Discover the Story of the Wagon Wheel in Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in the city. It serves as the gateway to Brno's most famous myths. You will find the legendary items hanging in the entrance passage. Many visitors stop here to take photos and wonder at the history. It is the perfect starting point for any walking tour.

The most famous tale is the story of the wagon wheel in Old Town Hall. In 1638, a wheelwright named Jiří Birk made a brave bet. He claimed he could craft a wheel and roll it to Brno in one day. He started in the town of Lednice at dawn. By sunset, he reached the city gates before they closed. You can read more about Brno dragon and wheel legends to understand the local pride.

• Quick Picks:
• Best overall: The Brno Dragon
• Best for families: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market
• Best free sight: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker

1. Name: The Brno Wagon Wheel Type: sight Why go: To see the actual wheel from the 1638 legend. Best for: History buffs and fans of local folklore. Where: Old Town Hall entrance passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view in the passage. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Look for the wheel hanging on the right wall.
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile with a fierce legend. Best for: Families and kids who love monsters. Where: Hanging from the ceiling in the Old Town Hall passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located next to the wagon wheel. Tip: Find out where is the Brno alligator hanging today to see it up close.
3. Name: The Crooked Gothic Portal Type: sight Why go: See the intentional architectural mistake by Anton Pilgram. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Outside the Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Viewable from the street. Tip: Look at the middle pinnacle; it is bent as a sign of protest.

Historic Landmarks and Legends of Central Brno

Brno's skyline is dominated by stunning towers and fortresses. Each stone seems to tell a story of war and survival. The city has survived many sieges throughout the centuries. These landmarks offer the best views of the red-roofed city. You can find more details on the official Go To Brno portal.

1. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: It is the most iconic building on the Petrov hill. Best for: Panoramic views from the towers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Short uphill walk from the main station. Tip: Listen for the bells ringing at 11 AM instead of noon.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: A massive fortress that served as a notorious prison. Best for: History enthusiasts and hikers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Ranges based on museum exhibitions. Getting there: Walk through the castle park trails. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the dark dungeons.
3. Name: Parnassus Fountain Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque fountain depicting ancient myths. Best for: Photography and resting. Where: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Two minutes from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Look for the cave-like structures built into the fountain base.

Unique Underground and Cultural Experiences

Beneath the surface, Brno hides a world of tunnels and crypts. These sites offer a cool escape during the hot summer months. They also provide a somber look at the city's past residents. Many of these locations were only recently opened to the public. They are among the most unusual things to do in Brno.

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: Those interested in the macabre and history. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located near the Rašín street. Tip: Read the history of the Brno ossuary at St. James Church before visiting.
2. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A former nuclear shelter built during the Cold War. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Beneath Špilberk Castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on Husova street. Tip: You can book a stay in the 10-Z bunker nuclear shelter for a unique night.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO site. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High; must book months in advance. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: Book your tickets at least 3 to 4 months early.

Top Day Trips Near Brno for 2026

If you have extra time, explore the beautiful Moravian countryside. The region is famous for its caves and romantic castles. Most of these spots are easy to reach by public transport. You can check schedules on the DPMB public transport site. These trips are perfect for nature lovers.

1. Name: Moravian Karst Type: day trip Why go: Explore incredible limestone caves and the Macocha Abyss. Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers. Where: North of Brno, near Blansko. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Moderate for cave tours. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a local bus. Tip: Book the Punkva Caves boat tour well in advance.
2. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: A royal castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Couples and scenic walkers. Where: On the edge of the city. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Take a boat from the Brno Reservoir dock. Tip: Visit during autumn for the best foliage views.
3. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: day trip Why go: A stunning UNESCO landscape and neo-Gothic castle. Best for: Fairy-tale vibes and wine lovers. Where: South Moravia. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train or bus from Brno. Tip: This is where the wagon wheel legend began!