Locating St. James Church in Brno

St. James Church is a famous landmark in the city center. It is located just a few steps from Náměstí Svobody, the main square. The church is known for its tall, slender spire. You can see this spire from almost anywhere in the old town area.

Getting here is very easy on foot. If you arrive at the main train station, walk north for ten minutes. You will pass through the main shopping streets. Most visitors find the church without needing a map because of its height.

If you prefer public transport, use the local tram system. You can check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website for live schedules. Trams 4 and 9 stop at the nearby náměstí Svobody station. From there, the church is only a two-minute walk away.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Statue

Finding the statue can be tricky because it is quite small. It is located high above the ground on the church exterior. Follow these specific steps to locate it quickly. Many people walk right past it without noticing.

1. Go to the south side: Walk to the side of St. James Church that faces the city center. This will take about 2 minutes. Cost is free. Avoid the north side, as there are no funny statues there.
2. Find the Gothic windows: Look for the tall, arched windows with intricate stone carvings. Do this during the day for the best light. Cost is free. Avoid searching at dusk when shadows hide the details.
3. Scan the stone arches: Look at the very top of the stone pillars between the windows. This is about 10-15 meters up. Cost is free. Avoid looking too low or you will miss the figure.
4. Spot the Nehanba: Look for a small man showing his bare backside to the street. He is tucked into the second arch from the east. Cost is free. Avoid confusing him with the standard gargoyles nearby.

• Before you go:
• Bring a camera with a good zoom lens.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.
• Download a map of funny statues in Brno city center.
• Check the weather for a clear, sunny day.

The Legend of the Shameless Little Man

Locals call this statue "Nehanba," which means the shameless one. There is a funny legend about why it exists. It involves a rivalry between two building teams in the Middle Ages. One team worked on St. James Church, and the other on the Cathedral.

The master builder of St. James was much faster than his rival. He decided to play a joke on the slower team. He carved the little man to mock them. If you look closely, the man's rear points toward the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

This story shows the classic humor found in the Moravian capital. The city often embraces its quirky past with modern art. You can learn more about local history at the Go To Brno tourism portal. It is a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Other Weird Statues on Your Walking Tour

Brno is full of strange and interesting monuments. After seeing the little man, you should continue your tour. Head over to Moravian Square to see the knight on a horse. This is the meaning behind the long-legged horse statue that locals love.

Next, walk to the Old Town Hall. Look at the stone turret above the main entrance. It is noticeably crooked. The builder did this on purpose because the city council did not pay him fairly. It is another example of Brno's architectural revenge.

Finally, visit the Brno Dragon hanging in the Town Hall passage. It is actually a preserved crocodile from many years ago. There are many legends about how it arrived in the city. These sites make Brno one of the most unique cities in Europe.

Troubleshooting Common Viewing Issues

Sometimes it is hard to see the statue even if you are in the right spot. Here are some common problems you might face. First, the statue is very high up and quite small. If you have poor eyesight, bring binoculars or a phone with a zoom.

Second, construction work is common in historic centers. If there is scaffolding on the church, the statue might be covered. Check local news or the City of Brno portal for renovation updates. This can save you a wasted trip.

Third, the sun can be an issue in the late afternoon. Shadows from the church buttresses can hide the figure's details. It is best to visit around midday when the light is direct. This ensures you get the best photo of the little man.