The Mystery of the Capuchin Crypt Mummies Brno

The Capuchin Crypt is located beneath the Holy Cross Church. It served as a burial ground for the Capuchin friars. They began burying their brothers here in the 17th century. The site is famous for its naturally preserved bodies.

The mummification was not intentional. Special air vents in the crypt allowed for constant airflow. This dry air preserved the skin and clothing of the deceased. Today, you can see the friars resting in their simple robes.

The most famous resident is Baron Trenck. He was a notorious military leader and adventurer. His body is remarkably intact and remains a highlight for visitors. You can learn more about who is buried in the Capuchin Crypt Brno during your visit.

Visiting this site is a somber and respectful experience. It reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. The crypt is open to the public most days of the year. It remains one of the most visited spots in South Moravia.

10 Top Sights Including Capuchin Crypt Mummies Brno

Brno offers a mix of underground wonders and hilltop views. You should plan at least two days to see everything. Here are the top 10 specific sights you must include in your itinerary.

• Best Overall: Capuchin Crypt
• Best for Families: Old Town Hall Dragon
• Best Rainy Day: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market
• Best View: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

1. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Sight Why go: See the naturally preserved Capuchin Crypt mummies Brno. It is a rare look into 17th-century burial customs. Best for: History buffs and dark tourism fans. Where: Kapucínské náměstí, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Look for the mummified hand of a thief near the entrance.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress once served as a harsh prison for political figures. It offers the best panoramic views of the city. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds; ~150 CZK for museums. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Check out the Špilberk Castle visiting guide for museum times.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: This iconic landmark dominates the Brno skyline. Its bells ring noon at 11:00 AM to honor a 1645 victory. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for the towers. Getting there: Short walk from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul towers for amazing photos.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture by Mies van der Rohe. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~400 CZK. Getting there: Tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: You must read the Villa Tugendhat history and tickets guide because tickets sell out months in advance.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: See the legendary Brno Dragon and the crooked portal pinnacle. You can also climb the tower for central views. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Located right next to the Vegetable Market. Tip: Learn about the local legend at the Old Town Hall Brno dragon display.
6. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars and tunnels. It shows how people stored food and wine centuries ago. Best for: Adventurers and rainy days. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: The entrance is at Zelný trh 21. Tip: Wear a jacket as the labyrinth under Vegetable Market is cold even in summer.
7. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. Best for: Unique historical experiences. Where: St. James Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~160 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Tip: Follow the St. James Ossuary visiting guide to find the entrance near the church.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: A former nuclear shelter built during the Cold War. It is now a museum where you can explore the tunnels. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: Located at the base of Špilberk Hill. Tip: Check the 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter for evening tours and the milk bar.
9. Name: Abbey of St. Thomas and Mendel Museum Type: Museum Why go: This is where Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of genetics. You can see his original garden and laboratory. Best for: Science lovers. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Tram 1, 5, or 6 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the beautiful basilica adjacent to the museum.
10. Name: Mint Master’s Cellar Type: Sight Why go: Discover the history of coin minting in Brno. The cellar features multimedia displays about the city's royal history. Best for: History students. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the New Town Hall. Tip: Combine this with a walk through the nearby historic squares.

Planning Your Visit to Brno’s Historic Sites

Brno is very walkable, especially in the historic center. Most sights like the Capuchin Crypt are within a 10-minute walk of each other. For further sites, use the excellent tram system. You can check schedules on the DPMB public transport website.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild and the city is vibrant with students. Summer can be hot, but the underground sites offer a cool escape. Many museums have reduced hours on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Brno is also a gateway to the South Moravian wine region. You can find many local wine bars in the city center. Try visiting the Visit Czechia portal for regional day trip ideas. Always carry some local currency (Czech Koruna) for smaller shops.

Booking in advance is only necessary for Villa Tugendhat. Other sites usually have tickets available at the door. If you enjoy walking, look for a guided tour. Many local guides offer specialized walks through the city's dark history.