Brno Things to Do Tips by Vcela

Brno reservoir (Brnenska prehrada) Brno Lake. Review

Brno reservoir also Brno lake also Brno dam is the city's recreational area. Built in the late 1930's the dam of the Svratka river created this popular reservoir. With the pleasant grass and woodland surrounding it the place is popular throughout summer. Sailing, boating and swimming in the water, with volleyball, cycling, walking, sunbathing etc.. on the shore. In winter the water freezes and once safe, ice-skating and ice-hockey is taken up or if like me you just want to walk (slip and slide) on the ice, you can do that too.

Directions: Take tram number 1

Cabbage Market (Zelny trh) Markets Review

This 13th century farmer's market, is a pleasant square still busy with market stalls selling fruit and vegtables. In the centre of the square is one of Brno's most important sites, the interestingly beautiful Baroque Parnas fountain built at the end of the 17th century.
The square has a column at the top end and is surrounded by richly dominant buildings.

Address: Zelny trh

Directions: From the main station across to the left is Masarykova, head up here and very soon on the left is Zelny trh (the three turnings on the left up Masarykova each will lead into the market).

Brno cheek Churches Review

St James' Church (Kostel sv. Jakuba) was built during the 15th and 16th century. Unfortunately wars caused delay to many of Brno's buildings around this period. A part of the church was worked upon by A.Pilgram, who also did the portal at the Old Town Hall.
The tomb of the commander of Brno during the Swedish siege is within as are 16th century panels and reliefs. One of Brno's little legends can be found sitting above one of the gothic arches. The little man showing his bottom towards Petrov, is apparently due to the rivalry between the two churches, with Petrov causing the master builder at St James' to leave. The little man was his parting comment.

Address: Jakubska 11, 602 00 Brno

Directions: Go north from the central square Namesti svobody up Rasinova or Benounska.

Phone: 5 42 213 835

Brno Wheel

Not as famous as the Dragon, but hanging nearby is a wheel.
The story is that in 1638 a wheelwright in Lednice made a bet that at sunrise he could fell a tree, build a wheel and roll it to Brno before the city gates closed that evening.
Amazingly he accomplished the feat rolling the wheel to the town hall and presenting the wheel to the mayor who had the wheel hung.

Address: Old Town Hall (Stara Radnice)

Trade Fair (BVV)

The Brno Trade Fair or Brno Fairgrounds or Brno Exhibition Centre or just locally as BVV, is interesting place to pass (Tram 1) or if there is an exhibition/trade fair of interest to pop in.
The fairgrounds themselves were established in the late 1920s and the architecture and design is of interest and a compliment to the architects of that period.

Address: Vystaviste 1, 647 00 Brno

Directions: Pisarky to the west of the centre past Mendlovo namesti (Mendel's Square).

Website: http://www.bvv.cz

Brno Dragon

Yes the city has its very own dragon which can be found hanging within the entrance of the Old Town Hall. There seems to be uncertainty about how Brno came to have a dragon. Some stories suggest it was a gift from the Lord of Trutnov or a Sultan, and another brought back from the crusades. I was told that the dragon was captured and killed in the River Svratka. Whatever the origin, it can easily be seen why centuries ago this creature was a dragon.

Address: Old Town Hall

Zderad's Column Zderad's Column Review

Near to the River Svitava is an interesting stonecarved column, the origin of which is unknown. However, the legend is that it comemorates the place where Zderad of Svabanice was murdered in 1091. The story is that the Czech King Vratislav II was deciding where to camp. Zderad suggested that the King's son Bretislav camp near to the river (this was taken to refer to when Bretislav had been previously captured). Bretislav was enraged and arranged to meet Zderad, and then he and his men murdered Zderad. The King learnt of this and buried Zderad in the family vault and built the column.

Address: Krenova

Directions: Trams: 8 / 10 / 13 towards Olomoucka

Petrov Churches Review

The cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is the most noticeable landmark of Brno, sitting above the city on Pertov Hill. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century, although its style has been changed through time including Gothic, Baroque and neo-Gothic. Listen for the bells! The bells strike 12 at 11 o'clock. This is a reminder of the siege of Brno in 1645 by the Swedes. Having spent months attempting to break Brno, the Swedes decided on one last assault, but would retreat at twelve if the city had not been taken. The city discovered this and as the Swedes began to break through the city commander ordered the bells ring 12 (this was at 11). On hearing the noon struck the Swedes retreated and the city was saved.

Address: Petrov

Directions: Not far from the main train station (to the left when exiting the station.

Phone: 5 43 235 031

Old Town Hall (Stara Radnice) Old Town Hall (Stara Radnice) Review

This building probably goes back to the 13th century and was used for local goverment up to 1935. A complete view of the building is hidden by its location within the close streets, but the tower can been seen rising up above the rooftops. The tower can be climbed for a view of the cabbage market and city rooftops. Above the entrance to the building is a beautiful, but twisted stonecarving. The top of the centre pinnacle of the five that are carved above the entrance is bent! The story is that the city elders did not pay or correctly pay the stonemason, who left this reminder of the crookedness of the city.

Address: Radnicka 8

Directions: Between namesti svobody and zelny trh

Spilberk Castle Spielberg Castle (Hrad Spilberk) Review

This 13th century castle is a dominant part of Brno and Moravia both visibly and historically. The castle sits on a hill, from which it got its name, looking down upon the old part of Brno. Spilberk has seen many changes, many owners and many wars and in recent centuries became more infamous as a prison. The Casemates the run beneath the castle and were additionally used as cells are also an interesting part of the castle, which is the home of the Brno City Musuem. Once you do reach the castle you are also rewarded with views of the city.

Address: Spilberk 1, 662 24 Brno

Directions: All paths up Spilberk hill lead to the castle. The hill is off of streets Uvoz, Udolni and Husova.

Phone: (5) 42 215 012

Website: http://www.spilberk.cz