BRNO the royal city where noon rings out at 11 am

Section: Cities & Towns, Author: Brno City Council

29.6.2010 15:57

Brno is a major centre of culture, art and education, the metropolis of South Moravia, a place visited by people from all over the world. Thanks to its exhibition grounds, it is a major trade-fair city of Central European significance with direct flights to London and Moscow. All this is Brno, the royal city on the route linking Prague, Vienna and Bratislava.

Brno is the starting tourist destination for tours to see the natural and cultural sights of South Moravia. To the north of the city is the protected area of the Moravian Karst and to the south are vineyards with stylish wine cellars.

The City of Brno is also the seat of twelve universities, the most important judicial bodies and a major centre of science, research and innovation. The city has a rich cultural life in its many theatres, museums, galleries, cinemas and clubs. The exhibition grounds have a history lasting eighty years and serve as the venue for many international trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses. The grounds are of tremendous economic and social significance to the city. Brno is one of the most sought-after congress destinations in the Czech Republic. Many hotels here have modern congress halls and all the equipment necessary. They are suitable for commercial and political negotiations, conferences, workshops, seminars and other types of events.

A tour of the most interesting sights in Brno

Old Town Hall; Photo: Miloslav Bouška

The sightseeing tour that takes in the main attractions in the South Moravian metropolis starts at the Old Town Hall. This Gothic building, which served as the seat of the city council for centuries, houses the Tourist Information Centre, which provides comprehensive information services and sells souvenirs. In the passage you will come face to face with the Brno Dragon, who, according to a legend, threatened the inhabitants of the city until a butcher’s apprentice managed to overcome it in a cunning way.

From the Old Town Hall, the route continues to the baroque complex of the New Town Hall, which today serves as the seat of the Lord Mayor of Brno. It then continues on to Šilingr Square and up the hill to the Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. It is interesting that the noon bell of this cathedral rings out at 11 am. Legend has it that this dates back to the time when the Swedish army had laid siege to the city. The Swedish commander decided that he would end the siege if they didn’t manage to take the city by noon. Louis Raduit de Souches, who was the commander in charge of the city defences, heard about this and therefore ordered that the noon bell be rung one hour early. This saved the city as the Swedes left it unconquered.

From the cathedral, you then set out along the perimeter of the town walls, through Denis Park and on in the direction of the Main Station. From there the route continues to the Minorite monastery and on to Malinovsky Square where you will find the Mahen Theatre. This was the first theatre in Europe to be completely illuminated by electric lamp bulbs. The next stop is the Janáček Theatre, which is the home of the opera and ballet of the National Theatre in Brno.

The noon bell in the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul rings out at 11 am as a reminder of how Swedish invaders were fooled by a cunning French commander defending the city. Photo: Miloslav Bouška

The tourist route continues through the centre of the city from the Janáček Theatre to Moravské Square. You then pass through Komenský Square and then up a steep hill to Špilberk Castle, which was originally a royal castle dating back to the 13^th century. The castle, which is also known as the “prison of nations”, houses a number of museum exhibitions. You can also see the casemates in the castle ramparts. Their original purpose was to conceal soldiers and stores, but were later converted into a prison.

Špilberk Castle, also known as the “prison of nations”, houses a number of museum exhibitions. Visitors can also enter the casemates. Photo: Štěpán Vrzala

From the castle, you then descend into what is called Old Brno, where you will find what used to be a Cistercian convent, later taken over by Augustinian monks. It was here that the founder of modern genetics, Johann Gregor Mendel, carried out his experiments. Modern works of art can be admired in the Moravian Gallery in Brno, which will be the venue of the 24^th International Biennial of Graphic Design, the oldest event of its kind in the world (June 22 – October 24).

Below the streets of Brno

The biggest event of this year‘s tourist season in the Moravian capital of Brno will be the opening of underground corridors and a cellar complex below the city. This extensive and costly project includes the sanitation of the so-called Mint Master‘s Cellar in Dominican Square and adaptation of the corridors below the Cabbage Market. Thus a unique new attraction is being prepared for visitors to Brno with the financial support of the European Union. The opening of the Mint Master‘s Cellar to the public is planned during this summer, while the labyrinth below the Cabbage Market will be opened at the end of the year. There will be a minting exhibition about the world of Mint Master Bruno and there will be a display showing how coins were minted in medieval Brno. Another tourist route will lead through the labyrinth of corridors and cellars below the Cabbage Market, where individual exhibitions “bringing history to life” will explain their original purpose. Signposts in the labyrinth will also show tourists the way to the alchemist‘s workshop, to the jail with a replica of the pillory that used to stand in the Cabbage Market and the so-called Cage of Fools.

Petra Kačírková
Email: kacirkova@ticbrno.cz; Tel.: +420 607 855 500

Brno City Tourist Information Centre
Tel.: + 420 542 427 150 – 1
Email: info@ticbrno.cz