The Meaning Behind the Long Legged Horse Statue in Brno

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. It is famous for its quirky sense of humor. You will see this humor in its public art. The most famous piece is a giant bronze horse with spindly legs. Many visitors wonder about the meaning behind the long legged horse statue when they first see it. This guide explains the history and lists other oddities on a strange statues walking tour Brno locals love.

The Meaning Behind the Long Legged Horse Statue

The statue is officially named "Courage." It was created by sculptor Jaroslav Róna in 2015. It stands 8 meters tall in Moravské náměstí. The figure represents Jobst of Luxembourg. He was the Margrave of Moravia in the 14th century. You can find more details on the Go To Brno tourism portal.

This statue is one of four allegorical virtues in the city. The others represent Justice, Temperance, and Prudence. Courage is shown as a knight in armor on a horse. The horse has unusually long legs. This design allows people to walk underneath it easily. It also creates a unique visual perspective.

There is a hidden secret to this statue. If you stand between the front legs and look up, the horse's head looks like something else entirely. This cheeky visual joke is a classic example of Brno's local wit. The city celebrates its history while poking fun at itself. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Moravia in 2026.

9 Weird Sights on a Strange Statues Walking Tour Brno

Brno's city center is compact and easy to walk. You can see most of these strange sights in a single afternoon. Here are the top items to include on your self-guided tour.

Quick picks:
Best Overall: Courage (The Horse)
Best for Families: The Brno Dragon
Best Free Sight: Astronomical Clock
Best Hidden Gem: Indecent Little Man

Name: Courage Statue (Odvaha) Type: sight Why go: To see the famous long legs and the hidden visual joke. Best for: Photographers. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to the Moravské náměstí stop. Tip: Look up from directly between the front legs for the famous view.
Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: experience Why go: It looks like a giant black bullet or phallus. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main train station. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM to try and catch a free glass marble.
Name: Indecent Little Man statue (Nehanba) Type: sight Why go: A tiny statue showing its bare bottom to the cathedral. Best for: History buffs. Where: St. James Church (exterior). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk behind the church near Rašínova street. Tip: Look high up on the window arches to find him.
Name: The Brno Dragon Type: local experience Why go: It is actually a stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Read the legend of the dragon on the wall nearby.
Name: The Brno Wheel Type: sight Why go: A wooden wheel made in a single day due to a 1638 bet. Best for: Folklore fans. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to the Brno Dragon. Tip: Check the craftsmanship of the wooden spokes.
Name: Parnas Fountain Type: sight Why go: A baroque masterpiece with hidden cave-like features. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square. Tip: Visit the nearby Brno Ossuary after seeing the fountain.
Name: Statue of Justice Type: sight Why go: A man lifting a heavy block, representing the weight of justice. Best for: Philosophy fans. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Courage horse statue. Tip: People often try to help him "lift" the block for a photo.
Name: Punkva Caves Type: day trip Why go: Amazing stalactites and an underground boat ride. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Moravian Karst (near Blansko). Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: 300-500 CZK. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a local bus or walk. Tip: You must book tickets weeks in advance during summer.
Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: museum Why go: A world-famous example of modern functionalist architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 400-450 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 9 from the city center. Tip: Tours sell out months ahead; book early online.

Practical Tips for Your Brno Art Walk

Most of Brno's strange statues are in the pedestrian zone. You do not need a car to see them. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often cobblestone. The city is very safe for walking at night.

If you need to travel further, use the DPMB public transport system. Trams are frequent and very reliable. You can pay for tickets with a contactless card on the vehicle. This makes getting around very simple for tourists.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild and the squares are lively. Many statues are located near outdoor cafes. You can enjoy a local beer while admiring the art. Brno is much less crowded than Prague.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind the long legged horse statue?

The statue represents "Courage." It honors Jobst of Luxembourg, a former ruler of Moravia. The long legs allow pedestrians to pass underneath. It also serves as a humorous piece of public art with a hidden visual joke when viewed from below.

Who is the sculptor of the Brno horse statue?

The statue was created by Jaroslav Róna. He is a famous Czech sculptor known for his surreal and imaginative bronze works. He also created the Franz Kafka monument in Prague, which shares a similar whimsical style.

Is the Brno Astronomical Clock hard to read?

Yes, the clock is notoriously difficult to read. It uses a system of rotating stone parts rather than traditional hands. Most locals simply use it as a meeting point rather than a way to check the time.

Brno's strange statues offer a unique look into the city's soul. From the meaning behind the long legged horse statue to the cheeky Indecent Little Man, there is a story behind every corner. Make sure to explore the underground sights too, like the 10-Z Bunker. Brno is a city that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a refreshing destination for 2026. Grab a map and start your walking tour today!

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.

Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.