The Story Behind the Legend of the Brno Dragon and Wheel

The Brno dragon was actually a large crocodile. Long ago, it lived in the Svratka River. It terrorized the local people and ate their livestock. A brave butcher finally defeated it. He stuffed a sheepskin with lime and left it for the dragon. The dragon ate the bait and died when it drank water. This heroic act saved the city from fear.

The legend of the wheel is equally famous. A wheelwright named Jiří Birk made a bet in 1638. He claimed he could make a wheel and roll it to Brno in one day. He lived in Lednice, which is 50 kilometers away. He finished the task by sunset. People thought he used black magic. Today, the wheel hangs next to the dragon in the Old Town Hall Brno dragon passage.

10 Iconic Sights Inspired by Brno Legends

Brno is home to many cultural attractions in Brno that bring these stories to life. Use this list to plan your legendary adventure.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Dragon
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Brno Ossuary
• Best free: Zelný trh Market

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: See the actual "dragon" (crocodile) from the legend. Best for: History lovers. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look up as you enter the courtyard.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: Witness the legendary wooden wheel from the 1638 bet. Best for: Folklore fans. Where: Next to the dragon. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Inside the Old Town Hall. Tip: Check the craftsmanship of the spokes.
3. Name: The Bent Pinnacle Type: Sight Why go: See the crooked stone turret made by Anton Pilgram. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from the street. Tip: Legend says the artist was angry about his pay.
4. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: Explore a fortress that once held the most dangerous prisoners. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the hill above the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Short uphill walk from Husova street. Tip: Visit the casemates for a spooky experience at Špilberk Castle.
5. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Viewpoint Why go: Hear the bells ring at 11 am instead of noon. Best for: Views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (towers cost extra). Getting there: Walk from the main station. Tip: The 11 am bell commemorates a trick played on the Swedish army.
6. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: See a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 400 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 11. Tip: Book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
7. Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Type: Market Why go: Shop for local produce in a historic square. Best for: Foodies. Where: Center of town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the dragon. Tip: Visit the Labyrinth underneath the square.
8. Name: The Brno Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: Visit the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 160 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: It is very peaceful despite the bones.
9. Name: Moravian Karst Type: Day trip Why go: Explore deep caves and the Macocha Abyss. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: North of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: 500 CZK for tours. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then bus. Tip: Bring a jacket as caves are cold.
10. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: Day trip Why go: Visit the UNESCO site where the wheelwright lived. Best for: Romance. Where: South Moravia. Time: Full day. Cost: 300 CZK. Getting there: Train or car. Tip: Rent a bike to see the whole park.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is the heart of Brno. It is the oldest secular building in the city. You can find the Information Center inside the passage. Staff here are very helpful for tourists. They can provide maps and event schedules for 2026. You should also check the official Go To Brno portal for updates.

Climbing the tower is a must-do activity. It offers the best panoramic views of the city. You can see the Cathedral and Špilberk Castle clearly. The stairs are narrow but the view is worth it. Admission is usually affordable for most travelers. Most people spend about 30 minutes at the top.

Getting around Brno is very easy. The city has an excellent tram network. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on the vehicle. This system is run by DPMB. Most central sights are within walking distance of each other. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.