The History of the Labyrinth under Vegetable Market

The Labyrinth under Vegetable Market is not just one big room. It is a network of many small cellars. These were built as early as the middle ages. Merchants used them to keep food and drink cold. Without modern fridges, these deep tunnels were very important. They kept beer, wine, and vegetables fresh for the whole city.

Over many years, these cellars were forgotten. Many were filled with rubble or sealed off. In 2009, the city began a big project to fix them. They wanted to create a safe path for tourists. Today, you can walk through these historic spaces. You will see how people lived and worked hundreds of years ago. It is one of the most interesting what to see in brno underground historical cellars.

Before you start your full tour, here are some quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day activity: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free sight: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

The tunnels are located right under the Zelný trh square. This square is still a working market today. You can buy fresh fruit and flowers above ground. Then, you can head downstairs to see the dark history below. It is a great contrast between the old and the new. Make sure to check out the brno sightseeing guide for more ideas.

11 Best Sights Near the Labyrinth under Vegetable Market

Brno has so much to offer within walking distance of the market. You can spend a whole day just exploring the city center. Here are the top 11 sights you should not miss. These include historic landmarks and unique local experiences.

1. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: sight Why go: This is the main attraction for anyone interested in Brno's history. You can see old alchemy labs and a historic pillory. The tour explains how people stored food in the middle ages. It is a cool and quiet escape from the city noise. Best for: History lovers and curious travelers. Where: Zelný trh, Brno. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: 180-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Buy tickets for labyrinth under vegetable market brno online to skip the lines.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This castle sits on a hill overlooking the city. It was once a very tough prison. Today, it houses a museum and offers great views. You can walk through the old casemates and see the dark cells. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for the park, small fee for museum. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the center. Tip: Read our spilberk castle sightseeing guide for the best routes.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This is the most iconic building in the Brno skyline. Its towers are visible from almost everywhere. You can climb the towers for a panoramic view of the city. The interior is beautiful and very peaceful. Best for: Architecture fans and photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to enter, small fee for the tower. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Zelný trh. Tip: Listen for the bells at 11:00 AM, which ring for noon due to a local legend.
4. Name: Brno Ossuary at St. James Church Type: experience Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. It is a very moving and quiet place. The lighting and music create a unique atmosphere. Best for: Those interested in dark history. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: Around 160 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes north from the market. Tip: Visit the brno ossuary st james church early to avoid crowds.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: You can see the famous "Brno Dragon" hanging in the passage. You can also climb the tall tower for the best view of the Labyrinth area. The building itself is full of Gothic details. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Right next to Zelný trh. Tip: Look for the crooked turret on the outside portal.
6. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: museum Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It was built in the 1930s and looks brand new today. The garden is also very beautiful. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Černopolní street. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: 400+ CZK. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: Check villa tugendhat booking tips as you must book months in advance.
7. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: You can see the naturally mummified remains of monks and local nobles. It is a somber and fascinating site. It shows the unique burial traditions of the Capuchin order. Best for: History buffs. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the market. Tip: Be respectful as this is a religious site.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: museum Why go: This was a secret nuclear shelter during the Cold War. You can explore the tunnels and see the old machinery. There is also a retro bar inside where you can get a drink. Best for: Cold War history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Around 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Špilberk hill base. Tip: Visit the 10-z bunker nuclear shelter if it starts raining.
9. Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Type: market Why go: This is the square right above the Labyrinth. It has been a market since the 13th century. You can buy local honey, fruit, and snacks. The Parnas Fountain in the center is a work of art. Best for: Foodies and local vibes. Where: Zelný trh square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Try the local seasonal fruit in the morning.
10. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: museum Why go: It is the second-largest art museum in the country. They have a mix of old art and very modern design. The Governor's Palace building is also very impressive. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Various buildings in the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Some parts are free on certain days.
11. Name: Brno Reservoir (Prygl) Type: day trip Why go: This is a great spot for nature near the city. You can take a boat ride to Veveří Castle. It is a favorite place for locals to swim and hike. Best for: Nature lovers and families. Where: Brno-Bystrc. Time: Half-day. Cost: Price of tram and boat ticket. Getting there: Take tram 1 to the end station. Tip: Visit in summer for the best boat schedules.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Labyrinth under Vegetable Market

When you visit the Labyrinth under Vegetable Market, come prepared. The temperature underground stays around 12 degrees Celsius all year. Even if it is hot outside, you will feel cold inside. Wear a light jacket or a sweater for the tour. The floors can be uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

The tours are usually guided. You can find more details on the Labyrinth under Vegetable Market, Brno official site. Most tours are in Czech, but audio guides in English are available. It is a good idea to arrive 15 minutes early. This gives you time to find the entrance and get your headset ready.

Getting around Brno is very easy. The city has a great tram and bus system. You can check schedules on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Most of the sights in this list are within walking distance of each other. This makes Brno a perfect city for exploring on foot. Just keep an eye on the cobblestone streets!

More Underground Wonders in Brno

The Labyrinth is just one part of Brno's underground world. The city has a long history of building below the surface. Another amazing spot is the Mint Master’s Cellar. It is located under Dominikánské náměstí. Here, you can learn about how coins were made in the past. It is a smaller site but very rich in history.

If you want to see something truly unique, go to the Ossuary. It is located under the Church of St. James. It was rediscovered recently and is now open to the public. The way the bones are arranged is both artistic and respectful. It is a very different experience from the Labyrinth. You can find more info on Wikipedia about the city's tunnels.

Finally, do not forget the 10-Z Bunker. It is not as old as the medieval cellars, but it is just as cool. It was built to protect the city's leaders. Walking through the heavy steel doors feels like stepping back in time. Brno really is the capital of underground exploration in Central Europe.

Planning Your Trip to Brno in 2026

Brno is a great destination for 2026. It is less crowded than Prague but has just as much charm. The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and the markets are full. You can enjoy outdoor cafes and festivals throughout the city. The Vegetable Market square is especially lively during this time.

Local food is a big part of the experience. Try the Moravian wine and local craft beers. Many restaurants near the market serve traditional Czech dishes. Look for "Svíčková" or roasted duck on the menu. Prices in Brno are generally lower than in other major European cities. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Safety in Brno is very high. It is a safe city to walk around, even at night. The people are friendly and many speak English, especially in the shops and sights. Make sure to keep your camera ready. From the underground tunnels to the castle towers, there is a photo spot at every corner. Enjoy your trip to this Moravian gem!