Quick Picks for Your Visit

Short on time? Use these quick picks to plan your day in Old Brno. These highlights ensure you see the best of the abbey grounds. Each spot offers a unique look at Mendel's legacy.

• Best Overall: The Mendel Museum Exhibitions.
• Best for Families: The Abbey Garden and Beehouse.
• Best Rainy-Day: St. Thomas's Abbey Library.
• Best Free Sight: Mendel’s Statue in the square.

10 Best Things to See When Visiting Gregor Mendel Abbey and Garden

The abbey complex is large and full of hidden gems. Most visitors start at the museum entrance. However, the garden holds the most scientific history. Take your time walking through the cloisters. The atmosphere is peaceful and scholarly. Here are the top ten items to include on your itinerary.

1. Name: Mendel Museum Exhibitions Type: Museum Why go: This is the core of the experience. You will see Mendel's original tools and manuscripts. The displays explain the laws of inheritance clearly. Best for: Science lovers and history buffs. Where: Main entrance of the abbey. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 100-180 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 1 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Book a guided tour to get deeper insights into the genetics displays.
2. Name: St. Thomas's Abbey Type: Sight Why go: This is where Mendel lived as an Augustinian monk. The architecture is stunning and well-preserved. It provides context for his daily life. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior; small fee for tours. Getting there: Short walk from the tram stop. Tip: Look for the plaque dedicated to Mendel near the entrance.
3. Name: The New Mendel Greenhouse Type: Experience Why go: This modern structure sits on the site of Mendel’s original greenhouse. It is used for scientific lectures and events today. The design is a tribute to his pea experiments. Best for: Photographers. Where: Inside the abbey garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in garden access. Getting there: Follow the signs from the museum. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting through the glass.
4. Name: The Abbey Garden Type: Nature Why go: This is where the actual experiments happened. It is a quiet oasis in the middle of the city. You can see where the pea plants once grew. Best for: A relaxing walk. Where: Behind the main abbey buildings. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually free or low cost. Getting there: Accessible through the museum courtyard. Tip: Bring a book and enjoy the benches near the fountain.
5. Name: Mendel’s Statue Type: Sight Why go: This large monument honors the father of genetics. It is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. It is a great place for a quick photo. Best for: Quick stops. Where: Mendlovo náměstí square. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right at the tram hub. Tip: Check out the Go To Brno portal for local events in this square.
6. Name: The Augustinian Library Type: Indoor Why go: This library is one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. It contains thousands of rare historical books. Mendel himself studied here. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Inside the abbey. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Extra fee for specific tours. Getting there: Ask at the museum desk for access. Tip: Photography is often restricted, so enjoy the view with your eyes.
7. Name: Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic church is a masterpiece of brick architecture. It is the spiritual heart of the abbey. The interior is vast and impressive. Best for: Spiritual visitors. Where: Adjacent to the museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Entrance is on the side of the square. Tip: Be respectful of ongoing services during your visit.
8. Name: Mendel’s Beehouse Type: Experience Why go: Mendel was also a master beekeeper. He designed this special house to study bee behavior. It shows his wide range of scientific interests. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Far corner of the abbey garden. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in garden visit. Getting there: Walk to the back of the garden. Tip: Look for the original hive designs inside the structure.
9. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Day trip Why go: This is where Gregor Mendel is buried. His grave is in the Augustinian tomb. It is a place of pilgrimage for scientists worldwide. Best for: Paying respects. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 2 or 5 from the city center. Tip: Consult the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.
10. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress overlooks the abbey and the whole city. It offers the best views of the garden from above. It is a key part of Brno's history. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: On the hill above Old Brno. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-300 CZK for exhibitions. Getting there: Walk uphill from the abbey for 15 minutes. Tip: Visit Spilberk Castle in the late afternoon for city views.

Planning Your Trip to the Abbey

Getting to the abbey is very simple. It is located in the Old Brno neighborhood. Most visitors arrive by public transport. You can find details on how to get to Mendel Museum Brno easily online. The city's tram system is efficient and cheap. Check the DPMB website for live schedules. Most people spend about half a day here. This allows time for the museum and the garden. Wear comfortable shoes for the garden paths. The area is mostly flat and accessible.