All Travel Guides

Provided by: Kirk/cc by-sa 3.0/Wikimedia

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe Czech Republic Brno Do & See Špilberk Castle (hrad Špilberk)

Overview

Špilberk Castle (hrad Špilberk)

The guide was updated: 2024-09-15

Situated on a rocky hill overlooking the city, Špilberk Castle was originally a royal castle, then converted into a huge Baroque fortress and secure prison known as the ‘Dungeon of Nations’ because of its international guest list of rebels against the oppressive Habsburg regime.

Useful Information

Address: Špilberk 210/1, Brno
Opening hours: April-September: daily 10am-6pm. October-March: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Website: www.spilberk.cz/en
Phone: +420 542 123 611
Email: muzeum.brno@spilberk.cz

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Špilberk Castle (hrad Špilberk)

Špilberk Castle (hrad Špilberk)

Situated on a rocky hill overlooking the city, Špilberk Castle was originally a royal castle, then converted into a huge Baroque fortress and secure prison known as the ‘Dungeon of Nations’ because of its international guest list of rebels against the oppressive Habsburg regime.

Brno City Museum – Měnínská Brána

Brno City Museum – Měnínská Brána

With Spilberk Castle as its beautiful seat, the Brno City Museum was founded in 1904 and it's one of the main cultural venues in the city. "Gateway to Time", for example, is a long-running archaeological exhibition showing visitors primeval localities and medieval finds from Brno and surroundings.

Cathedral of St Peter & Paul

Cathedral of St Peter & Paul

Located on the top of the hill known as Petrov, the free-standing Romanesque basilica was rebuilt as a Gothic cathedral in the 13th century and then converted to the Baroque style in the 18th century. The twin spires are depicted on the Czech 10Kč coin.

Capuchin Monastery And Crypt

Capuchin Monastery And Crypt

Discover the history of the Capuchin order - and have a somehow morbid experience - while paying a visit to this venue, where you will get the chance to see the Capuchin monastery’s crypt! Here, mummified bodies of 150 monks are displayed and preserved naturally since 1784 in the dry atmosphere (visitors will also notice that many were buried with their boots on).

Villa Tugendhat

Villa Tugendhat

This spot was the first UNESCO world heritage site-listed monument of modern architecture in the Czech Republic, and only the fourth worldwide to receive such a distinction: this fact alone should convince you to discover it as soon as possible. This glass-fronted villa was designed in 1928 by the famous German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and its minimalistic design is still relevant and charming. Make sure to book a visit to Villa Tugendhat even months before your get there.

Brno Reservoir

Brno Reservoir

This is a popular resort and an ideal place for all kinds of water sports: the banks are lined with sport facilities, restaurants and pubs. Moreover, the reservoir/lake stretches up for 15 km to the lost-in-time hamlet of Veverská Bityská. A ferry boat chugs between Brno and Veverská Bítýška from April to September and will take you to this beautiful site.

Veveří Castle

Veveří Castle

Brno’s second castle soars above the reservoir, surrounded by the suggestive Podkomorské woods. It is a Gothic royal castle which was also used as a hunting lodge, hosting today many cultural and social events.

Old Town Hall (Stará radnice)

Old Town Hall (Stará radnice)

This is the oldest secular building in Brno, combining various architectural styles, and was also the seat of the city administration from the 14th century to 1935. In the passage of the tower, you will also notice the famous Brno Dragon (actually a crocodile) and a wheel hanging from the ceiling.

VIDA!

VIDA!

When in Brno, VIDA! science centrum is a great choice for a rainy afternoon: this spot is particularly children-friendly, so come here with your family and have some fun together while learning interesting science-related facts!

Zoo Brno

Zoo Brno

This is another option for a day of extreme fun for the whole family: here, you will have the chance to see majestic polar bears, tigers and pandas in real life. Wear comfortable shoes, and grab something to eat and a blanket for a picnic.

10 - Z

10 - Z

Do you want to learn more about the dark past of this area, going back to its communist past? Then, pay a visit to 10-Z, code name for the top secret nuclear bunker situated right in the heart of Brno. This is definitely a unique experience.

Labyrinth under Zelný trh square

Labyrinth under Zelný trh square

This attraction is a large labyrinth of medieval hallways and mysterious, dark cellars. You can explore it during a tour offered by knowledgeable guides, dressed up in medieval clothes. Come here and discover the secrets of this spot!

Museum of Romani Culture

Museum of Romani Culture

It's undoubtedly great to just walk around the city, grabbing some traditional food every now and then, but if you really want to get to know more about the culture of the place you are visiting, the best thing to do is to visit a museum like this one. Here you will admire numerous exhibitions regarding the origins of Romani people and what they have been through, especially in the last centuries.

BrainFAQ

BrainFAQ

Do you want to challenge your creativity and intelligence under pressure? Call some friends and spend a day at BrainFAQ, an escape game where you will face different scenarios and stories such as escaping from a psychiatric hospital unlocking mechanisms and solving puzzles!

Botanicka Zahrada (Botanical Garden)

Botanicka Zahrada (Botanical Garden)

You don't necessarily need to go far away from the city to enjoy a peaceful and natural environment: the renowned Botanical Garden, for example, is located right in the centre of Brno. Sit on a bench during a sunny day and have a chat with friends, or just contemplate the beauty around you.

Seg Agency

Seg Agency

Brno is Czech Republic's second largest city, and consequently there are millions of things to do and see; a funny and fast way to do it is riding a Segway! Two hours will be enough to discover the most popular attractions in town, guided by an experienced guide who will make the trip even more interesting sharing anecdotes about different spots!

Koupaliště Kraví Hora

Koupaliště Kraví Hora

Koupaliště Kraví Hora, surrounded by the stunning nature of Brno, is the perfect place to chill with some friends, have fun with the family or just work out by yourself. There is a small pool for children, a sauna and a big outdoor pool with a great view over the city.

Technical Museum

Technical Museum

Are you a tech-enthusiast? Then, visit the famous Technical Museum of Brno, where countless disassembled machines and motors are displayed for you to understand how they work, with a little help from the guides that are always available for clearer explanations. Don't miss out the cars, airplanes and steam engines.

Brno Astronomical Clock

Brno Astronomical Clock

A Swedish general who laid siege on the city of Brno towards the end of the 30 Year War was faced with a stalemate and, one day, promised the city of Brno to lift the siege if the city would not fall until noon the same day. Residents of Brno decided to turn the clock so it would read noon an hour early, and the general kept his promise. In memory of this occurrence, the Astronomical clock has been installed, which releases a stream of marbles every day at 11 o'clock: these are sought-after souvenirs.

Next section

Next Section