City of Brno

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Brno

Brno (map) is the heart of Moravia and its cultural hub; it’s home to many institutions related to Moravian history and culture. It was founded around the year 1000; and since the 14th century, the city served as the capital of Moravia.

The city flourished mainly during the 19th century. Today’s Brno is a mixture of many different architecture styles, there are many beautiful places. But still, it’s a home to great culture, and countless beautiful buildings, the city has the third largest historic preservation zone in the country. The biggest one is in Prague (map), the second largest is in Olomouc (map).

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The most interesting places in Brno includes the Brno Underground, a labyrinth of underground cellars which includes the second biggest ossuary in Europe (after the Catacombs of Paris). There are three castles, Špilberk (former royal castle, map), Veveří castle (map), and the Líšeň Castle (map). The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (map) in the Old Brno District. The Moravian Museum (the biggest museum in Moravia and the second biggest in the country, map), Lužánky Park (map) which is the oldest public park in the country, Denis Gardens (map), and various historical squares, churches, palaces, and other interesting buildings.

Veveri street (Ulice Veveří, map). This street is a group of outstanding Art Nouveau buildings called Tivoli (tram stop Konečného náměstí, map), and a number of baroque and other beautiful historical buildings. Nearby, is one of three botanical gardens in Brno. The street goes from the historical center and leads to the north.

From the north, Brno is surrounded by hills and very pleasant nature, probably the most notable place is the Moravian Karst.

Old Town Hall (map). See beloved Brno symbols the Brno Dragon (Brněnský drak) and the Wheel. Also notice the lopsided tower above the entrance. Legend has it that the city council stiffed the mason who built it and he made the crooked ornament in a fit of pique.

Capuchin Monastery (Kapucínský klášter, map). The 17th-century monastery lies right in the city center. It has Baroque statues and a mummified monks exhibition in an underground tomb.

Church of St. James (map). This church is doubtlessly one of the most notable churches in Brno. It’s a big gothic church and was founded in the 13th century. It has remained unchanged since the 17th century which is quite rare). Beneath the church, there is the Brno Ossuary.

*Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (map), known as Petrov forms a dominant silhouette of Brno skyline. (Petrov is the name of the hill which the cathedral is built upon, not the cathedral.)

The Moravian Gallery (map). The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings.

Avoid the main train station after dark as it attracts a number of unsavory characters, the usual caution applies. Also keep a keen eye out when using Automated Teller Machines in the immediate area for similar reasons. The area is also known be actively visited by pick-pockets.

Olomouc (map): a fine historic university town, with an impressive Plague Column (1½ hour trip). Telč is one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic (2 hours trip)

Public transport

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IDOS | Seznam – Both sites cover all Czech trains, buses and city transport and many train and bus lines abroad.

IDS JMK – Integrated transport system of the region.

DPMB.cz – Public transport of the city.

+ Public transport in Brno (gotobrno.cz)

 BUS >   Good service is offered by Eurolines and RegioJet. Cheap tickets from Poland are offered by FlixBus.

 RAIL >   Brno is an important stop on the Prague–Vienna and Prague–Bratislava–Budapest railway line; all IC, EC and Railjet trains stop here. For some trains originating in Prague, it is a terminal stop.

The railway system of the Czech Republic is relatively fast, reliable and very dense. Most trains are operated by the state company Czech Railways (České Dráhy – ČD) + LEO ExpressRegioJet. *Rail travel in Czech Republic

 AIRPORTS >   Václav Havel Airport – about 10 km west of the centre of Prague.

 WATERWAYS >   Korn FerryRiver Boats Prague

Mapy.cz – is a good source for cycling information – switch the map (via Změnit mapu – Turistická) to see cycling routes in violet color.