The Czech Republic is a very interesting and picturesque country with amazingly beautiful cities. Brno occupies a special place among them: it is the second after 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. The 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 position at the crossroads of trade routes, the city quickly becomes an important commercial and cultural center, which also has strategic importance.

The main milestones in the history of the city:

• at the end of the 12th century - the center of the specific principality of the Přemyslids - the first royal dynasty of the Czech Republic;
• in 1243 it 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 managed by the 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 becomes a large industrial city;
• from 1918 to 1992 - as part of Czechoslovakia. During the war years, the city was badly damaged by the bombing of the Anglo-American aircraft;
• since 1993 - part of Czech Republic.

Only in Brno

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

Children will no doubt be delighted with the Ignis Brunensis fireworks parade and the hot air ballooning festival that take place every summer. Fans of theatrical and musical arts will enjoy theatrical festivals and festivals of symphonic music. Theatrical performances are played here every day. For young people, festivals of alternative and youth music are of interest. Finally, in August, Brno Days are held, established in honor of the successful defense of the city from the Swedes in 1645 and accompanied by a theatrical reenactment of military operations.

For lovers of history, Brno is a real Klondike. The historic center of the city is beautiful old City with numerous architectural landmarks.

If travelers to historical places have time, they can devote the whole day to getting to the town of Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) on their own, near which the famous Battle of Austerlitz, or the Battle of the Three Emperors, took place in 1805, which ended with a grand victory for Napoleon . In the town you can visit the palace-castle Slavkov - national monument culture of the Czech Republic, and on the site of the battle - a memorial, a chapel and a museum.

The uniqueness of the architectural appearance of the city lies in the harmonious combination of several styles and national traditions: in it, Gothic is adjacent to the Baroque and Renaissance, and the historical spirit of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has something in common with Czech culture.

Brno squares

In the old squares of the city, life is in full swing day and night. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located in magnificent historical buildings, and street musicians, artists and artists will always find something to entertain vacationers and tourists.

The most famous squares in Brno:

1. The Cabbage Market Square (Green) is one of the the oldest squares city, the first buildings on it appeared in the XIII century. Since ancient times, all kinds of goods were traded on it, and now you can meet merchants of flowers, souvenirs, vegetables and fruits here. At the end of the 17th century, the Parnassus fountain was installed in the center of the square - an amazing masterpiece of the Baroque style. Another magnificent building in this style is the Dietrichstein Palace. Now the palace building houses expositions and exhibitions of the Moravian Museum. Famous Czech theaters are located on the square: the U Stolu chamber theater, the alternative Goose on a Tether, 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.
2. Freedom Square is the oldest and largest square in the city. It originated in the 13th century. Fairs, concerts and performances have been and are held here. In the center of the square in 1679 a plague column was erected - a type of religious monument common in Central Europe: a column on which a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected. On the square there are interesting buildings and structures:
   • The House of Masters from Lipe is one of the oldest buildings in the city, a beautiful building in the Renaissance style (end of the 16th century);
   • Klein Palace - listed world heritage UNESCO. Built in the middle of the 19th century using the latest technologies of that time;
   • The house "At the four boobies" was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The house got its name from the strange facial expressions of the richly decorated facade of the Atlanteans supporting it;
   • the Omega Palace, a controversial modern high-tech glass and concrete building;
   • a watch of an unusual shape resembling 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. Around the building at this time there is an incredible hype;
   • fountain decorated with poems by Jan Scales. Installed in 2006.

An interesting fact: for the beauty and sophistication of the architectural appearance of Brno, they call it “Moravian Paris”.

Architectural monuments

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

1. Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul - 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 graceful 81-meter towers. The interior decoration is made in the Baroque style and is distinguished by luxury and splendor. From the observation platform 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.
2. The old town hall, which served the city for its intended purpose for more than five centuries - from the end of the 14th to the beginning of the 20th. The laying 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, the attributes of the main urban legends - the wheel and the crocodile. Now the museum houses a museum.
3. Špilberk Castle was erected 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 the enemies of the monarchy with the most unbearable conditions for prisoners. Now the fortress houses the exposition of the Museum of the City of Brno.
4. The ossuary of the Church of St. Jacob, containing the remains of at least 50,000 people. In 2012, these mourning halls were opened to group visits.
5. The Capuchin Monastery, famous for the legendary "mummy crypt" - the burial place of the monks of the Capuchin order. The unique microclimate of the tomb contributed to the natural mummification of the bodies. In addition to the monks, the remains of representatives of the nobility of the city have been preserved in the crypt. There was a belief in Brno that it was easier to get to heaven from this tomb.
6. Villa Tugendhat is the famous building of the classic of modernist architecture Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The villa is a reference example of functional design.
7. The building of the Theater Janacek is one of the buildings of the National Theater in 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 played on its stage.

