Where is the indecent little man statue in Brno?

The indecent little man, known locally as Neukázněný mužíček, is a tiny architectural detail. To find it, you must head to the Church of St. James. This church is located at Jakubské náměstí in the heart of the city. The statue is not at eye level, so you must look up.

The figure is carved into the stone tracery of a window on the south side. This side of the church faces toward the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. The man is shown with his bare buttocks facing the cathedral. It is a small but very deliberate piece of medieval mockery.

Many people walk past the church every day without seeing it. The statue is quite small compared to the massive church walls. It is helpful to look for the window closest to the tower. Most tourists find it easier to spot if they stand back a few meters from the wall.

How to find the indecent little man statue step-by-step

Finding this cheeky sculpture requires a bit of patience and a good eye. Follow these steps to ensure you do not miss it during your visit. The process is simple but requires looking at the correct part of the building.

1. Step 1: Navigate to Jakubské náměstí. Time: 5 minutes from the city center. Cost: Free. Where: The square behind Náměstí Svobody. Common mistake: Going to the Cathedral on the hill instead of St. James Church.
2. Step 2: Walk to the southern side of the church. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: The side of the building facing the main square. Common mistake: Looking at the main entrance doors on the west side.
3. Step 3: Locate the window arches. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Look at the stone carvings above the window glass. Common mistake: Not looking high enough up the wall.
4. Step 4: Use a zoom lens or binoculars. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Free. Where: Focus on the small figure in the middle of the arch. Common mistake: Expecting the statue to be life-sized.

• Checklist:
• Smartphone with a good camera zoom
• Offline map of Brno city center
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Binoculars (optional for better detail)

The legend of the Brno church competition

The story behind the indecent little man is a classic tale of rivalry. Legend says there was a competition between two master builders in the Middle Ages. One was working on St. James Church. The other was working on the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul on Petrov Hill.

The builder of St. James was much faster and more skilled. He finished his work sooner than his rival at the cathedral. This caused a lot of tension between the two craftsmen. To mock the slower builder, the master of St. James added a special decoration.

He carved the little man to show his backside to the cathedral builders. It was a permanent stone insult that has lasted for centuries. Today, it remains a symbol of the cheeky and independent spirit of Brno. Locals love to share this story with visitors who notice the figure.

Planning your visit to Jakubské náměstí in 2026

Visiting Brno in 2026 is easier than ever thanks to improved infrastructure. The square around St. James Church is a popular spot for outdoor dining. You can enjoy a coffee while you search for the statue. The best lighting for photos is usually in the early afternoon.

To reach the square, you can use the excellent public transport system. For specific routes, check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Trams 4 and 9 stop very close to the church at Náměstí Svobody. From there, it is a very short walk north to the square.

If you are arriving from out of town, the Go To Brno portal offers updated event schedules. There are often markets or festivals in Jakubské náměstí during the summer. Be aware that the square can get crowded on weekends. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.

• If you are at the train station: Walk 10 minutes north through the pedestrian zone.
• If you are at Špilberk Castle: Walk 15 minutes east toward the city center.
• If you are taking a tram: Get off at the "Náměstí Svobody" stop.

Discovering other quirky statues and sculptures in Brno

Brno is famous for its unusual public art. Once you find the indecent little man, you should look for other quirky statues and sculptures in Brno. Just a few steps away is the famous meaning of the Brno astronomical clock statue. This black stone monument looks like a bullet and releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM.

Another must-see is the statue of Jobst of Luxembourg on Moravian Square. This tall bronze horse is known for a funny optical illusion. If you stand under the horse and look up, the view is quite surprising. It fits the city's theme of hidden humor and unique perspectives.

Don't forget to visit the Old Town Hall to see the Brno Dragon. It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. These strange sights make Brno a very entertaining city for a walking tour. Each sculpture tells a different part of the city's long and colorful history.