Locating the Old Town Hall in Brno

The Old Town Hall, or Stará radnice, is the oldest secular building in the city. It is located just a few steps away from the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Finding this spot is essential when asking where is the Brno alligator hanging today. Most visitors arrive via the main square, Náměstí Svobody, and walk south toward the town hall tower.

You can easily reach this area using the local tram system. Check the latest schedules on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website for route updates. The nearest tram stops are Zelný trh or Hlavní nádraží. Walking from the train station takes less than ten minutes at a steady pace.

If you are exploring other unusual things to do in Brno, this location is a perfect starting point. The building is famous for its crooked gothic pinnacle on the entrance portal. This architectural quirk is almost as famous as the alligator itself. Look for the tall tower that dominates the local skyline to stay on track.

Step-by-Step Guide: Where is the Brno Alligator Hanging Today?

Finding the alligator is straightforward if you follow these specific steps. The artifact is accessible 24 hours a day because it hangs in a public passage. However, visiting during daylight hours provides the best visibility for photos.

1. Navigate to Radnická Street: Walk to the street named Radnická, which connects the Vegetable Market to the city center. (Time: 5 minutes; Cost: Free; Location: Radnická 8; Common Mistake: Entering the New Town Hall by mistake).
2. Identify the Stone Archway: Look for the large gothic entrance of the Old Town Hall. You will see a stone portal with several ornate spires. (Time: 2 minutes; Cost: Free; Location: Entrance passage; Common Mistake: Walking past the passage without looking inside).
3. Enter the Passage: Walk directly into the tunnel-like passage that leads to the inner courtyard. (Time: 1 minute; Cost: Free; Location: Passage ceiling; Common Mistake: Expecting a museum entrance fee; the passage is public).
4. Look Up: Stop in the middle of the passage and look at the ceiling. The stuffed alligator is suspended by chains. (Time: 5 minutes; Cost: Free; Location: Overhead; Common Mistake: Looking for a live animal; it is a preserved specimen).

If you want to see the city from above, you can pay a small fee to climb the tower. If you prefer to stay on the ground, the alligator and the wheel are free to view. This makes it one of the best budget-friendly stops in the city.

The Brno Dragon and Wheel Legends Explained

The alligator is locally known as a dragon because of ancient legends. According to folklore, the dragon once lived in the Svratka River and terrorized the citizens. A brave butcher eventually defeated it using a hide filled with lime. You can learn more about these stories by reading about the Brno Dragon and Wheel legends online.

Next to the dragon, you will also see a large wooden wheel. This relates to the story of the wagon wheel in Old Town Hall involving a local carpenter. He claimed he could craft a wheel and roll it from Lednice to Brno in a single day. He succeeded, and the wheel was hung as a trophy of his incredible feat.

These legends are central to the identity of the city. Official tourism sites like Go To Brno provide deeper historical context for these artifacts. The alligator was actually a gift from a visiting delegation centuries ago. Over time, the reality of the gift merged with the myth of the dragon.

Essential Checklist for Your Visit

Before you head out to find where is the Brno alligator hanging today, ensure you are prepared. The area is pedestrian-heavy, so comfort is key. Use this checklist to make the most of your visit to the Old Town Hall area.

• Comfortable Shoes: The streets around the town hall are made of uneven cobblestones.
• Wide-Angle Lens: The passage is narrow, making it hard to fit the whole alligator in one frame.
• Offline Map: Download a map of Brno to navigate the small side streets easily.
• Small Change: If you decide to climb the tower or use nearby public restrooms, you will need Czech Koruna.
• Weather Gear: The passage is covered, but the walk there is exposed to the elements.

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Brno ossuary at St. James Church nearby. It is another fascinating site that captures the unique history of the region. Most major landmarks in the center are within a fifteen-minute walk of each other.

Troubleshooting Your Search for the Alligator

Sometimes visitors struggle to find the artifact despite being in the right area. The city center can be confusing during festivals or markets. Use these tips to solve common problems during your search.

• Scaffolding: If the Old Town Hall is under renovation, the alligator might be covered or temporarily moved. Check local news if you see construction.
• Poor Lighting: The passage can be dark in the evening. Use a flash or visit during the day for better photos.
• Crowds: Large tour groups often block the passage. Wait five minutes for them to move on.
• Confusing Names: Ensure you are at the "Old Town Hall" and not the "New Town Hall" on Dominikánské náměstí.
• Closed Gates: While the passage is usually open, it may close late at night for security.
• Misidentification: Remember, it is a crocodile specimen, not a mythical lizard.

If you are unsure which way to go, look for the Tourist Information Center. It is located directly inside the Old Town Hall building. The staff there can point you toward the ceiling if you still can't find where is the Brno alligator hanging today.