Parks and natural attractions in Brno

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

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Denisovy Sady park was created, one of the oldest public parks in Moravia. This park is very popular among the city dwellers, who value it for fresh air and magnificent views from the fortress walls located on the hill.

In the vicinity of Brno there is an amazing natural monument - Moravian Karst - a landscape reserve, which is under state protection.

Moravian Kras is the largest karst cave system in Europe, with more than 1000 caves. Only five are open to the public, the most popular being the Punkven Cave. In it you can not only admire the stalagmites, stalactites and helictites, but also ride along the underwater river that flows into the lake.

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

Moravia is a land of secrets and legends, a significant part of which is concentrated here, in its capital. Many sights in Brno tell the most incredible stories about the city and its inhabitants. In terms of significance and size, it is second only to Prague. Regardless of the purpose of the trip, everyone will find something to see in Brno . Since the main tourist flows are concentrated in the capital of the Czech Republic, here you can enjoy the contemplation of local beauties in a relaxed atmosphere. We recommend that you view the sights of Brno in advance with a photo with names and descriptions and outline an approximate plan of excursion routes.

What to see in Brno first

Let's try to describe the main attractions of Brno briefly to help get an idea of ​​the life of the city.

1. Old Town Hall

Inner courtyard of the Old Town Hall in Brno SchiDD

2. Freedom Square

Historic buildings on Freedom Square in Brno

Existing since the 13th century, the square is the epicenter of all city events. There is interesting places for idle festivities, many shops, cafes, shops. The square is surrounded by historical buildings constituting an amazing architectural ensemble. There is a fountain in the center.

3. Vegetable Market Square

The magnificent Parnassus fountain of the 17th century on the Vegetable Market Square

Another square is the same age as the city. Today, here, as in medieval times, they sell fruits, vegetables and berries, and hold public events for the townspeople. The decoration of the square is a baroque fountain in the form of a cave with amazingly realistic sculptures. Several buildings are also located here. iconic places Brno.

4. Spilberk Castle

The 13th-century Špilberk Castle is located on a hilltop in the Czech city of Brno.

What a trip to historical places is complete without castles! This museum complex was once a defensive fortress, the castle walls remind of this, and today they seem impregnable. The museum exhibits weapons of medieval torture, inside you can visit the casemates and the exhibition. In the courtyard of the castle, concerts are often held, performances, in particular, by folklore groups of the city. From the top point, a panorama of the city opens.

5. Villa Tugendhat

Villa Tugendhat building and park located on a hill

This remarkable, squat building is located on a hill, 3 km from the city. There are including a trip here. An interesting architectural project is named after the customer and was created in the first half of the last century. The building is interesting in the absence of load-bearing walls, the entire load is taken by the metal frame. The uncomplicated interior impresses with the absence of bright decor, natural materials are used everywhere. Of particular interest is the onyx wall.

look Beautiful places Brno in this wonderful video!

6. Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul - a Catholic church in honor of the holy apostles

9. Observatory and Planetarium

Observatory and Planetarium in Brno at night

Add some interesting science to your journey! These facilities are located in the city center, on the territory of the Korovya Gora park. From the top of the park, you can see the city, and with the help of the telescopes placed there, you can look much further. The building is a real temple of science, because in addition to scientific presentations and exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, as well as entertainment programs and concerts. Of interest is a huge planetarium with fascinating performances, an adjacent exploratorium with an explanation of secrets natural phenomena, a unique hall with an exhibition of meteorites.

