Planning Your Trip to the Brno Underground

Brno has spent years renovating its historical underground spaces. The St. James Ossuary was actually forgotten for centuries. Workers rediscovered it during a routine construction project in 2001. Since then, it has become a top destination for those seeking the macabre. The city has carefully arranged the bones to honor the deceased. You will find pillars of skulls and neatly stacked femurs throughout the chambers.

Before you go, it is helpful to understand the context. These remains were moved from the local cemetery to make room for new burials. This was a common practice in medieval Europe. However, the sheer scale of the St. James collection is rare. The atmosphere is enhanced by custom music composed specifically for the site. It creates a somber yet beautiful environment for visitors.

To make the most of your time, consider the logistics. The ossuary is located directly under the Church of St. James. It is very close to the main square, making it easy to find. You can often buy tickets at the entrance, but booking ahead is smarter. Learn how to buy St James Ossuary tickets online to save time during peak hours.

12 Best Things to Do When Visiting St James Ossuary Brno

Brno offers a mix of spooky history and vibrant modern life. This list helps you plan a perfect itinerary. We have included underground tunnels, historic castles, and unique local statues. Each of these spots is within easy reach of the city center.

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: sight Why go: To see the incredible arrangement of 50,000 skeletons in a quiet, respectful setting. Best for: History buffs and fans of the macabre. Where: Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square). Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Approximately 160 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Visit during the late afternoon for a quieter experience.
2. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: See the naturally mummified bodies of Capuchin monks and local nobility. Best for: Those interested in unique burial traditions. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Five-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Check out the Capuchin Crypt mummies exhibition for detailed historical context.
3. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: activity Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Families and curious explorers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: Located in the heart of the historic center. Tip: You can often find labyrinth under vegetable market tickets as part of a combined city pass.
4. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: sight Why go: Visit a former nuclear shelter built during the Cold War for the city's elite. Best for: Cold War history enthusiasts. Where: Husova Street. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from Špilberk Castle. Tip: Book a 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter tour to see the technical rooms and diesel engines.
5. Name: Špilberk Castle Casemates Type: sight Why go: Explore the dark, damp prison cells of what was once the harshest jail in the Habsburg Empire. Best for: Fans of dark history and architecture. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry for casemates; castle grounds are free. Getting there: A steep but scenic walk from the city center. Tip: The view of Brno from the castle walls is one of the best in the city.
6. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: Higher than other sights. Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: Read a Villa Tugendhat tour booking guide because tickets sell out months in advance.
7. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon (a crocodile) and the crooked turret on the portal. Best for: Quick photos and local legends. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Located between the Vegetable Market and the main square. Tip: Learn the legend of the Brno dragon and crooked turret before you arrive.
8. Name: Statue of Jobst of Moravia Type: experience Why go: A massive bronze statue of a knight on a horse with unusually long legs. Best for: A fun photo opportunity. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from St. James Church. Tip: Stand directly under the statue of Jobst of Moravia and look up for a surprising visual joke.
9. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: A controversial black stone monument that releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: The central point of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Arrive at 10:30 AM if you want to catch the marble at one of the four slots.
10. Name: Kamenná Colony Type: neighborhood Why go: A quirky, bohemian neighborhood built in an old quarry with tiny, colorful houses. Best for: Photographers and those seeking a local vibe. Where: Kamenná čtvrť. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free to walk around. Getting there: Take a bus or a long walk along the Svratka River. Tip: Stop at the local pub for a craft beer while exploring the area.
11. Name: Jurkovič House Type: sight Why go: A stunning example of Art Nouveau and folk architecture by Dušan Jurkovič. Best for: Art and design fans. Where: Žabovřesky district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easily accessible by public tram. Tip: The garden is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer months.
12. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: day trip Why go: The final resting place of famous locals like composer Leoš Janáček, set in a peaceful park. Best for: Quiet walks and musical history. Where: Vídeňská Street. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 2 or 5 toward the south. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.

Essential Tips for Visiting St James Ossuary Brno

When visiting St James Ossuary Brno, remember that it is a place of rest. Keep your voice low and avoid using flash photography. The site is underground, so it remains cool even in the summer. Bringing a light sweater is a good idea. Most staff speak English and can answer basic questions about the history.

Brno is a very walkable city, but its trams are excellent. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the vehicle. This makes getting to further sights like Villa Tugendhat very easy. For more info on routes, visit the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. It is the best way to navigate the city like a local.

If you have extra time, check out the local tourism portal. The Go To Brno site has updated event listings. Brno often hosts festivals and markets in the main squares. These events provide a great contrast to the somber history of the ossuary. You can enjoy local Moravian wine and traditional Czech snacks.