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BRNO, THE SECOND
-
largest city in the Czech
Republic, is the ideal
destination for a long weekend
away. A city of culture,
universities and international
trade fairs, a cursory tour of
the downtown streets, markets
and squares can be done in just
a few hours. In a single day,
you can walk from one end
of town to the other, and still
have enough time to explore
Brno’s numerous historic sites
and new tourist attractions.
VILLA TUGENDHAT
This functionalist house set
new standards for modern
living when it was built in the
late 1920s. Designed by the
German architect Lugwig Mies
van der Rohe for the Tugendhat
family, it was revolutionary
in its spatial arrangement,
technological equipment
and elegant interiors. It was
added to the UNESCO World
Heritage List in 2001 and, after
two years of reconstruction
work, it has recently been
reopened to the public.
www.tugendhat.eu
ŠPILBERK CASTLE
The Royal Castle of Špilberk
sits on a hilltop in Brno and
dominates its characteristic
cityscape. In the 18th century,
it was the most notorious
prison in the Habsburg Empire;
housing Austrian convicts,
Italian Carbonari and many
more, it became known as the
‘prison of nations’. Nowadays,
the castle is home to several
permanent exhibitions, while
tours of the underground
casemates are available.
Surrounded by an extensive
park, it offers views across the
city and far into the hinterland.
www.spilberk.cz
UNDERGROUND
REALM
This June saw the opening
of the third part of Brno’s
fascinating underground
realm. Visitors can explore
the unique ossuary beneath
St James’ Church, which is
the second longest in Europe
after the Parisian catacombs.
Alternatively, there is a tour
of the labyrinth of cellars and
underground tunnels beneath
the Cabbage Market, and the
Mint Master ’s Cellar, where
the mint master Bruno awaits.
www.ticbrno.cz
Brno Tourist Information Centre
+420 542 427 150
info@ticbrno.cz, www.ticbrno.cz
South Moravia Tourist
Information Centre
+420 542 427 170
info@ccrjm.cz,
www.south-moravia.cz
www.brno.cz
A variety of new and historic attractions make Brno ideal for a short city break
DISCOVER BRNO
ŠPILBERK CASTLE
UNDERGROUND REALM
VILLA TUGENDHAT
PHOTOS: Š. VRZALA; ZDENEK KOLARÍK, D. ŽIDLICKÝ, VT STUDY AND DOCUMENTATION CENTRE