10. VIDA! Science Center

View from the second floor of the exhibits in the science and entertainment park VIDA! Ijon

This is an entertaining scientific center, where they will entertainly tell about the essence of various physical phenomena, give the makings of knowledge on human anatomy, make you think about puzzles and try yourself in conducting experiments. It is interesting that you can participate in physical processes: press, twist, touch, provoking some actions on the part of the exhibits. Around the center there are hotels in Brno with European service.

11. Magen Theater

Jiri Magen Theater in the center of Malinowska Square in Brno

This building with a light facade looks concise, without any frills. Despite the apparent simplicity, the triangular pediment in the central part attracts attention with a sculptural ensemble, and graceful columns make the appearance of the building light, not burdened with unnecessary elements. Special recommendations of tourists relate to the interior, decorated in the Baroque style. Strict marble columns, frescoed plafonds, beds upholstered in red velvet and statues of Atlanteans supporting a heavy curtain cause delight.

12. Janacek Theater

The monumental building of the L. Janáček Theater in Brno User:Darwinek

When creating the project, the authors focused more on the practicality of the future building than on its aesthetic component. The reinforced concrete building turned out to be comfortable, functional, with an ordinary facade. The repertoire is represented by opera and ballet performances, as well as novelties by contemporary composers.

13. Brno Technical Museum

Exhibit at the Technical Museum Brno RomanM82

Where to go in Brno for those who know a lot about technology? The exhibits showcase a variety of techniques. Here you can see planes with helicopters, cars with motorcycles, locomotives, computers of different generations. On the upper floors, telephone booths, dental offices and other life moments related to technology are realistically reproduced. On the top floor, you can take part in experiments.

14. Moravian Gallery

Prazhakov Palace, where the contemporary art of the Moravian Gallery Millenium187 is displayed

The second largest museum in the Czech Republic with rich collections of graphics and art, photographic exhibits, works of arts and crafts. Visitors leave heartfelt comments about the works of Czech craftsmen, glassware and ceramics, thread knitting masterpieces. In addition to permanent exhibitions, there are also short-term exhibitions dedicated to individual topics. 5 buildings are allocated for the exposition, which indicates the vastness of the gallery and its significance for the city in particular and the country as a whole.

15. Moravian Museum

The Moravian Museum is located on Zelni Square (former Market Square) in Brno

Museum of local lore, highlighting the history, nature and activities of the Moravian region. Museum expositions are located in the Dietrichstein Palace and contain rare exhibits. The legendary Vestonice Venus is kept here - the oldest ceramic figurine, a bright representative of the Gravettian culture. In addition, objects of ancient life and applied art are exhibited here.

16. Museum of Gypsy Culture

Facade of the building of the Museum of Romanesque Culture in Brno Anglos

The museum is full of exhibits demonstrating the vibrant and distinctive culture of the gypsy people. The review mentions the small territory of the museum exposition and the lack of pathos inherent in traditional museum exhibitions. Rather, it is the House of Gypsy Culture. The interior is dominated by black tones, so the museum makes a slightly depressing impression on some, but the collection of exhibits is certainly interesting.

17. Moravian Karst

Underground corridor of the Moravian Karst cave

The perfect place for immersion in Czech natural beauties. Throughout excursion route you will meet with stalactites and stalagmites, underground river(here you have to transfer to boats) and the abyss. Surprises prepared by nature open before your eyes: rocks, caves, forests. The karst contrasts favorably with the city beauties familiar to the eye.

18. Abyss of Macocha

View from the bottom of the Macocha abyss

Another attraction of Brno with a touch of mystery. A huge abyss was formed as a result of the collapse of the cave. The natives claimed that it had no bottom, but at the beginning of the 20th century. the first attempts were made to study it. A legend is connected with this place about an evil stepmother, who pushed her stepson into the abyss to save her son. From observation bridges located along the edges, you can see the bottom of the abyss. On the top platform there is a guest house where you can stay overnight.

19. Pernstein Castle

Pernstein Castle and Tower of the Four Seasons

This original Gothic building is also called the Marble Castle. In fact, it is a monumental defensive bastion with a tower. In the interior, the mosaic that lined the hall deserves special attention, the castle chambers are interesting, there is even a torture room. All rooms are shrouded in gloomy mystery, but a visit leaves a uniquely enthusiastic impression. In Soviet times, films were shot here.

