History of the Spielberk Castle Casemates Prison

Spielberk Castle was built in the 13th century. It started as a royal residence for Moravian margraves. Over time, its role changed significantly. By the 18th century, it became a massive baroque fortress. The military added the famous casemates to protect against invaders.

The fortress later gained a dark reputation. Joseph II turned the casemates into a high-security prison. It became known as the "Prison of Nations." Revolutionaries from all over Europe were held here. These included Italian Carbonari and Polish rebels. The conditions were notoriously harsh and cold.

Today, the castle is a symbol of endurance. It houses the Brno City Museum. You can explore the Spielberk Castle Casemates tickets and tours to see the cells. The site reminds us of the city's complex past. It is a must-visit for anyone in the Czech Republic.

12 Best Things to See at Spielberk Castle and Nearby

Brno offers a mix of spooky history and modern charm. These 12 items will help you plan your day. Start at the castle and work your way down into the city center. Here are our top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Spielberk Casemates
• Best for families: Brno Dragon at Old Town Hall
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free: Statue of Jobst of Moravia

1. Name: Spielberk Casemates Type: sight Why go: Experience the "Prison of Nations" atmosphere. See the original torture instruments in Spielberk Castle prison. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Spielberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: Wear a jacket even in summer as it is cold underground.
2. Name: Castle Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Get the best 360-degree views of Brno. You can see the Cathedral and the distant hills. Best for: Photographers. Where: Inside the main castle courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small additional fee. Getting there: Part of the castle complex. Tip: Go at sunset for the best lighting.
3. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: Explore a 10-Z bunker nuclear shelter tour. This was a secret site for the city elite. Best for: Cold War history fans. Where: At the foot of Spielberk Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on Husova street. Tip: Visit the retro milk bar inside the bunker.
4. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Learn more about visiting St. James Ossuary Brno. Best for: Dark tourism. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the castle. Tip: Book in advance as space is limited.
5. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: sight Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of monks. The Capuchin Crypt mummies exhibition is hauntingly beautiful. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Near the main train station. Tip: Respect the quiet atmosphere of the crypt.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Walk through medieval cellars used for food storage. Check labyrinth under Vegetable Market tickets for times. Best for: Adventurers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the castle. Tip: Look for the old wine cellar section.
7. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno dragon and crooked turret. The dragon is actually a crocodile! Best for: Families. Where: Radnická street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon. Getting there: Central city location. Tip: Climb the tower here for a different city view.
8. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site of modern architecture. Use a Villa Tugendhat tour booking guide to secure a spot. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 11. Tip: You must book months in advance.
9. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: It is a controversial and unique black stone statue. Learn about the Brno astronomical clock statue meaning. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main square. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM to try and catch a glass marble.
10. Name: Statue of Jobst of Moravia Type: sight Why go: An 8-meter tall bronze statue of a knight on a horse. It has a very long-legged horse. Best for: Quick photos. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the center. Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head and look up for a surprise.
11. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: sight Why go: A stunning baroque fountain in the center of the market. It features allegorical figures and a cave. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Vegetable Market. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Heart of the old town. Tip: Visit in the morning when the market is active.
12. Name: Moravian Museum Type: museum Why go: Located in the Dietrichstein Palace. It holds the famous Venus of Dolní Věstonice. Best for: General history. Where: Near the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from Zelný trh. Tip: Check the temporary exhibitions on the top floor.

Planning Your Visit to the Casemates

Visiting the Spielberk Castle Casemates prison requires a bit of planning. The castle is on a steep hill. You should wear comfortable walking shoes. Most visitors spend at least half a day exploring the grounds. The castle park is also great for a relaxing stroll.

Tickets can be bought at the main gate. There are different tickets for the casemates and the museum. If you want a guided tour, check the schedule online. You can find transport info on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site. Trams stop frequently near the base of the hill.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning. This helps you avoid the largest tour groups. The casemates can feel crowded in the narrow passages. Photography is allowed but usually requires a small fee. Always check the official Go To Brno portal for seasonal events.

More Dark History Sights in Brno

Brno is famous for its "underground" tourism. After the casemates, visit the Ossuary of St. James. It contains the bones of over 50,000 people. The lighting and music create a very somber mood. It is a powerful contrast to the busy streets above.

The Capuchin Crypt is another unique stop. The air circulation in the crypt preserved the bodies. You can see the monks as they were buried centuries ago. It is a quiet place for reflection on life and death. These sites show a different side of the city's heritage.

If you prefer modern history, the 10-Z Bunker is perfect. It was built during the Nazi occupation and used in the Cold War. You can see communication rooms and diesel generators. It is a very immersive way to learn about the 20th century. Brno truly excels at preserving its historical layers.