Top 10 Attractions Near Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Brno

Brno is a city full of surprises and rich history. Most of the main sights are within walking distance of the center. You can easily spend several days exploring the narrow streets and grand squares. Here are our top picks for your next visit.

• Best overall: Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Brno
• Best for families: Spilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market
• Best free: Liberty Square

1. Name: Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This is the iconic symbol of Brno with stunning architecture. The interior is beautiful and the towers offer the best views. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free for nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Listen for the bells ringing at 11:00 AM instead of noon.
2. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: viewpoint Why go: A massive fortress that once served as a notorious prison. It now houses the Brno City Museum and offers great park walks. Best for: Families and history enthusiasts. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for museum and casemates. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Check out the visiting Spilberk Castle in Brno guide for tour times.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A world-famous example of functionalist architecture designed by Mies van der Rohe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Cerna Pole neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Higher than average; booking months ahead is required. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: See our Villa Tugendhat tickets and tours page for booking advice.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: Home to the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked Gothic turret. You can also climb the tower for a view of the market. Best for: Casual sightseeing. Where: Near the Vegetable Market. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the Cathedral. Tip: Read about the Brno Old Town Hall and dragon legend before you go.
5. Name: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: A unique system of underground cellars and tunnels. It shows how food and wine were stored in medieval times. Best for: Curious explorers and rainy days. Where: Vegetable Market (Zelny trh). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Book Brno underground labyrinth tours in advance during peak season.
6. Name: St. James Church Ossuary Type: experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Paris Catacombs. It is a powerful and hauntingly beautiful site. Best for: Those seeking unique and dark history. Where: Near St. James Church. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Visit the St James Church ossuary Brno for a quiet moment of reflection.
7. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: museum Why go: A former nuclear shelter built during the Cold War. It is now a museum where you can learn about modern history. Best for: History buffs. Where: Under Spilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Husova street. Tip: You can actually stay overnight in the bunker for a unique experience.
8. Name: Mendel Museum Type: museum Why go: Located in the Abbey where Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of genetics. It combines science with beautiful monastery grounds. Best for: Science lovers. Where: Old Brno. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Take tram 1 or 5 to Mendlovo namesti. Tip: Walk through the garden to see where the famous pea experiments happened.
9. Name: Veveri Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning medieval castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. It offers a great escape into nature and local history. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Brno Reservoir area. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Small fee for grounds. Getting there: Take a boat or bus from the reservoir dam. Tip: Our guide to Veveri Castle and Brno reservoir has the best boat schedules.
10. Name: Liberty Square Type: experience Why go: The social heart of the city featuring the controversial astronomical clock. It is perfect for people watching and enjoying coffee. Best for: Relaxing and local atmosphere. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Most trams stop here. Tip: Try to catch a glass marble from the clock at 11:00 AM daily.

Tips for Visiting Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Brno

The Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Brno is more than just a church. It is a place of deep historical meaning for the local people. When you visit, remember to be respectful of those praying inside. The nave is usually open for quiet visits throughout the day. You should also check the Go To Brno portal for updated mass times.

One of the most interesting facts is the 11:00 AM bell tradition. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was under siege by the Swedes. The general said he would leave if the city didn't fall by noon. The locals rang the bells an hour early to trick him. To this day, the cathedral bells still ring midday at 11:00 AM.

If you have the energy, climb the towers for a panoramic view. The stairs are narrow but the reward is worth the effort. You can see the entire city and the surrounding Moravian hills. The crypt is another fascinating area to explore for a small fee. It contains the remains of early church structures from centuries ago.

Navigating Brno Transport and Petrov Hill

Getting to the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Brno is very easy. If you arrive by train, the cathedral is just a short walk away. You can see the towers as soon as you step out of the station. Simply follow the path up the hill through the small park. The walk is a bit steep but very short and scenic.

For those who prefer public transport, Brno has an excellent tram system. Many lines pass through the main station or the nearby Vegetable Market. You can check the latest schedules on the DPMB official site. Buying a short-term ticket is easy at yellow machines or via contactless card on the tram. This makes moving between the cathedral and other sights very simple.

Petrov Hill is a peaceful area away from the busy city streets. It is mostly a pedestrian zone, so you can walk around safely. There are several benches where you can sit and enjoy the view. It is a great spot to start your tour of the city center. Most other major attractions are just a few minutes away from here.