20. Veverzhi Castle

Veveří Castle is one of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic.

What to visit in Brno from the monuments of medieval architecture? This castle was built in the 12th century. and restored almost from ruins. The first project was based on Gothic elements, as a result of the reconstructions, the Renaissance became dominant. Today wedding celebrations, concerts, festivities and festivals are held here.

Sights of Brno: what else to visit in Brno?

Due to the lack of tourist excitement, you can see a lot in Brno in 1 day. We offer a few more objects that cannot be ignored.

21. Austerlitz Castle

Slavkov-Austerlitz Castle is a well-preserved manor in Moravia

It was here that the battle of Austerlitz took place and an armistice agreement was signed, and 4 warriors at the base of the castle represent the countries that took part in the hostilities. Any tourist will be interested to see a small chapel inside with a marble altar. The park surrounding the castle is very beautiful, with fountains, monuments, incl. memorial to Soviet soldiers.

22. Grave of Peace

The memorial complex is dedicated to the victims of the great battle of Austerlitz Jean-Claude Brunner

This monument honored the memory of those who fell in the struggle near Austerlitz. At the same time, the mound does not praise the fallen, but pays tribute to the great, significant victory for the people. The grandiosity of the battle and its scale are clearly felt. The alley of trees brought from the countries participating in the legendary battle is impressive.

23. Brno Zoo

Corner of the zoo Brno

The high rating of the zoo and the mass of positive reviews are explained by the diversity of species and the well-groomed animals. There is a contact corner, a playground. Particularly popular are the Tiger Rocks, where large felines live in enclosures, which can be observed through the transparent wall of the restaurant located nearby. The African village is also interesting, where animals from hot countries are kept.

24. Luzhanki Park

Luzhanki Park is a great place to relax

The park appeared thanks to the Jesuit monks, who were given a manor, standing on this site. It was then called the "Jesuit Garden". After the abolition of the Jesuit order, the park was transferred to the city (thanks to Emperor Joseph). Today, the park, spread over 20 hectares, is a favorite vacation spot. The territory is planted with exotic plants and decorated with a decorative pond, a sculptural composition, a monument to the emperor, thanks to which the park became the property of Brno.

25. Ignis Brunensis Fireworks Festival

Grand final of the international fireworks competition over the Špilberk castle in Brno

We will advise what to see in Brno for fans of bright shows. Every year, starting from the end of the last century, an international fireworks festival is held here with the participation of different countries. Entertainment, cultural and sports events are held near the city reservoir, and an exclusive program is being developed for this period.

Get ready for intriguing excursions and trips. Believe me, every day in Brno will be filled with emotions and impressions. Read also about and get inspired for a further trip to the Czech Republic.

Brno is an ancient city in the Czech Republic, visited by millions of tourists every year. It is the second city after (the capital of the Czech Republic) and the center of Moravia.

The city of Brno is extremely rich in traditions, customs and events that took place in it. An interesting fact is that almost the entire historical part of the city (starting from the 13th century) has survived to this day in its original form. Fortresses, castles, cathedrals are organically combined with modern high-tech buildings.

One day is not enough for you to see all the architectural monuments and interesting places. At the same time, you can easily find all the sights of this city on your own, because most of them are located in the center or near train stations.

In this article, we will consider the most important sights of Brno, which you can see in one day, spend useful and pleasant leisure time alone or with your family, and do not miss the chance to plunge into ancient history Europe.

The symbol of the city, an administrative building with an unusual history. The Town Hall is located next to the Green Market Square, directly in the city center, so it is not difficult to get to it.

In the past, there was a court, a city council, and now a repository of important documents. And in one of the rooms the Brno dragon is kept - a stuffed animal of a huge crocodile brought from Turkey back in the 17th century.

In the courtyard of the town hall, various events are held almost every day: concerts and exhibitions.

A 13th-century building located on Jacob's Square.

For several centuries, the church has undergone many reconstructions and will be very interesting for lovers of architecture and design, as it is a vivid example of a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

St. Jacob's Cathedral is a spiritual center where church ceremonies and services are still held.

The church is open to visitors from 8 am to 7 pm at Jakubska 11.

