Quick Picks for Your Brno Adventure

Brno offers a mix of eerie history and stunning architecture. If you are short on time, use these quick picks. They help you find the best spots for your specific interests. Most of these sites are within walking distance of the city center.

• Best Overall: Brno Capuchin Crypt mummies
• Best for Families: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
• Best Rainy-Day Activity: 10-Z Bunker
• Best Free Experience: Petrov Hill and Cathedral views

For those looking to dive deeper, there are many secret places in Brno worth finding. The city is very walkable and easy to navigate. You will find that the underground sites are well-managed and educational.

10 Must-See Sights: Brno Capuchin Crypt Mummies and More

Brno is a treasure trove for fans of history and the macabre. The following list includes the most iconic sights and some hidden gems. Each entry provides the practical details you need for planning.

1. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Sight Why go: See the naturally preserved Brno Capuchin Crypt mummies. This site is a powerful reminder of mortality and history. Best for: History buffs and dark tourism fans. Where: Capuchin Square (Kapucínské náměstí), City Center. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Approximately 100-150 CZK. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Look for the famous inscription: "As you are now, we once were; as we are now, you shall be."
2. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: Visit the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people from the medieval era. Best for: Unique atmospheres and photography. Where: Under St. James Church, Rašínova street. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the main square (Náměstí Svobody). Tip: Buy a St. James Ossuary Brno entrance ticket online during peak summer months.
3. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: Activity Why go: Explore a complex system of medieval cellars and passages. You will see how food was stored and even a medieval pillory. Best for: Families and curious explorers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Center of the Old Town. Tip: Read our full Brno underground labyrinth guide before you go.
4. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Museum Why go: This was a top-secret nuclear shelter during the Cold War. It is built directly into the rock under Špilberk Castle. Best for: Cold War history and retro tech. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: Take the 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter tour to see the technical rooms and diesel generators.
5. Name: Špilberk Castle Casemates Type: Sight Why go: This was once the harshest prison in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The dark brick tunnels are incredibly atmospheric. Best for: History lovers and hikers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: The castle offers one of the best panoramic views of Brno's skyline.
6. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the "Brno Dragon" (a crocodile) and the "Brno Wheel." Both are legendary symbols of the city. Best for: Folklore and local legends. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Near the Vegetable Market. Tip: Check out other quirky statues and sculptures in Brno while walking through the center.
7. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It represents the functionalist style of the 1920s. Best for: Design and architecture enthusiasts. Where: Černopolní street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: High (and requires booking months in advance). Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: If tickets are sold out, you can still visit the garden for a small fee.
8. Name: Petrov Hill and Cathedral Type: Viewpoint Why go: The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is the iconic silhouette of Brno. The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a 1645 legend. Best for: Quiet walks and city views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the grounds; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk up from the main station. Tip: The small park around the cathedral is perfect for a sunset picnic.
9. Name: Kamenná čtvrť Type: Neighborhood Why go: An old workers' colony that is now a vibrant artist village. It feels like a small town hidden inside the city. Best for: Bohemian vibes and local life. Where: Near the Svratka river. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 8 to the Nemocnice u sv. Anny stop. Tip: Explore the Kamenná čtvrť artist village during a weekend afternoon for the best atmosphere.
10. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Day trip Why go: It is the largest cemetery in the country and holds the grave of Gregor Mendel. It is a peaceful, park-like space. Best for: Quiet reflection and science history. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Trams 2 or 5 from the city center. Tip: Visit the Brno Central Cemetery in autumn when the leaves turn gold.

Visiting the Brno Capuchin Crypt Mummies: What to Expect

The Brno Capuchin Crypt mummies are not like Egyptian mummies. They were not wrapped in bandages or treated with chemicals. Instead, the bodies were naturally mummified. This happened because of the dry air and the specific ventilation system of the crypt. The monks were buried directly on the ground with a brick under their heads.

Today, you can see these figures in their original robes. It is a somber and respectful place. Visitors are asked to keep their voices low. This site is still a place of religious significance for many. It serves as a "memento mori," a reminder that life is temporary.

Photography is usually allowed for a small extra fee. However, you should never use a flash. The light can damage the delicate remains. Plan to visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. The entrance is tucked away behind the Capuchin Church near the main train station.

Why Brno is the Underground Capital of Europe

Brno has more underground spaces than almost any other European city. This is due to its history as a trade hub and a fortress. In the medieval era, merchants built deep cellars to store wine and food. These cellars were often connected, forming a hidden network beneath the streets.

During wars, these spaces served as shelters for the citizens. The city has done a great job of opening these sites to the public. You can jump from a medieval cellar to a modern nuclear bunker in one afternoon. This contrast makes Brno a unique destination for curious travelers.

The public transport system makes it easy to reach all these sites. You can check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for schedules. Most underground attractions are within the central ring. This makes it easy to combine several visits into a single day of exploration.