Top 10 Sights Including Capuchin Crypt Brno Mummies

Brno offers a mix of macabre history and stunning architecture. Most major sights are within walking distance of each other. You can easily spend two days exploring these unique locations. Start your journey at the Capuchin Square before heading underground. Here are the top ten experiences you should not miss in Brno.

• Best overall: Capuchin Crypt
• Best for families: Old Town Hall Dragon
• Best rainy-day: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market
• Best free: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

1. Name: Capuchin Monastery Crypt Type: sight Why go: To see the naturally preserved Capuchin Crypt Brno mummies in their original resting place. Best for: History buffs and dark tourism fans. Where: Capuchin Square (Kapucínské náměstí). Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station. Tip: Look for the humble inscription about being what you will one day be.
2. Name: Baron Trenck Mummy Type: sight Why go: He was a famous and controversial military leader now resting in the crypt. Best for: Learning about local legends. Where: Inside the Capuchin Crypt. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in crypt entry. Getting there: Follow the path to the final room of the crypt. Tip: Read about Baron Trenck before your visit to understand his wild life.
3. Name: The Brno Ossuary Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Paris Catacombs. Best for: Those interested in unique burial customs. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk north from the main square. Tip: Book Brno Ossuary tickets in advance during peak summer months.
4. Name: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is located at the top of the market square. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cool underground even in summer. Visit the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market for a guided tour.
5. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This neo-Gothic cathedral dominates the city skyline and offers great views. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free for the main nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the Capuchin Crypt. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a 1645 legend. Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul for the best views.
6. Name: Old Town Hall and the Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: See the famous "dragon" (crocodile) and the crooked Gothic turret. Best for: Families and folklore fans. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 20 minutes for the dragon; 40 for the tower. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Located between the main square and the vegetable market. Tip: The Old Town Hall tower provides the best view of the city center.
7. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: A massive fortress that served as a notorious prison for political dissidents. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: A 15-minute uphill walk from the center. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the dark prison cells. Check out Spilberk Castle for more details.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A Cold War-era nuclear shelter built into the rock under the castle. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova Street. Time: 60–90 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located at the base of Spilberk Hill. Tip: You can actually stay overnight in the bunker if you are brave.
9. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: High. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: You must book tickets several months in advance. Learn more at the UNESCO site for Villa Tugendhat.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: A romantic royal castle located on a rocky promontory above the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature and history combined. Where: 15 km northwest of the city. Time: 4–5 hours including travel. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a boat from the Brno Reservoir (Bystrc) during summer. Tip: Combine this with a walk around the reservoir for a perfect day.

Planning Your Visit to the Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt is located beneath the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross. You can easily find it near the Vegetable Market. The entrance is small but well-marked. Most visitors spend about an hour inside the crypt area. It is one of the most visited sites in Brno.

Check the opening hours and prices before you go. The crypt usually closes for a lunch break in the middle of the day. It is also closed on certain religious holidays. Photography is often restricted or requires a special permit. Always respect the quiet nature of this sacred burial site.

The site is accessible for most, but the floors can be uneven. There are some stairs to navigate at the entrance. The air inside is kept cool and dry to protect the mummies. This natural ventilation is what preserved the bodies for centuries. It is a powerful experience that requires a respectful attitude from all guests.

Why the Capuchin Crypt Brno Mummies Are Unique

The Capuchin Crypt Brno mummies were not created by artificial means. Unlike Egyptian mummies, these were preserved by natural air circulation. The geological composition of the ground also played a role. The Capuchin monks were buried directly on the ground in their robes. This allowed the dry air to dehydrate the bodies quickly.

The crypt contains the remains of over 150 people. However, only about 24 are currently visible to the public. Most are monks who lived and worked in the monastery. You will also see members of the local nobility who supported the order. They chose to be buried here as a sign of humility.

Visiting the crypt provides a deep look into the 18th-century mindset. The Capuchins believed that death was a natural transition. They did not use expensive coffins for their own brothers. This practice continued until burial reforms were passed by Emperor Joseph II. Today, the site is managed with care to ensure the mummies remain intact for future generations.