But it should be remembered that during baptisms, marriages and commemoration, entry into the temple is strictly prohibited.

You will come across the image of this castle as soon as you get a coin of 10 crowns in your hands. The sight of this powerful fortress with its picturesque surroundings will take your breath away and you will be amazed by the majestic size of this building. Very often various festivals and fencing competitions are held here.

The castle museum itself is a combination of three architectural styles: Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. Available Observation deck will allow you to see the whole city and the whole panorama of Brno will be visible at a glance.

Open from 9.00 to 17.00, adult ticket - 90 kroons, children and reduced - 50 kroons.

Beer connoisseurs cannot do without a visit to the Starborno brewery. The on-site brasserie serves local beer, as well as a restaurant and a bar. And this means that here you can taste not only fresh Czech beer, but also national dishes.

The cost of beer for a 0.5l mug is from 30 to 50 kroons.

It exists from the 18th century to the present day, with a brisk trade in vegetables, fruits and flowers. Works from early morning until late evening.

In the center of the square is the famous fountain "Parnassus" with a stone statue of the goddess Europe on a dragon.

In the vicinity of the market is the Dietrichstein Palace with a museum inside.

The main specialization of the museum is craft exhibitions and expositions that tell about the history of Moravia. Here you can also have a quick and inexpensive meal in one of the many cafes or bars.

Getting to the Cabbage Market is not difficult, from the main station by trams 4,8,9.

The cathedral was erected on Peter's Hill in the 18th century; another historical landmark is located nearby - the episcopal palace. Behind the temple is an observation deck, from which you can admire the surroundings of Brno, and the two highest spiers of the cathedral are visible from anywhere in the city.

The only building in the Czech Republic of the XX century, in the Art Nouveau style, which is included in the UNESCO list as an object of world importance. The villa was built already in the early thirties of the last century, but the modernity of the style is amazing (the elegant interior of the house is expressed in minimalism and detailed furnishings).

Open from 10.00 to 18.00, price full tour- about 350 kroons and it is better to book and purchase tickets for a visit in advance due to the huge flow of visitors.

This church is the burial place of mummified famous Czechs and monks. In addition, a huge library and wall frescoes are of great value, so book lovers and historians are just for you.

The monastery is located on the former territory of the Brno Coal Market.

It combines both the present and the past of the country. It hosts not only performances, but also the most important city events. The repertoire is based on plays by Czech writers and playwrights.

Drama, ballet and opera performances go on throughout the theatrical season. Reviews of those who visited the theater are always emotional and vivid.

The theater is located on the territory of the Cabbage Market, you can get there by trams 4,8,9 from the main station.

The most beautiful secular place in the city. On this square, of an unusual triangular shape, there is a huge number of architectural monuments: the figure of the Virgin Mary, the Brno Orloj clock, the figures of the Atlanteans and many others. Here you will definitely have the opportunity to take unique selfies and photos.

What to see with kids?

If, nevertheless, your trip takes place with your family and children, then the first thing you just need to do is go to zoo, which accommodates more than one and a half thousand rare and outlandish animals.

In addition to the usual inspection, visit petting zoo, where children will have the opportunity to communicate with the animal world (stroke and feed the animals, ride a pony, photo and video shooting is allowed for a moderate fee - 10-30 kroons).

• You can get there both by private transport (parking is available at the entrance), and by public transport - bus 50, 52; trolleybus 30 and trams 1, 3, 11.
• The price of an adult ticket is 100 kroons, a child ticket is 70 kroons, children under three years old are free of charge.
• Visiting hours are from 9.00 to 18.00.

There is something to see and passionate nature lovers and admirers of fresh air. They are recommended to visit. According to the descriptions of tourists, it is better to visit there in spring and summer, when everything is in bloom and you will have the opportunity to see collections of various exotic plants and their hybrids.

It will be fascinating to visit the garden of miniatures, which will be equally interesting for both children and adults.

Brno is amazing place with a peculiar history, rich in local flavor.

Visit one of most beautiful cities Czech Republic - Brno and you will definitely fall in love with it at first sight, and the desire to visit it again and again will remain for a long time!

