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Brno is with almost 370,000 inhabitants the second largest city in the Czech Republic and represents the centre of the province of Moravia, one of the historic lands of the Czech Crow. King Wenceslas I awarded Brno municipal status as early as 1243. Due to the fact that Brno lies at the crossroads of the European highways, the city is the natural centre of the region with around 2.5 million people. It is the seat of important judiciary institutions and also the city with the highest number of universities.

Geographically, Brno lies in the central part of Europe and within two hundert-kilometre radius there are other important European capitals – Prague, Vienna and Bratislava. Prague lies 200 km to the southeast, Bratislava lies 130 km and and Vienna a mere 110 km to the south.

Notable people have worked in the city: the composers Leoš Janáček, Erich W. Korngold (twice Oscar-winning music composer), mathematician and philosopher Kurt Gődel, world famous physicist Ernst Mach. W.A. Mozart as well as Bedřich Smetana lived and gave concerts in Brno at some time.

Brno is situated at the crossroads of the D1 (Prague - Brno) and D2 (Brno - Bratislava) motorways. By car you can reach Brno from Prague in 2,5 hours.

There are many bus connections in both directions Prague-Brno-Prague each day.

Czech Railways operate quick train connection between Vienna-Brno-Prague.

The international airport in Brno serves regular flights. The international airports in Prague and Vienna, which are served by most airlines, can be reached by car in approximately two hours drive. Czech Airlines operate flights Prague-Brno.

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Thanks to its location between the Bohemian-Moravian Hills and the Southern Moravian lowlands, Brno enjoys a very pleasant, moderate climate, ideal for recreation. Brno is situated in a picturesque countryside, surrounded by wooded hills and forests, which offer many opportunities for tourism and cycling.

It is an important tourist centre for all who want to explore the natural and cultural beauties of the South-Moravian region. To the north of Brno there is the protected area of the Moravian Kart (Moravsky kras) and to the south stretch the Moravian vineyards with their typical wine cellars.

Brno offers many possibilities of cultural enjoyment in its numerous theatres, museums (e.g. The Moravian Museum, Mendel Museum, Leos Janacek Memorial, Pavilion Anthropos, Brno City Museum, The Moravian Galery in Brno, Technical Museum), cinemas and clubs. The Brno Exhibition Centre with its eighty-year tradition is a venue of many international trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses. Brno regularly holds various cultural events (e.g. "Brno - City in the Centre of Europe" or Ignis Brunensis – international firework display competition) as well as some notable sporting events (Brno World Moto Grand Prix).

The well-known symbol of Brno is the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, surrounded by the bishop´s residence.

Špilberk castle is one of the dominating features of the Brno skyline. This monumental fortress can be seen from afar. The role of Špilberk has changed throughout the ages. It has gone from being a fortress, originally the seat of Moravian margraves, to being the most formidable prison in the Austrian Empire. It currently houses the Brno City Museum. Among other things, visitors can see underground casemates with a torture chamber and rack as well as the dungeons of well-known prisoners - baron Trenk, bandit Babinský and others.

The observation tower of the Old Town Hall, which is nearly 63 metres high, gives a view over the whole city. Brno Information Centre today uses the Old Town Hall for its offices and exhibitions.

Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) with the Parnas Fountain is situated in the middle of the historical city centre. It was already established when the city itself was established in the 13th century.

In Brno you can find one of the most important buildings of the Modern Movement (Functionalism) - Villa Tugendhat. One of the most famous European architects, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, started to build this villa in June 1929, which was built for the Tugendhats, a newly married couple. The architect had no financial limitations; therefore, construction materials and equipment were top quality. The Tugendhats moved to the villa in 1930. They lived there only till the year 1938, when they had to flee the Nazis. Villa has survived until today in its original form. It is currently owned by the City of Brno, which made it accessible to the public and will carry out a complete renovation. It is the very first monument of modern architecture in the Czech Republic and only the fourth worldwide, which has received the prestigious UNESCO designation.

