Discovering the Famous Brno Dragon and Wheel Legends

The Old Town Hall is the heart of Brno's mythology. This historic building dates back to the 13th century. It houses the most famous symbols of the city. You can see them for free in the main passage. Many walking tours start right here. It is the perfect place to begin your adventure.

The stories here are passed down through generations. They explain why the city looks the way it does. You will see a giant crocodile and a wooden wheel. You will also notice a strange stone turret. These items define the local culture. Here are the top legends at the Old Town Hall.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: The Brno Dragon
• Best for photos: The Crooked Pinnacle
• Best for families: The Brno Wheel

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the city's most famous mascot. Legend says this beast once ate local livestock. A brave citizen finally tricked it with a lime-filled hide. Where is the Brno alligator hanging today? It is actually a preserved crocodile from the Amazon. Best for: Everyone. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look up as you enter the passage.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Historic object Why go: This wooden wheel represents a famous bet from 1638. A wheelwright named Jiří Birk claimed he could make a wheel in one day. He rolled it from Lednice to Brno before sunset. You can read the full story of the wagon wheel in Old Town Hall on the nearby plaque. Best for: History buffs. Where: Old Town Hall wall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located next to the Dragon. Tip: Notice the craftsmanship of the old wood.
3. Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: Architectural curiosity Why go: Look at the stone portal of the Hall. The middle turret is bent. Legend says the architect was cheated on his pay. He made the stone crooked as revenge against the city. This Old Town Hall crooked pinnacle is a favorite for photographers. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Entrance of Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Front of the building. Tip: Stand directly underneath to see the curve.
4. Name: St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: Viewpoint Why go: This cathedral sits on Petrov Hill. Its bells ring for noon at 11 AM every day. This commemorates a trick played on the Swedish army in 1645. The commander said he would leave if the city didn't fall by noon. The locals rang the bells an hour early to save Brno. Best for: Views of the city. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the towers. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the center. Tip: Climb the towers for the best panorama.

Spooky Myths Beyond the Dragon and Wheel

Brno has many other tales hidden in its streets. Some are funny, while others are quite dark. The city's underground is especially rich with lore. You can explore ancient cellars and bone-filled rooms. These sites offer a different view of Moravian history.

Many of these legends are tied to real events. Wars and plagues shaped the city's growth. Today, these stories are celebrated with statues and museums. You will find modern monuments that honor old myths. Let us look at the spookier side of Brno.

1. Name: The Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Unique experience Why go: This black stone clock looks like a bullet. It honors the 1645 siege of the city. Every day at 11 AM, it releases a glass marble. This is a nod to the legend of the 11 AM bells. You can learn more about the Brno astronomical clock marble and its design. Best for: Collectors. Where: Freedom Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main square in the center. Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to catch a marble.
2. Name: The Capuchin Crypt Type: Historic site Why go: This basement holds the naturally mummified remains of monks. The air circulation preserved the bodies without chemicals. It is a somber and fascinating look at the past. The Capuchin crypt Brno mummies include famous figures like Baron Trenck. Best for: Dark tourism. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Near the Vegetable Market. Tip: Respect the silence of the crypt.
3. Name: Špilberk Castle Casemates Type: Museum Why go: This castle was once the harshest prison in Europe. It is known as the "Prison of Nations." Legends tell of prisoners who never saw the sun. A Spilberk Castle casemates tour takes you through these dark tunnels. Best for: History fans. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk up from Husova Street. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold inside.
4. Name: The Brno Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the bones of over 50,000 people. It was rediscovered in 2001 under St. James Church. The Brno ossuary St James Church is a hauntingly beautiful site. Best for: Unique atmosphere. Where: St. James Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: North of Freedom Square. Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak season.

Practical Tips for Your Brno Adventure

Exploring Brno is easy and fun. Most legendary sites are in the pedestrian zone. You can walk to most places in 10 minutes. For longer trips, use the excellent tram system. You can check the DPMB public transport site for schedules. Tickets are cheap and easy to buy.

If you have extra time, visit the underground. The labyrinth under Vegetable Market Brno is amazing. It shows how people stored food and wine centuries ago. It is a cool escape from the summer heat. Brno is very safe for travelers in 2026.

1. Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the oldest square in Brno. It still hosts a daily market. Legend says the fountains and statues here have hidden meanings. It is a great place to try local Moravian wine. Best for: Foodies. Where: City Center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to wander. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the station. Tip: Visit the Parnas Fountain in the center.
2. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Day trip Why go: While not a medieval legend, it is a modern one. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It tells the story of Brno's 20th-century wealth and design. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High (book months ahead). Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: You must book tickets at least 3-4 months early.