Once the capital of Moravia, Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic after the capital, Prague. Its city centre is clustered with architectural masterpieces that range from a medieval castle to a monumental cathedral and a functionalist villa that has become an icon of modernism.
Things to do in Brno City Centre
In the heart of Brno is Liberty Square, a triangular-shaped meeting place that has been in existence since the 13th century. It is watched over by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Renaissance Revival-style Klein Palace and the early-20th-century House of Four Giants. Coincide your visit to see the marbles falling from the square’s black granite clock at 11 am each day.
Don’t miss the Moravian Museum, which was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis II within the Baroque-style Dietrichstein Palace. Its exhibits span the natural and social sciences, with highlights including a life-size mammoth and the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. You can learn about the legacy of Czech philosopher John Amos Comenius and step inside the recreated study of composer Leoš Janáček.
Nearby is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, which is one of the most important architectural landmarks in South Moravia. Much of its Gothic exterior dates from the 14th century, although the 84-metre-high towers were added in the early 20th century and offer magnificent views across the city. The Baroque interior includes a 17th-century boxed tabernacle and a marble baptistry crafted by Simon Brandt.
Getting around Brno City Centre
Brno–Tuřany Airport is around 15 minutes’ drive from Brno City Centre and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Trains connect from cities across the Czech Republic to the Brno Main railway station while both trains and buses travel throughout the city centre.