Among other important sights in Brno belong Reduta – one of the oldest theatre buildings in Central Europe, Freedom Square - the largest and oldest square in Brno, St. James Church, Jan Amos Komenský Church („Red Church“), St. Thomas Monastery Church, St. Michael Church, Capuchin Crypt and Měnín Gate.

The Brno Exhibition Centre, one of the most famous European exhibition centres, was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The individual exhibition pavilions represent work by more than 30 authors. Over 50 fairs and exhibitions take place here annually, of which the most visited are building, engineering, food international fairs and the international fair of information and communication technologies.

Tips for sightseeing in Brno

Brno Sightseeing - Historical centre, 2 hours

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Denis Park, Cabbage Market (Zelný Trh) with baroque fountain Parnas, the Holy Trinity Column, Capuchin Crypt, Old Town Hall, Freedom Square with Plague Pillar, Klein´s Palace, House of Lords of Lipá, St. James and St. Thomas churches

Brno Sightseeing – Historical centre + Castle Špilberk, 3 hours

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Denis Park, Cabbage Market (Zelný Trh) with baroque fountain Parnas, the Holy Trinity Column, Capuchin Crypt, Old Town Hall, Freedom Square with Plague Pillar, Klein´s Palace, House of Lords of Lipá, St. James and St. Thomas churches, Castle Špilberk

Brno Sightseeing - Old Brno + Centre, 3 hours

Old Brno Abbey – Mendel square, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church-Mendel square, transfer to Šilingrovo namesti by tram, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Cabbage Market (Zelný Trh) with baroque fountain Parnas, the Holy Trinity Column, Capuchin Crypt, Old Town Hall, Freedom Square with Plaque Pillar, Klein´s Palace, House of Lord of Lipá, St. James and St. Thomas churches

Brno Sightseeing - Old Brno + Centre (partially by bus), 4 hours

Old Brno Abbey – Mendel squaree, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church – Mendel square, transfer by bus to Špilberk, casemates, sightseeing by foot: St. James and St. Thomas churches, Freedom Square with Plaque Pillar, Klein´s Palace, House of Lords of Lipá, Old Town Hall, Cabbage Market (Zelný Trh) with baroque fountain Parnas, the Holy Trinity Column, Capuchin Crypt

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Tips for trips outside Brno

Each year thousands of tourists come to Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna) at the beginning of December to commemorate the anniversary of famous "Battle of the Three Emperors". On December 2, 1805, allied Russian - Austrian armies fought with French army of the Emperor Napoleon I. Famous leader defeated the allied forces thanks to his far-sighted command; this victory is considered as his most famous one.

Boskovice is considered as the city since the second half of the 18th century. In the 13th century, after the establishment of Gothic castle, Boskovice spread as market settlement under this castle. One of the most romantic Moravian ruins surpasses in the steep slope above the city.

Botanic garden is situated in the premises of Faculty of Science of Masaryk University. You can see there greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, meditative places with fountains and stone compositions.

Brno zoological garden is located in the area of state natural reservation Mniší hora (Monk’s Mountain) and was opened in 1953. The total area equals to 65 ha and tour routes are longer than 7 km. Zoo, holding various projects for children all the year round, is an ideal place not only for the seeing of animals, but also the place for recreation and relaxation.

Brno Lake with the total area equalling to 252 ha and length 10 km is kept by the dam long 120 m. Brno Reservoir is popular recreational area - in summer for swimming and fishing, in winter for cross-country skiing and ice-skating. Ambient woods, surrounding the Reservoir, are excellent for walking tours and cycling.

Castle Veveří stands up between the woods of Brno Reservoir. Its origins go back to the 11th century. The castle changed its owners during the centuries and went through complicated building development. At present time, visitors have the possibility see gradual large reconstruction of the whole premises.

During outings from Brno, it is impossible to miss the many Moravian wine cellars in the vicinity of Breclav, Znojmo, Hodonin and other small Moravian towns. The art of wine making was brought to Southern Moravia by Ancient Romans; today, 96 percent of Czech vineyards are located in the region.

