The Secret View from Underneath the Jobst Horse Statue

The Statue of Jobst of Moravia stands eight meters tall in the heart of Brno. It was created by sculptor Jaroslav Róna and installed in 2015. The statue represents courage, one of the four Platonic virtues. Jobst was a local ruler and the King of the Romans in the 14th century.

While the statue looks noble from a distance, it hides a secret joke. To find it, you must walk directly between the horse's front legs. Look straight up toward the horse's head. From this angle, the horse's muzzle and ears create a very suggestive shape. This adult-themed illusion was intentional and adds to the city's cheeky sense of humor.

You will often see groups of tourists giggling as they take photos from this exact spot. It is a harmless bit of fun that defines the modern spirit of Brno. Make sure to visit during daylight hours to get the best photo of the illusion. You can learn more about the Statue of Jobst of Moravia to understand its historical importance.

10 Must-See Sights and Experiences in Brno

Brno offers much more than just funny statues. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary:

• Best overall: Špilberk Castle
• Best for families: Zelný trh Market
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free: Jobst Statue

1. Name: Statue of Jobst of Moravia Type: Sight Why go: To see the famous optical illusion and the tallest statue in the city. Best for: Photography and laughs. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Stand exactly between the front legs for the best view.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress offers amazing views and a dark history as a prison. Best for: History buffs. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds; paid for museum entry. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the old prison cells.
3. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: Unique and slightly spooky history. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Check out the visiting St. James Ossuary Brno guide for booking details.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: A world-famous example of modern architecture. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Tip: You must book tickets 3-4 months in advance at the UNESCO site.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon (which is actually a crocodile). Best for: Local legends. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free for the dragon; small fee for the tower. Tip: Climb the tower for the best view of the city center.
6. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Museum Why go: Explore a real Cold War nuclear shelter built into a hill. Best for: Interactive history. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Follow the 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter tour to see the hidden machinery rooms.
7. Name: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) Type: Market Why go: Shop for fresh local produce in a historic square. Best for: Foodies. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to browse. Tip: Visit the underground labyrinth located beneath the square.
8. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Viewpoint Why go: The twin towers are the most iconic part of the Brno skyline. Best for: Views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the church; small fee for towers. Tip: The bells ring at 11 AM instead of noon to honor a local legend.
9. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful park where many famous Czechs are buried. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: South Brno. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Tip: Use the official cemetery site to find the grave of composer Leoš Janáček.
10. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: Indoor Why go: See a huge collection of art ranging from gothic to modern. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Multiple buildings in the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies; some days are free. Tip: Check out the Governor's Palace building for the most impressive interiors.

Practical Tips for Your Brno Adventure

Getting around Brno is very easy. The city has an excellent tram system that runs frequently. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the tram. For more details on routes, visit the DPMB public transport site.

Brno is generally very safe for tourists. Most people in the city center speak English. However, learning a few Czech words like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is always appreciated. Local restaurants usually offer a cheap lunch menu on weekdays.

The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the squares are full of outdoor cafes and festivals. If you visit in winter, the Christmas markets are magical and less crowded than Prague's. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like the main train station.