Useful maps and videos

look interactive map sights of Brno in Russian:

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2018-08-27

City of Brno located in Moravia. Not far from the city merge enough major rivers- Svitava and Svratka, as well as the Moravian Plain borders on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Brno is second in size only to the capital of the Czech Republic. Approximately 378 thousand people live directly in the city, 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, under the influence of which the city of Brno is located, is characterized by fairly mild winters and warm summers. The average annual air temperature is 9.4°C.

Currently, Brno is one of the main economic centers of the Czech Republic. The industry of the city has reached the 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. Since 1926, International Industrial Fairs have been held in Brno. Also here you can visit the Financial, Tourism and other fairs.

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

The people of Brno are very interested in football. There is a stadium here called Luzhanki, but, unfortunately, it needs a major overhaul. Behind this stadium, a new one is being built - the Brno Colosseum, which can accommodate up to 30,000 football fans. Formula 2, FIA GT, WTCC and MotoGP races take place in the city on 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 erected around the temple, which were created by several sculptors at the same time. In the premises attached to the church, in the past there were shops selling meat, fish and poultry.

At the top of the Spielberg mountain, 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 premises of the castle were converted into prison cells, in which Polish, Italian, French and, of course, Czech prisoners were kept. During the Second World War, 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 located in the central area of ​​Brno. There are always guides 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 monastery of the Capuchins. The building of the monastery was built in the 16th century. It houses the relics of the monastery monks, which, thanks to a special ventilation system, look like they are alive.

Can't get past 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 square is a great place to relax.

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

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

2. The most favorable exchange rate will be offered to you in state-owned banks, such as Ceskasporitelna, Zivnostenskabanka, Komercnibanka. In private offices and exchange points, they 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. While walking around the city, it is not necessary to carry large sums of money with you, because you can always pay credit card in places such as gas stations, large supermarkets and restaurants.

4. While visiting public places or traveling to public transport valuables (tablets, photo and video cameras) are best carried in bags, as there is a danger of becoming a victim of pickpockets.
5. The work schedule of public 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 usually close no later than 11 pm. However, the city has a lot of nightclubs and discos, open until the morning.

7. Please note that in the city, throwing garbage in places not intended for this is punishable by large fines. In parks, picnics are allowed only in special recreation areas.
8. Smoking is prohibited in public places in Brno. You will be warned about this everywhere by prohibiting signs. However, most restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas.

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

10. If you are over 23 years old and have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. At the place of rental, you will be asked to leave a certain amount of money as a deposit, which depends on the brand and class of the car.

Brno on the map, panorama

Brno, main city region of South Moravia, located in the southeast, at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe smooth junction of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and the South Moravian Plain. The city itself stands on the middle tiers of a hill that defines its historical layout. Two hills stand out - Petrov and Shpilberk, on which stands the castle of the same name. The industrial clusters of Brno are located mainly in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the city.

DOUBLE PEDIGREE

Brno is a city equally Slavic and German - this is how its history has developed. This circumstance explains and defines much in it clearly and concretely.

The Moravian Museum in Brno houses an exhibit of world significance - the Vestocka, or Paleo, Venus. This figurine of a woman made of baked clay, according to experts, was created between 29,000 and 25,000 years. BC e.; its height is 111, and its width is 43 mm, and this ancient artifact similar kind on the planet. Not later than this time, therefore, the sites of ancient people appeared in Moravia. With regard specifically to the Brno region, the first settlement, the settlement of which was discovered by archaeologists and was founded by the Celts of the Boi tribe around 400 BC. e. And this settlement was called, according to some, purely speculative hypotheses, Eburodunon. There are also more logical etymological versions regarding the name Brno. For example, it is associated with the common for the ancient Western Slavs verb "briniti" - to strengthen and with the Czech word "brneni" derived from it - armor. In the Xll-XIX centuries, when the city spoke mostly German, its name sounded like Brunn.