Moravian Karst is located approximately 30 km from Brno, in Blansko region. It represents one of the most beautiful karst areas in the Czech Republic. Four caves are open for public.

The Punkva Caves are the part of the longest cave system in the Czech Republic with underground river Punkva, along which it is possible to cruise on the electrical boat with attractive commentary of the guide. There is also Macocha Abyss, deep 138,5 m.

Katerinska Cave (Kateřinská jeskyně) is known thanks to its unique stalactite decoration and excellent acoustics. Live concerts are held in the cave. Discovery of skeletons of cave bears is also very important.

Balcarka Cave is two-storey cave with broken corridors connected by means of chimneys and domes with color stalactite decorations.

Sloupsko-Sosuvske Caves represent the richest collecting locality of skeletons of cave fauna. Furthermore, skull of Neanderthal man (aged approximately 60 000 years) was found there.

Sport & Relax

Cruises along Bata Canal – there are regular Sunday cruises and cruises with various programs according to the possibilities and offers of individual ship-owners. Cruising is held from April to September

Squash

• Squash Slovan Stolcova 6
• Squash Galerie Franz Franzova 63

Swimming Pools

• Brno City Spa, Brno, Rasinova 12
• Sport and Recreational Centre Kraví hora, Brno, Dominikanska 2

Skating Rinks

• Ice Arena Olympia, Brno, U Dalnice 777

Golf

• Golf Brno, Brno, Stefanikova 41

Fitness Centers

• Fitness Blue Gym, Brno, Kotlarska 51a
• Body Gym-Aerobic, Brno, Makovskeho nam. 2
• Kometa Brno, Brno, Sportovni 4
• Sport Centrum Weisser, Brno, Hrncirska 6
• Big One Fitness, Brno, Dornych 40/27

Billiards & Bowling

• Billiard Club Ponrepo, Brno, Hybesova 51
• Bowling club Becko, Brno, Dukelska trida 1177/50
• Boby centrum, Brno, Sportovni 2a
• Entertainment Centre Cihelna, Brno, Cimburkova 4

Café Zeman (Park Koliště, CZ - 602 00 Brno)
Is a unique replica of a significant functionalist building created by Prof.Ing.arch. Bohuslav Fuchs in 1925. Outstanding cuisine, own confectionery, wide supply of drinks.

Prestige wine gallery (Zelný trh 4, Brno)
Wide range of wines made by the company Vinné Sklepy Lechovice, wine souvenirs, wine tasting for groups and individuals.

Wine Bar “Vinna galerie” (Lužánecká 16, Brno)
Wide range of wines made, wine tasting for groups and individuals.

Skanzeen Restaurant (Pekařská 80/246, Brno)
Flammante Restaurant (Palackého 84, Brno)
Stredoveka krcma (Česká 6, Brno)

 

Information Centre No. 1

Radnicka 8, 602 00 Brno
Tel.: +420 542 211 090
e-mail: info@ticbrno.cz

Opening hours:

Winter season ( X-III):
Monday - Friday 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Sunday, Holiday 9.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Summer season (IV-IX):
Monday - Friday 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, Holiday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Information Centre No. 2

Nadrazni 8, 602 00 Brno
Tel.: +420 542 221 450
e-mail: info@ticbrno.cz

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
lunch break 1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Information Centre no. 3

BVV, pavilon E
Tel.: + 420 541 153 294

Opening hours:
Only in the period of trade fairs 10.00 a.m.- 2.00 p. m. , 2.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
lunch break 1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Multi-storey car parks in Brno

Parking in Gallery Vaňkovka
Ve Vaňkovce 1, Brno
Tel.: +420 533 110 110

Parking in IBC
Příkop 6, Brno
Tel.: +420 545 177 766

Parking under "Velký Špalíček"
Mečová 2, Brno
Tel.: +420 543 237 385

Multi-storey car park "Rozmarýn"
Moravské náměstí, Brno
Tel.: +420 533 432 523

Mary's accommodation service is ready to arrange one day guided trips as well as longer independent stays in this charming city.

Please, contact us for more information about accommodation and programs, we can arrange for you. travel@marys.cz