Brno

Brno

It is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. It is a political, administrative, economic and culture centre of Moravia. Its population is about 400,000 people. The city is situated in the south of Moravia on Svitava and Svratka rivers. Its history is very rich. In 1243 Brno was given the city by King Václav I. In the 19th century Brno was called “ the Moravian Manchester”.
Brno has many interesting places from the Gothic to the modern one. The dominants of Brno are the Špilberk castle and St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral. Špilberk Castle was founded by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II. in the first half of the 13th century and it was reconstructed many times. It is a national cultural monument. There is a museum and art gallery there now. St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral is built on the site of the original Romanesque basilica from the 12th century. The interior is decorated with many sculptures.

The Capuchin crypt is one of the most popular sights of Brno. Dead bodies have laid there since the foundation of the monastery. The liveliest square of Brno is Liberty Square. Brno is a city of trade fairs.

The surroundings of Brno offer relaxation and recreation. There is the Brno Dam, a place where you can practice several sports activities. Not far from the Dam there is the medieval Veveří castle whose origin date back to the 13th century.

Brno Dragon
A horrible dragon lived near Brno, it killed poultry, young cows and people were afraid of him. One day a young brave butcher came to Brno and he promised to kill the monster.

Petrov – Midday at 11 o’clock
Connected with the Petrov castle there is a legend of a bell-ringer who is said to have saved the town.