Somewhere in the 60s. BC e. the Celts from Moravia were driven out by the Germanic tribes of the Quads and Marcomanni. Western Slavs began to settle in the area of ​​the future city in the V-Vll centuries. The first written mention of the settlement of Brno in European chronicles dates back to the 9th century. to the 11th century. it is already reported as a fortified fortress of Prince Břetislav and the city of Břetislav Castle adjacent to it at the crossing over the Svratka River. The crossing appeared around 1000. At the end of the 11th - beginning of the 12th centuries. Dutch, Flemish, Walloons, Jews. Among the new colonizers of Moravia in general and Brno in particular, most were Germans. From 1182 the city became the residence of the Margrave of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1243, the King of Bohemia, Wenceslas I Přemyslid (c. 1205-1253) granted Brno the privileges of a free city, during his reign Brno was surrounded by fortress walls with five gates. In the XIII century. to protect the city from the south, a powerful castle fortress with the German name Shpilberk was erected, in the 16th century. re-equipped with fortifications with the reconstruction of the castle building in the Austrian Baroque style.

How many sieges this fortress on the hill withstood, we can talk about that for a long time separately (partially, this will be discussed later). No less important is the fact that the fortress remained impregnable, and the defenders of Brno were ready to lay down their lives for their native city, regardless of their nationality. There is only one answer - life in the city was established very well. In 1355, a clerk named Jan (that's all that is known about him) compiled the "Book of verdicts of the Brno conshels" (consuls or consuls - 12 advisers to the burgomaster). It was a set of rules according to which the city self-government, the Evangelical Church of Jan Amos Comenius ("Red Church"), should work. so that things in the city go dynamically and successfully: where what needs to be built, how to take care of all citizens, etc. Many cities in Europe relied on this document as a standard. However, there were deviations from fair verdicts: in 1454, King Ladislaus, nicknamed Pogrobek, expelled Jews from Brno. But not far away, now the then moved Jewish settlement - inside the city limits.

The Augustinian monks, whose order settled in the city in 1356, did a lot for the development of artistic and musical culture in Brno. And today Brno is the musical center of the Czech Republic, the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world are held here, the largest in the Czech Republic Musical Academy named after. L. Janacek, who lived and worked in Brno.

The last Germans from Brno left the city as the Red Army approached it and liberated the city on April 26, 1945.

WHAT IS GIVEN TO BRNO

Like all historical cities, Brno has its own traditions, which have arisen due to this or that historical event or long-term process.

Among such events, there is one that looks like a legend, but it actually happened. In 1645, Brno was besieged by the Swedes. Unsuccessfully. Extremely annoyed by this, the Swedish general Torstensen publicly stated in strong terms that if the fortress did not fall before noon the next day, he would give up trying to take it. Recklessly stated. Upon learning of this, the town hall bell ringer intervened in the situation. It was customary in the city to announce the onset of noon with the ringing of bells on the town hall tower. And on the day when everyone was anxiously awaiting the outcome of the siege, the bell rang at 11.00. sheathed their weapons and retreated, perceiving the inopportune sound of the bell as an unkind sign for themselves. Since then, noon in Brno conventionally always comes an hour earlier than expected. 1645 had for Brno and by no means a symbolic meaning: from this year the city became the capital of Moravia, and his eternal rival Olomouc lost this status.There were several reasons for this, and one of them was that Brno, as in 1643, did not surrender to the Swedes, and Olomouc did not resist them in 1642.

If Olomouc is considered the “Second Prague” in the Czech Republic, then Brno cannot be called the “third Prague”, although a certain similarity in this regard, of course, can also be found. The Brno residents themselves believe that their city is much more reminiscent of Paris with its boulevards with chestnut trees or Vienna. With regard to Vienna, this is indisputable: to the Austrian capital from Brno in a straight line 111, along the highway -144 km, and the city forever captured the style and tastes of the old, its imperial pretentiousness and at the same time artistry, as well as its own custom - to always have a clear civil position. So, during the period of the Hussite wars (between 1419 and 1434), unlike many other cities in the Czech Republic, he remained loyal to King Sigismund, the Hussites besieged the city twice - in 1428 and 1430 "but left its walls with nothing. In 1619 Brno supported the anti-Habsburg so-called Estates Uprising, which became one of the triggers of the Thirty Years' War.

During the Reformation period in the Czech Republic, Brno remained faithful to the Catholic Church, gave shelter to many of its monastic orders, which repaid the city with the construction of churches and monasteries. Once upon a time, Brno in the rest of Europe was called the "prison of nations", and in the most literal sense of these words. For the fact that people of various nationalities languished in the cellars of Spilberk Castle, who got there mainly for political dissent in relation to the Austrian monarchy. The castle ceased to be a prison in 1858.

