Visit Brno

The Vibrant Heart of Moravia

As the host city for IIB2027 conference, Brno offers the perfect blend of rich history, cutting-edge innovation, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. As the Czech Republic’s second-largest city and the historical capital of Moravia, Brno proudly avoids the overwhelming crowds of typical tourist hubs while offering a world-class cultural and culinary scene.

Historic Architecture & Unforgettable Panoramas

Brno’s skyline is proudly defined by two historic giants, both within easy walking distance of the city center. Towering over the city on Petrov Hill is the Gothic masterpiece, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Visitors can step inside to admire its grand interior or climb the steep steps of its towers for a sweeping view over the rooftops. Interestingly, the cathedral bells ring for noon at 11:00 AM instead of 12:00 PM—a daily tribute to a clever trick that fooled besieging armies back in 1645. Just a short walk across the old town leads to the formidable Špilberk Castle. Originally a 13th-century royal fortress, it later became a notorious military citadel and prison. Today, its lush green grounds offer another spectacular panoramic view of the city, while its deep casemates provide a fascinating step back into Habsburg-era history.

City Legends and Hidden Landmarks

At the Old Town Hall—the city’s oldest secular building—visitors are greeted by the famous "Brno Dragon" (which looks suspiciously like a preserved Nile crocodile) hanging in the entrance, alongside a grand stone portal featuring a deliberately bent pinnacle, allegedly twisted by a disgruntled, underpaid architect. A short distance away lies the lively, triangular Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), home to a controversial modern astronomical clock. Resembling a giant bullet or cucumber, it releases a prized glass marble from its mechanism every day at precisely 11:00 AM, drawing crowds who try to catch it.

Historic Squares & Cultural Gems

The true pulse of Brno can be felt in its public squares. The bustling Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) has served as the city’s culinary heart for centuries, filled daily with local vendors selling fresh fruits, flowers, and seasonal goods. In its center sits the monumental, cave-like Parnassus Fountain, and nearby, a delightfully unconventional statue of an 11-year-old Mozart—depicted with a child’s body, a mature face, and a single angel wing—commemorates the prodigy’s historic local performance. For art and grandeur, head over to the expansive Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Flanked by the palatial Moravian Gallery and St. Thomas Church, the square is dominated by a towering bronze equestrian statue of Jobst of Moravia on horseback. The statue is famous for its unique "perspective joke".

Catacombs and Architectural Icons

Beneath its lively streets, Brno conceals a darker, captivating underground world. Tucked quietly beneath the Church of St. James lies The Ossuary, Europe’s second-largest burial chamber. Discovered unexpectedly during a 2001 archaeological survey, this deeply moving subterranean site holds the historic remains of over 50,000 people from the 17th and 18th centuries, beautifully and respectfully arranged to classical music. For those fascinated by 20th-century history, the 10-Z Nuclear Bunker sits hidden at the foot of Špilberk hill. Built as a World War II shelter and later repurposed by the communist regime to protect elite citizens, it remains an immersive, untouched Cold War time capsule. Back above ground, Brno transitions into a celebrated hub of modernist design. While the world-famous functionalist masterpiece Villa Tugendhat (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a must-see, architecture enthusiasts will also love the Jurkovič Villa, asymmetrical and colorful folk-tale home built in 1906.