Top 11 Attractions Near St James Church Ossuary Brno

Brno is easy to explore on foot. Most major sights are in the historic center. You can mix history with modern art easily. Here are the top places you must visit during your stay.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - St James Church Ossuary
• Quick Pick: Best for Views - Špilberk Castle
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Brno Reservoir
• Quick Pick: Best Free Sight - Liberty Square

1. Name: St James Church Ossuary Type: Sight Why go: It is a deeply moving and unique historical site. It is the second largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: History buffs and dark tourism fans. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Buy tickets early as slots are limited.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress offers the best panoramic views of the city. You can explore its dark history as a prison. Best for: Viewpoints and history. Where: On the hill above the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for grounds, fee for museum. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Visit at sunset for amazing photos.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Its twin towers define the Brno skyline. The interior is stunning and peaceful. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry, small fee for towers. Getting there: A short walk from the main station. Tip: Climb the towers for a great city perspective.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a masterpiece of modern functionalist architecture. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: Book tickets months in advance as they sell out fast.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" hanging in the entrance. You can also climb the historic tower. Best for: Local legends and central views. Where: Radnická street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low fee for the tower. Getting there: Located right in the city center. Tip: Look for the crooked pinnacle on the stone portal.
6. Name: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars and tunnels. It shows how food was stored centuries ago. Best for: Unique experiences and families. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk to the Cabbage Market square. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.
7. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: This was a highly secret nuclear shelter for city elites. It now hosts a museum and a retro bar. Best for: Cold War history. Where: Under Špilberk hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on Husova street. Tip: Stay for a drink in the themed bar.
8. Name: Liberty Square (Náměstí Svobody) Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the heart of Brno's social life. You can see the strange black astronomical clock. Best for: People watching and coffee. Where: Main 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.
9. Name: Mendel Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics. He lived and worked in this abbey. Best for: Science and history fans. Where: Old Brno Abbey. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the beautiful abbey garden where he did his research.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A romantic castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. It is perfect for a half-day escape. Best for: Nature and history. Where: 15km from the center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a boat across the reservoir in summer. Tip: Check the boat schedule before you head out.
11. Name: Brno Reservoir (Přehrada) Type: Nature Why go: A massive lake popular for swimming and hiking. It is the best place for outdoor fun. Best for: Relaxation and active travelers. Where: Bystrc district. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free access. Getting there: Take tram 1 to the final stop. Tip: Rent an electric boat for a fun afternoon.

Planning Your Visit to St James Church Ossuary Brno

The St James Church Ossuary Brno is located right under the Church of St. James. It was rediscovered only in 2001 during a renovation. Today, it serves as a quiet place of remembrance. The atmosphere is solemn but very respectful. You will see bones arranged in artistic patterns along the walls.

You should check the opening hours for the St James Ossuary Brno before you go. It is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday. The site is quite small, so groups are kept tiny. This ensures everyone has a peaceful experience. Photography is usually allowed but without a flash.

Visiting in 2026 is expected to be popular. Many people combine this with a visit to the church above. The church itself is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It has high ceilings and impressive stained glass. It is a great place to sit before entering the underground ossuary.

Exploring the Brno Underground Network

Brno has a massive world beneath its streets. The ossuary is just one part of this hidden network. For centuries, locals dug cellars for wine and food storage. During wars, these spaces became vital shelters for the population. You can explore many of these via guided tours.

The Labyrinth under the Cabbage Market is the largest section. It features narrow stairs and deep chambers. You can see how alchemists worked and how food was kept cool. It is a great way to escape the summer heat. The tours are available in several languages.

For a more modern experience, visit the 10-Z Bunker. It shows a different side of Brno's underground history. This nuclear shelter was built to protect the city's leaders. It remains largely in its original state from the Cold War. It provides a chilling look at 20th-century history.

Essential Travel Tips for Brno in 2026

Getting around Brno is very simple. The city has an excellent tram and bus network. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any vehicle. Check the DPMB public transport site for routes. Most central sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Most shops and restaurants in the center accept cards. However, it is good to have some cash for small markets. Brno is generally cheaper than Prague for food and drinks. You can find great local beer almost everywhere.

English is widely spoken by younger people and in tourist areas. Learning a few Czech words like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is appreciated. The city is very safe for solo travelers and families. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded squares. Enjoy the relaxed Moravian atmosphere during your visit.