The Legend of the Old Town Hall Tower and Dragon

The Old Town Hall is famous for its unique legends. The most iconic is the Brno Dragon. According to local lore, this beast once terrorized the people. A clever man eventually defeated it using a hide filled with lime. Today, you can see the "dragon" hanging in the entrance passage. It is actually a preserved crocodile from the Amazon. This gift arrived in Brno centuries ago and became a symbol of the city.

Another legend concerns the building's stunning Gothic portal. Anton Pilgram, the master mason, was not paid fairly for his work. In revenge, he carved the central pinnacle with a distinct bend. He claimed it reflected the crooked justice of the city council. This bent spire remains a favorite detail for photographers. It shows the cheeky spirit of the local craftsmen from long ago.

The Brno wheel is the third famous legend found here. A wheelwright once made a bet in a nearby town. He claimed he could craft a wheel and roll it to Brno in one day. He succeeded and the wheel was hung in the hall. You can still see this wooden wheel today. It sits right next to the famous dragon in the main archway.

12 Best Things to See at the Old Town Hall Tower and Dragon

Exploring the Old Town Hall is one of the must-see places in Brno for any traveler. The site offers a mix of architecture, history, and great views. Here are the top items to include on your itinerary.

• Quick Pick (Best View): The Lookout Tower
• Quick Pick (Best Legend): The Brno Dragon
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): The Vegetable Market Labyrinth
• Quick Pick (Best Free Sight): The Gothic Portal

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous symbol of Brno. Best for: Families and fans of legends. Where: Main entrance passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look up as you enter the passage.
2. Name: The Bent Pinnacle Type: Architecture Why go: See the mason's revenge on the Gothic portal. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Outside the main entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on Radnická street. Tip: Compare the middle spire to the straight ones.
3. Name: The Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get the best 360-degree views of the city. Best for: Photographers. Where: Top of the building. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Access via the stairs inside. Tip: Visit at sunset for golden light.
4. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Experience Why go: See the result of a legendary 1638 bet. Best for: History buffs. Where: Entrance passage near the dragon. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the main arch. Tip: Read the plaque nearby for the full story.
5. Name: The Council Chamber Type: Interior Why go: Beautiful historic rooms with frescoes. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Inside the hall. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Enter through the tourist office. Tip: Check for temporary art exhibitions here.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore medieval cellars and tunnels. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Zelný trh (1-minute walk). Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk south from the hall. Tip: It is cool inside, so bring a jacket.
7. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Iconic twin towers on the skyline. Best for: Everyone. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free for main nave. Getting there: 5-minute walk uphill. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11 am.
8. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: Visit the former "Prison of Nations." Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Ticketed for interiors. Getting there: 15-minute walk uphill. Tip: Don't miss the dark casemates.
9. Name: Denis Gardens Type: Viewpoint Why go: Peaceful park with views of the cathedral. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Near Petrov Hill. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Perfect for a morning coffee break.
10. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Sight Why go: A massive Baroque fountain in the market. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Vegetable Market. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from the market square. Tip: Look for the hidden cave-like features.
11. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: A real Cold War nuclear shelter. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Husova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the hall. Tip: You can book a stay in the hostel part.
12. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: A massive medieval castle by the lake. Best for: Nature and history. Where: Brno Reservoir. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take tram 1 then a boat. Tip: Hike the trails around the castle.

Practical Tips for Your Visit in 2026

Visiting the Old Town Hall tower and dragon is easy. The building is located at Radnická 8. It is open most of the year. However, the tower might close in very bad weather. Check the official tourism portal for current hours. Most staff speak English and are very helpful.

The tower climb involves many stairs. It is not suitable for those with mobility issues. The steps are narrow and wooden in some parts. Take your time and wear comfortable shoes. The view from the top is worth the effort. You can see the entire city and the surrounding hills.

Public transport in Brno is excellent. You can use the DPMB public transport site to plan your route. Most trams stop near the main station or Freedom Square. From there, it is a short walk to the hall. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on the tram.

The tourist information center is located right inside the hall. This is a great place to get maps. They also sell souvenirs and tickets for other sights. If you want to see the interiors, ask about guided tours. They often run during the summer months and on weekends.

Exploring the Best of Brno Nearby

After seeing the dragon, explore the rest of the city. Brno is very walkable and friendly. You are just steps away from the Vegetable Market. This square is always buzzing with local life. You can find fresh fruit and local crafts here daily. It is a great place to experience the local culture.

If you have more time, head to the national tourism board site for ideas. Brno is the capital of Moravia. It is famous for its wine culture and functionalist architecture. You might want to visit the northern part of the city. There you will find modern landmarks and quiet parks.

Safety in Brno is very high. It is a safe city for solo travelers and families. Just be careful with your belongings in crowded market areas. The city center is mostly pedestrian-only. This makes it very pleasant for walking tours. Enjoy your time exploring this hidden gem of Central Europe.