Geographical position at the crossroads of the most important roads Central Europe determined its profile as a commercial and industrial city. Skilled and industrious artisans have always lived here, which was wisely used by enterprising and efficient German merchants. By the 19th century Brno became the most important economic center of the Czech Republic. And although during the Second World War Brno was subjected to intense bombing, its inhabitants managed to quickly restore both the city itself and its industrial potential. Today Brno has a diversified industry, the priority of which belongs to heavy engineering. This does not mean that new, high-tech industries are not developing, since the two main Brno universities - Masaryk (named after Masaryk) and the Technical University, as well as other educational institutions graduate excellent specialists and actively conduct scientific research. Business people in Europe know the way to Brno well, here for almost 80 years almost continuously, replacing one another or in parallel, different exhibitions and fairs have been held. Square exhibition center Brno, existing since 1928, today is 196 thousand m2, and it is never empty.

SIGHTS IN BRNO

■ Freedom Square (Lower Market) with a "plague" column, which is crowned with a sculpture of St. Mary, dedicated to the victory over the Swedes in the 17th century, the House of the Lord on Lipa (Renaissance, late 16th century); House "At the four blockheads" (neo-baroque, 1902); Square of the Vegetable Market with the theater "Reduta" (XV century) and the fountain "Parnassus" (XVII century)

■ Ring of boulevards, broken in the 1860s. on the site of the ancient city fortifications.

■ Spilberk Castle (originally built in the 13th century, after a fire restored in the 16th century in the Baroque style, it houses the Museum of the History of the City).

■ Churches of Saints Peter and Paul (Gothic, neo-Gothic, XIII-XX centuries), St. Jacob (Gothic, Renaissance, XIII-XVI centuries) and its ossuary, Findings of the Holy Cross (Baroque, XVII-XVIII centuries) and a monastery capuchins; St. John (John Nepomu-ka, baroque, XVIII century) and other places of worship.

■ Old Town Hall (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, XIII-XVI centuries).

■ New Town Hall (Renaissance, Baroque, XVI-XVIII centuries)

■ The Dietrichstein Palace (Baroque, XVII-XVIII centuries) and the Moravian Museum and the Children's Museum located in it.

■ Other museums: Moravian Gallery (Art Museum), Mendeleanum (G. Mendel Museum of Natural Sciences at Masaryk University), Technical Museum, Anthropos (Anthropology), Ethnographic, Gypsy Culture.

■ Villa Tugendhat (1930), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

■ Park on Cow Hill, it contains the Planetarium and the Observatory. N. Copernicus.

■ Moravian Karst karst cave system.

■ Lake Brno (reservoir), recreation area.

■ Nearby is the city of Slavkov, near which the Battle of Austerlitz took place

■ The inhabitants of Brno have two favorite symbols, and both are kept by the Old Town Hall. This is an ordinary-looking wooden wheel and "a crocodile under the arch of the entrance to it, or rather, its stuffed animal. The wheel, according to legend, was rolled into Brno by a craftsman from Lednice, who argued that he would make and deliver it to the town hall in a day, and the distance there was 40 km He won the argument. A stuffed crocodile, also according to legend, was presented to the city in the 15th century by a certain oriental merchant. Crocodiles made of glass, porcelain and edible ones - from marzipan - are sold everywhere in Brno, and they are called dragons here.
■ Spilberk Castle is full of legends, and they are all creepy. According to one legend, women who cheated on their husbands were thrown into the cellars of the castle, according to another - women were only frightened by imprisonment, but always pardoned, according to the third - the castle ceased to be a prison after its owner spent the night as a prisoner in the basement.
■ In addition to the bells on the tower of the Old Town Hall, the clock on the tower of the Špilberk castle also strikes at noon at 11 am. In 2010, a six-meter clock shaped like a cartridge case was installed on Freedom Square. At 11.00 this clock fires a glass bullet, the tourists who find themselves here at this hour try to catch an unusual souvenir. The glass bullet is by no means accidental. According to legend, the same General Torstensen who swore to take Brno before noon is immortal, and only a glass bullet can finish him off.