The Meaning of the Jobst Horse Statue in Brno Explained

The massive bronze statue on Moravian Square depicts Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg. He was a powerful ruler of Moravia in the 14th century. The statue stands eight meters tall and features a horse with incredibly long legs. This design represents the virtue of courage. It is one of four statues in the city that symbolize the cardinal virtues.

The statue was created by sculptor Jaroslav Róna and installed in 2010. While it honors a historical figure, it is famous for a modern reason. If you stand between the horse's front legs and look up, you see a surprising shape. This optical illusion has made it a favorite spot for photographers. It shows the city's playful and irreverent spirit.

Jobst was a member of the House of Luxembourg. He even became the King of the Romans briefly before his death. The statue serves as a reminder of Brno's importance in medieval Europe. It blends historical pride with a contemporary artistic twist. Visiting this landmark is essential for understanding the local culture.

10 Unique Statues and Art in Brno You Must See

Brno is an open-air gallery waiting to be explored. Use this list to find the most interesting pieces across the city center. Many of these items are part of the unique statues and art in Brno trail.

• Quick picks:
• Best Overall: Jobst Horse Statue
• Best for Families: The Brno Dragon
• Best Rainy-Day: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
• Best Free: The Astronomical Clock

1. Name: Jobst of Luxembourg (Courage) Type: Monument Why go: To see the most famous statue in the city. Best for: History lovers. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main station. Tip: Check the view from underneath the horse.
2. Name: The Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Modern sculpture Why go: It looks like a bullet and releases a marble daily. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM to catch a glass marble.
3. Name: The Parnas Fountain Type: Baroque sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of water and stone. Best for: Classic art fans. Where: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the cathedral. Tip: Look for the figures representing ancient empires.
4. Name: Mozart Statue Type: Experience Why go: Honors the child prodigy who performed nearby. Best for: Music fans. Where: Near the Reduta Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the guide for finding the Mozart statue near Vegetable Market. Tip: Notice he has one adult wing and one child wing.
5. Name: Justice Statue Type: Modern sculpture Why go: It shows a man lifting a heavy block over a fountain. Best for: Thoughtful visitors. Where: In front of the Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Moravské náměstí. Tip: It represents the struggle for justice.
6. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Local legend Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from a ceiling. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk through the Old Town. Tip: Ask the tourist office for the legend of the dragon.
7. Name: Spilberk Castle Statues Type: Historic art Why go: Explore the courtyard of a former fortress. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; paid for museum. Getting there: See tips for visiting Spilberk Castle in Brno. Tip: Walk up the hill at sunset for the best light.
8. Name: The Obelisk Type: Viewpoint Why go: Commemorates the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Denis Gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Petrov Cathedral. Tip: This is the best spot to see the city skyline.
9. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Architectural art Why go: A UNESCO site that is a work of art itself. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11. Tip: Book months in advance.
10. Name: Central Cemetery Art Type: Nature and art Why go: See beautiful tombstones of famous Czechs. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Check the Brno Central Cemetery history before going. Tip: Visit the graves of Leoš Janáček and Gregor Mendel.

Planning Your Unique Art Walk in Brno

Most of the unique statues are in the pedestrian zone. You can easily see them on foot in one afternoon. Start at Moravian Square to see the Jobst horse. Then walk toward the Vegetable Market and Freedom Square. This route covers most of the major landmarks.

The city's public transport is very efficient. You can use the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website for schedules. Trams run frequently between all major art sites. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on the tram. This makes moving around very simple for tourists.

Brno is generally less crowded than Prague. You can enjoy the art without long lines. Early morning is the best time for photography. The light on the bronze statues is beautiful at dawn. Most sites are outdoors and accessible 24 hours a day.