittreich’s functionalist commercial and apartment building (19–21 Masarykova Street) by Otto Eisler.