The Origins of the 10-Z Bunker

The story begins during World War II. The Nazis built the tunnels as a shelter from Allied bombing raids. They carved the space directly into the rock under Špilberk Castle. After the war, the Czech military took over the site. They decided to transform it into a highly classified nuclear fallout shelter.

Construction continued throughout the 1950s. The bunker was built to house up to 500 people. These were mostly local government officials and military leaders. The facility was kept a total secret from the public. Residents of Brno walked above it every day without knowing it existed.

The shelter remained active until 1993. It was finally declassified after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Today, it serves as a cultural space and a museum. It tells the story of fear and preparation during the 20th century. You can learn more about the city via the Visit Czechia portal.

10 Highlights of the History of the Anti-Nuclear Shelter in Brno

Before you dive into the details, here are some quick picks for your visit. The best overall experience is the main bunker tour. For families, the interactive displays are great. If it is a rainy day, the entire underground complex is perfect. Most of these sites are very affordable for budget travelers.

• Best overall: 10-Z Bunker Main Exhibition
• Best for families: Interactive Diesel Room
• Best free sight: Denis Gardens Viewpoint
• Best unique stay: 10-Z Bunker Hostel

1. Name: 10-Z Bunker Exhibition Type: Museum Why go: This is the core of the history of the anti-nuclear shelter in Brno. You see original gas masks and uniforms. Best for: History enthusiasts Where: Husova Street, under Špilberk Castle Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk from the city center Tip: Bring a jacket because it is always 14 degrees Celsius inside.
2. Name: The Diesel Engine Room Type: Engineering sight Why go: See the massive 1950s generator that still works. It was designed to provide power during a nuclear winter. Best for: Tech lovers Where: Inside the 10-Z Bunker Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in bunker ticket Getting there: Part of the guided or self-guided tour Tip: Ask the staff to hear the engine start if you visit during special events.
3. Name: The Retro Milk Bar Type: Experience Why go: Eat snacks from the communist era in an authentic setting. It uses original 1970s furniture and decor. Best for: Foodies and nostalgia Where: Entry area of the bunker Time: 45 minutes Cost: Low Getting there: Accessible without a museum ticket Tip: Try the traditional Czech open-faced sandwiches called chlebíčky.
4. Name: The Telephone Exchange Type: Cold War tech Why go: This room was the communication hub for the entire region. It features rows of old rotary phones and switchboards. Best for: Photographers Where: Deep inside the bunker Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Follow the marked path in the tunnels Tip: You can pick up some of the phones to hear recorded messages.
5. Name: 10-Z Bunker Hostel Type: Unique stay Why go: You can actually sleep in the bunker. It is one of the most unusual places to stay in Europe. Best for: Adventurous travelers Where: Dedicated wing of the shelter Time: Overnight Cost: Moderate Getting there: Book via the 10-Z hostel page Tip: Expect shared bathrooms and a very authentic, military-style atmosphere.
6. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: The bunker is literally inside the hill this castle sits on. The castle has its own dark history as a prison. Best for: General sightseeing Where: Špilberk Hill Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Moderate for interiors, free for grounds Getting there: Short uphill walk from Husova Street Tip: Visit the castle casemates for more underground history.
7. Name: Denis Gardens Type: Viewpoint Why go: Located just minutes from the bunker entrance. It offers the best views of the city and the Petrov Cathedral. Best for: Relaxation Where: Near the Husova Street entrance Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walkable from the bunker Tip: This is the perfect spot for sunset photos after your tour.
8. Name: Brno Ossuary Type: Underground sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It provides a different look at the city's underground past. Best for: Those who like the macabre Where: Under St. James Church Time: 45 minutes Cost: Moderate Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the bunker. Check the ossuary guide for details. Tip: Book in advance as group sizes are limited.
9. Name: Vegetable Market Labyrinth Type: Experience Why go: A network of medieval cellars used for storing food and wine. It shows how Brno used the underground long before the nuclear age. Best for: Families Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: 5-minute walk from the bunker Tip: Look for the old laboratory where alchemists once worked.
10. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: A modern marble monument that looks like a bullet. It commemorates a siege from the 1600s. Best for: Quick photos Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Short walk through the city center Tip: Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble you can try to catch.

Planning Your Visit to Brno's Underground

Visiting the 10-Z Bunker is easy if you plan ahead. The entrance is tucked away on Husova Street. Look for the heavy metal doors near the base of the hill. You can buy tickets at the door or online. For more official information, check the Go To Brno website.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven floors. The temperature is always cool, so a sweater is needed even in summer. Most displays have English translations. This makes it easy for international guests to follow the history. The bunker is a great year-round activity.