Top 9 Sites to See in Brno Underground Historical Cellars

Brno has a massive network of cellars and tunnels. Many were used for food storage or as shelters during wars. Today, they are open for curious travelers to explore. You will find a mix of spooky, historical, and industrial sites. Here are the top highlights for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market
• Best for atmosphere: St. James Ossuary
• Best for tech: Žlutý kopec Reservoirs
• Best free site: Denis Gardens viewpoints (above the shelters)

1. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous part of the Brno underground. You walk through tunnels six to eight meters deep. It shows how people stored food and wine centuries ago. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take any tram to the Zelný trh stop. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cold even in summer.
2. Name: Ossuary at the Church of St. James Type: Sight Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. The lighting and music create a very powerful atmosphere. Best for: Dark tourism and photography. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from the Main Railway Station. Tip: Visit during a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
3. Name: Mintmaster’s Cellar Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the history of coin minting in Moravia. The cellar is located under the New Town Hall. It features interactive displays about medieval money. Best for: Education and rainy days. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Walk from the city center near the Cathedral. Tip: Look for the official tourism portal for combined ticket deals.
4. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: This was a top-secret nuclear shelter. It was built to protect the city's elite during the Cold War. You can see the original machinery and living quarters. Best for: Cold War history buffs. Where: Husova street, under Špilberk hill. Time: 60-90 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the Šilingrovo náměstí tram stop. Tip: They have a retro bar inside for a unique drink.
5. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Sight Why go: See the naturally mummified bodies of Capuchin monks. The unique ventilation in the cellar preserved the remains for centuries. It is a sobering look at local religious history. Best for: History and religion enthusiasts. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Right next to the Vegetable Market. Tip: Photography is often restricted, so check signs first.
6. Name: Spilberk Casemates Type: Sight Why go: These were the most feared prison cells in the Austrian Empire. The dark, narrow corridors held famous revolutionaries and criminals. It offers a grim but vital look at penal history. Best for: Fans of castle history. Where: Spilberk Castle. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: The view from the castle walls above is free.
7. Name: Water Reservoirs on Žlutý kopec Type: Sight Why go: These massive brick reservoirs look like underground cathedrals. They were built in the 19th century for the city's water supply. The architecture and acoustics are breathtaking. Best for: Architecture fans and photographers. Where: Žlutý kopec. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate to high (booking required). Getting there: Take bus 38 or 39 from the center. Tip: These tours sell out weeks in advance, so book early.
8. Name: Denis Gardens Bomb Shelter Type: Experience Why go: Located directly under the Petrov hill. It is part of a larger tunnel system used during WWII. Some sections are only open for special events. Best for: Urban explorers. Where: Under the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: Walk from the main square toward the Cathedral. Tip: Check the official tourism portal for special tour dates.
9. Name: Cejl Prison Cells Type: Sight Why go: Visit the basement cells of the former regional prison. It has a dark history from the Nazi and Communist eras. It is a powerful place for reflection. Best for: Modern history students. Where: Cejl street. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram 2, 4, or 11 to the Körnerova stop. Tip: This site is slightly outside the main tourist hub.

Practical Tips for Your Underground Adventure

Planning a trip to see the underground cellars requires some prep. Most sites have a constant temperature around 12 degrees Celsius. Even in summer, you should bring a sweater. The floors can be uneven or damp. Wear sturdy walking shoes to stay safe.

Many tours are guided and have specific start times. It is wise to buy tickets for Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Brno online. This ensures you have a spot during busy weekends. Some sites offer English-language audio guides if a live guide is not available.

Getting around Brno is very easy. The city has an excellent tram and bus network. You can check schedules on the Brno public transport website. Most underground sites are within walking distance of each other in the city center. This makes it easy to see multiple cellars in one day.

Exploring Brno Above the Surface

After exploring the depths, take time to see the surface landmarks. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul dominates the skyline. You can walk from the Denis Gardens shelter right up to the church. The views of the city from here are amazing.

For a change of pace, visit the famous Villa Tugendhat booking tips guide. This modernist masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a sharp contrast to the medieval cellars. It represents the forward-thinking spirit of 20th-century Brno.

The city center is also full of great cafes and bars. Many of these are actually located in historical cellars too. You can enjoy a local Moravian wine in a vaulted room. This is a great way to end your day of underground exploration. Brno is a city that truly lives on two levels.