10 Best Things to Do at Brno Ossuary at St. James Church

Brno is a city full of hidden secrets and deep history. The area around St. James Square is the heart of the historic district. You can spend a full day exploring the sights within walking distance of the ossuary. Many of these locations offer a glimpse into the medieval past of Moravia. Here are the top ten experiences you should not miss.

1. Name: Brno Ossuary at St. James Church Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. The site was forgotten for centuries until its discovery in 2001. It offers a unique look at burial customs from the 17th century. Best for: History lovers. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 160 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Check the official tourism portal for special evening tours.
2. Name: St. James Church (Kostel svatého Jakuba) Type: sight Why go: This is the beautiful Gothic church located right above the ossuary. It features a stunning high ceiling and historic altars. The architecture is some of the finest in the Czech Republic. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Located directly above the ossuary entrance. Tip: Look for the famous "little man" statue on the window arch.
3. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a complex system of tunnels and cellars. This Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market shows how food was stored in the Middle Ages. It even includes an old pillory and wine cellar. Best for: Families and explorers. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 180 CZK. Getting there: 5-minute walk from St. James Square. Tip: Wear a light jacket as the tunnels are cool year-round.
4. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: sight Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. The unique air flow in the basement preserved the bodies for centuries. It is a somber but fascinating look at local religious history. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: 7-minute walk from the ossuary. Tip: Be respectful and keep your voice low inside the crypt.
5. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This fortress dominates the city skyline and offers great views. Visit Špilberk Castle to see the famous casemates and prison. It was once known as the harshest jail in the Austrian Empire. Best for: History buffs. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-300 CZK depending on the tour. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: The castle gardens are a great place for a picnic.
6. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: viewpoint Why go: The twin towers of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul are iconic. You can climb the towers for the best panoramic views of Brno. The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a local legend. Best for: Photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 50 CZK for tower access. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit at sunset for the most beautiful light.
7. Name: Old Town Hall Type: experience Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" hanging in the entrance passage. The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in the city. You can also climb its tower for more central views. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 80 CZK for the tower. Getting there: Located near the Vegetable Market. Tip: Check the crooked turret on the portal for a funny story.
8. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Villa Tugendhat is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its design. It was built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černopolní 45. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 400 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: You must book tickets several months in advance.
9. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: Visit a former nuclear fallout shelter from the Cold War. The 10-Z Bunker tour is immersive and very educational. It shows what life was like during the communist era. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 180 CZK. Getting there: Located at the base of Špilberk Hill. Tip: There is a cool retro bar inside the bunker.
10. Name: Moravian Karst Type: day trip Why go: Explore stunning caves and the famous Macocha Abyss. It is one of the most important karst areas in Central Europe. You can even take a boat ride on an underground river. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Near Blansko (north of Brno). Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK for cave tours. Getting there: Take a train to Blansko and then a local bus. Tip: Book your cave tickets online weeks before you go.

These ten spots offer a complete look at what makes Brno special. From deep underground crypts to modern villas, the variety is amazing. You can easily walk between most of these sights in the city center. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Brno Ossuary

Planning your visit to the Brno Ossuary at St. James Church is simple. The entrance is located on the north side of the church. You will see a modern glass structure that leads underground. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday every week. Most visitors spend about forty-five minutes inside the chambers.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance desk. You do not usually need to book far in advance for small groups. However, weekend afternoons can get quite busy with tourists. Try to arrive right when they open at 9:30 AM. This ensures a quiet and more personal experience with the history.

Getting around the city is very easy with Brno public transport services. Trams and buses run frequently to the city center. The Náměstí Svobody stop is the closest to St. James Square. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any vehicle. This makes travel stress-free for international visitors.

Photography is allowed inside the ossuary for a small extra fee. Please remember to turn off your flash to protect the remains. The lighting inside is designed to be atmospheric and dim. It is a place of rest, so keeping noise to a minimum is expected. Most staff members speak English and can answer your basic questions.

The History of Underground Brno

The history of the Brno Ossuary at St. James Church began in the 13th century. At that time, the cemetery around the church was the main burial site. As the city grew, the cemetery became too small for the population. Space was needed for new burials every few decades. This led to the creation of the underground ossuary system.

Older bones were moved into the basement to make room for the new. During the 18th century, the ossuary was sealed and forgotten. Changes in hygiene laws meant that city burials were moved further out. The site remained hidden for over two hundred years. It was only found during a construction survey in the early 2000s.

Archaeologists were shocked by the size of the discovery. They found three large chambers filled to the ceiling with human remains. The bones were cleaned and rearranged for public viewing. This project took several years to complete with great care. Today, it serves as a memorial to the past citizens of Brno.

The ossuary also contains remains from the Thirty Years' War and plague outbreaks. These events shaped the history of Moravia and the Czech lands. Seeing the sheer number of bones reminds us of the city's long journey. It is a vital part of the cultural heritage of the region. The site now stands as a major point of interest for global travelers.

Why You Should Visit Brno in 2026

Brno is becoming a top destination for travelers in 2026. The city offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern energy. Many historic buildings have recently been restored to their former glory. You will find a vibrant cafe culture that rivals larger cities like Prague. It is also much less crowded than other European capitals.

The local food scene is another great reason to visit this year. You can enjoy traditional Moravian dishes alongside modern international cuisine. Local wines from the surrounding region are world-class and very affordable. Many restaurants now offer menus in English to help visitors. The city is very walkable and safe for solo travelers or families.

Special events and festivals are planned throughout the year 2026. These celebrate the music, art, and history of the South Moravian region. Visiting the Brno Ossuary at St. James Church is the perfect start to your trip. It connects you to the deep roots of the city immediately. Plan your journey now to experience this hidden gem of Central Europe.