The Myth of the Old Town Hall Brno Dragon

The legend of the dragon dates back many centuries. Local stories say a monster once lived in the Svratka River. It terrified the citizens and ate their livestock. A brave butcher eventually defeated the beast using a clever trick. He filled an animal skin with lime to poison the creature. You can learn more about the legend of the Brno dragon and wheel to understand the local folklore. Today, the dragon remains a beloved icon for all residents.

Historians believe the crocodile was actually a gift. It likely came from a visiting delegation or a nobleman in the 1600s. Because locals had never seen such a creature, they called it a dragon. It has hung in the same passage for hundreds of years. The passage also houses another famous relic known as the Brno Wheel. This wheel was reportedly made and rolled from Lednice in a single day. You can see both items for free as you walk through the courtyard.

The Old Town Hall itself is the oldest secular building in Brno. It served as the seat of city administration until 1935. The entrance is famous for its Gothic portal designed by Anton Pilgram. Look closely at the stone turrets above the door. One of them is intentionally crooked, which is another local mystery. For more details on these sites, visit the Go To Brno official tourism portal. This area is the heart of the historic center and very easy to reach.

10 Must-See Sights Near the Old Town Hall Brno Dragon

Brno is a walkable city with many treasures hidden in plain sight. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary. These locations are all within a short distance of the dragon.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market
• Best free: The Brno Dragon and Wheel

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: It is the city's most famous legendary symbol. Best for: Photo opportunities and history lovers. Where: Entrance passage of the Old Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look up as soon as you enter the passage.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: sight Why go: A symbol of a legendary bet made in 1636. Best for: Folklore enthusiasts. Where: Hanging next to the dragon. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the dragon. Tip: Read the plaque nearby to learn about the wheel's race.
3. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best 360-degree views of the city. Best for: Photographers. Where: Inside the Old Town Hall courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Follow the signs for views from Old Town Hall Tower Brno. Tip: Go at sunset for incredible golden hour photos.
4. Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: sight Why go: A unique piece of late-Gothic architecture with a spiteful history. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Above the main entrance portal. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Stand outside the main gate. Tip: Legend says the architect made it crooked because he wasn't paid enough.
5. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a vast network of medieval cellars and tunnels. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Zelný trh square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the dragon. Tip: Book labyrinth under Vegetable Market tours in advance.
6. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: day trip Why go: A massive fortress that served as a notorious prison. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: On the hill overlooking the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Walk up the park paths from Husova street. Tip: Check the Špilberk Castle history and tickets for casemate tours.
7. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Iconic twin towers that dominate the Brno skyline. Best for: Religious history and views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for nave; fee for towers. Getting there: Short walk from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul to hear the noon bells ring at 11:00 AM.
8. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of monks and nobles. Best for: Those interested in the macabre. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk 3 minutes from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Read about the Capuchin crypt and mummies Brno before visiting.
9. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Higher than average. Getting there: Take a tram from the center. Tip: You must follow a Villa Tugendhat visiting guide and book months early. Check the UNESCO listing for history.
10. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: Unique historical experiences. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes north from Freedom Square. Tip: Visit the St. James ossuary Brno entrance for a quiet, reflective tour.

Planning Your Visit to the Brno Dragon in 2026

Visiting the Old Town Hall is very easy because of its central location. Most travelers arrive at the main train station, which is a 10-minute walk away. The city center is mostly a pedestrian zone, making it safe and pleasant. You should wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often cobblestoned. In 2026, expect the city to be vibrant with many outdoor cafes and markets.

Public transport in Brno is efficient and covers all major districts. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the vehicles. This system is managed by DPMB - Brno Public Transport. Trams are the most common way to get around the outskirts. For the Old Town Hall, however, walking is your best option. Most central sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other.

The Old Town Hall is open year-round, but the tower has seasonal hours. Usually, the tower is accessible from April through October. During the winter, the passage with the dragon remains open for passersby. Check the local tourism office located inside the hall for the latest maps. They offer helpful advice on current events and temporary exhibitions. Admission to the courtyard and dragon passage is free of charge.

More Iconic Legends and Landmarks in Brno

Beyond the dragon, Brno has many other fascinating stories to tell. One such tale involves the midday bell at the Cathedral. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes promised to leave if they didn't win by noon. A clever local rang the bells an hour early at 11:00 AM. The Swedes left, and the tradition continues to this day. You can hear this happen every single morning in the city.

Another curious sight is the stone boy on Mečová street. He is a small figure carved into the wall of a building. Legend says he was a cheeky boy who was turned to stone. Brno residents love these small details that bring the streets to life. Many buildings in the center feature hidden symbols and statues. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the winding alleys.

If you have extra time, explore the modern side of the city. The Brno Astronomical Clock in Freedom Square is a must-see. It is a black granite monument that releases a glass marble every day. People gather at 11:00 AM to try and catch the marble as it drops. This modern landmark contrasts beautifully with the medieval history of the dragon. Brno truly offers a mix of the old and the new.