The Best Functionalist Villas to Visit in Brno

Brno became a center for modern design after World War I. Wealthy industrialists hired the best architects to build their dream homes. Today, these sites are open to the public for tours and walks. Here are our top picks for your architectural itinerary.

• Best overall: Villa Tugendhat
• Best for families: Villa Low-Beer
• Best rainy-day: ERA Café
• Best free: Masaryk Quarter walk

1. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: iconic sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Mies van der Rohe. The onyx wall and glass facade are breathtaking. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 400-450 CZK. Getting there: Tram 9 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets at least four months in advance.
2. Name: Villa Low-Beer Type: museum/indoor Why go: This villa belonged to the parents of Greta Tugendhat. It shows the shift from Art Nouveau to functionalism. Best for: History lovers. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the garden of Villa Tugendhat. Tip: Visit the permanent exhibition on Villa Low-Beer and Stiassni families.
3. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: iconic sight Why go: Known as the "Government Villa," it hosted famous world leaders. It features a unique L-shaped layout and grand interiors. Best for: Garden lovers. Where: Pisárky. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 200-250 CZK. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: Spend extra time exploring the massive Villa Stiassni gardens.
4. Name: ERA Café Type: unique local experience Why go: This is a functionalist café designed by Josef Kranz. The red spiral staircase is a famous photo spot. Best for: Coffee and cake. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a meal. Getting there: Tram 9 to Zemědělská. Tip: Sit on the second floor to enjoy the light-filled space.
5. Name: Hotel Avion Type: iconic sight Why go: It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. Architect Bohuslav Fuchs used a clever split-level design. Best for: Quick photo stop. Where: City Center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look at the narrow facade from across the street.
6. Name: Brno Exhibition Centre Type: neighborhood/market Why go: This is a massive complex of functionalist pavilions. Pavilion A is an engineering marvel from 1928. Best for: Large-scale architecture. Where: Pisárky. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: Check the event calendar to see if the pavilions are open.
7. Name: Villa Münz Type: iconic sight Why go: This villa was recently restored to its original 1920s appearance. It sits on a steep hill with beautiful proportions. Best for: Exterior viewing. Where: Pisárky. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Tram 1 to Lipová. Tip: Walk up Hroznová street to see other modern homes.
8. Name: Masaryk Quarter Type: viewpoint/nature Why go: This neighborhood is a living museum of functionalist villas. You can see how the elite lived in interwar Brno. Best for: A quiet walk. Where: Stránice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 4 to náměstí Míru. Tip: Follow the blue plaques of the Brno Architecture Manual.
9. Name: Villa Neumark Type: iconic sight Why go: Designed by Ernst Wiesner, this villa has very clean and strict lines. It is a masterpiece of local modernism. Best for: Photography. Where: Pisárky. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Walk from Villa Stiassni. Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best light.

Practical Tips for Your Architecture Tour

Planning a tour of the best functionalist villas to visit in Brno requires some prep. Most villas offer guided tours in English. You should check the official tourism portal for current times. Some sites are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Brno has an excellent public transport system. You can buy a 24-hour ticket at any yellow machine. This makes it easy to hop between Černá Pole and Pisárky. Most villas are located in quiet residential zones with limited parking.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your tour. The villas are spread out, and you will do a lot of walking. Many neighborhoods feature steep hills and cobblestone paths. Bring a camera to capture the clean lines and unique details.

Why Brno is the Capital of Functionalism

Brno was a wealthy textile hub in the early 20th century. This wealth allowed for bold architectural experiments. Architects wanted to create healthy and bright living spaces. They moved away from heavy decorations to focus on function.

Many of these buildings are now famous landmarks in Brno today. They represent a time of great optimism in the Czech Republic. The city remains a pilgrimage site for architecture students worldwide. Visiting these villas offers a deep look into European history.