The Legend of the Brno Dragon and Crooked Turret

The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in Brno. It holds the city's most famous secrets. When you walk through the passage, look up. You will see the Brno Dragon. Legend says this beast once terrorized the local people. A clever butcher eventually defeated it with a lime-filled hide. Today, we know it is a crocodile, likely a gift from a visiting dignitary.

Just outside the passage, look at the Gothic portal. You will notice the middle turret is bent. This is the famous crooked turret. The architect, Anton Pilgram, was angry with the city council. They refused to pay him the full amount for his work. In revenge, he made the central spire crooked on purpose. It remains a symbol of artistic defiance today.

Visiting these sites is a great way to start your tour. You can also climb the tower for a great view. The hall often hosts cultural events and exhibitions. It is the perfect spot to learn about unique places in Brno that most tourists miss. Make sure to bring your camera for these oddities.

Top 12 Sights Near the Brno Dragon and Crooked Turret

Brno is a walkable city with many layers of history. Use this list to plan your route around the historic center. These items offer a mix of history, art, and local culture. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the Brno Dragon and crooked turret. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Visit the tourist office inside for maps.
• Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: This is the most iconic silhouette in Brno. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donation suggested). Getting there: A short uphill walk from the town hall. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a 1645 legend.
• Name: Spilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: Explore a massive fortress with a dark prison history. Best for: Families and history fans. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate for museum entry. Getting there: Walk up through the park. Tip: Visit the casemates prison for a spooky experience.
• Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: Market Why go: Buy fresh local produce and see the Parnas Fountain. Best for: Foodies. Where: Center of Brno. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: 2 minutes from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Try the local seasonal fruit in summer.
• Name: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars and tunnels. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Under Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate for guided tours. Getting there: Entrance is on the market square. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.
• Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: Those interested in the macabre. Where: Near St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Respect the quiet atmosphere of this burial site.
• Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High; book months in advance. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: Check the UNESCO official site for heritage details.
• Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: A former nuclear shelter from the Cold War era. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Husova Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate for tours. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: You can actually stay overnight in the hostel here.
• Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: A black stone statue that releases a glass marble daily. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Heart of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Read about the clock's meaning before you go.
• Name: Statue of Jobst of Moravia Type: Sight Why go: A giant bronze horse statue with a surprising perspective. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from Freedom Square. Tip: Stand under the horse and look up for a laugh.
• Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Experience Why go: See naturally mummified monks from the 18th century. Best for: Dark history fans. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Near the Vegetable Market. Tip: Check the opening hours as they vary seasonally.
• Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: A romantic castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature and history. Where: 15km outside the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate for castle grounds. Getting there: Take a boat from the reservoir in summer. Tip: Combine this with a walk around the lake.

Exploring Brno's Famous Underground Wonders

Brno has a world beneath its streets. The city was built on soft rock. This allowed citizens to dig deep cellars for storage. Today, these spaces are popular tourist attractions. The Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market is a top choice. It shows how people stored food and wine centuries ago.

For a more somber experience, visit the St. James Ossuary. It contains the remains of over 50,000 people. The bones are arranged in artistic patterns. It is a place for quiet reflection. You can find more information on the official Go To Brno portal regarding seasonal events.

The 10-Z Bunker offers a different kind of underground adventure. This shelter was highly secret during the communist era. It could hold 500 people during a nuclear attack. Visitors can now explore the technical rooms and living quarters. It is a chilling reminder of the 20th century's tensions.

Modern Architecture and Quirky Public Art

Brno is not just about the past. It is a hub for modern design. Villa Tugendhat is the most famous example. It was built by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. The house uses glass and steel in revolutionary ways. It is a must-see for anyone visiting destinations in the Czech Republic.

The city center also features many unique statues. The Brno Astronomical Clock is shaped like a bullet. It commemorates the city's resistance against the Swedish army. Every day at 11:00 AM, it drops a glass marble. Locals and tourists gather to catch this unique souvenir.

Another famous piece is the statue of Jobst of Moravia. The knight sits on a horse with very long legs. It is a popular meeting point for locals. Brno loves to mix its grand history with modern, often humorous, art. This makes walking through the streets a fun and surprising experience.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Brno Trip

Planning a trip to see the Brno Dragon and crooked turret is easy. The city is very safe and friendly. Most people in the center speak English. However, learning a few Czech words is always appreciated. The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK).

Public transport in Brno is excellent. You can use trams and buses to reach any part of the city. For schedules and tickets, check the DPMB official site. Most sights in the historic center are within walking distance of each other. This saves you money and time.

The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is warm and the markets are lively. December is also beautiful for the Christmas markets. Prices in Brno are generally lower than in Prague. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers in 2026.