Top 12 Sights Near the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Brno is a city of layers. You can explore grand cathedrals and deep underground tunnels. The area around Petrov Hill is particularly rich in history. Most of these sites are within a short walk of each other. This makes the city center perfect for a walking tour. Here are the top 12 experiences you should not miss.

• Name: The Cathedral Towers Type: Viewpoint Why go: These towers offer the best panoramic views of Brno. You can see the entire city and the surrounding Moravian countryside. Best for: Photographers and view seekers. Where: Petrov Hill, Brno Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee (approx. 50-80 CZK). Getting there: Walk up the hill from Zelný trh. Tip: Visit the official site for seasonal tower opening hours.
• Name: The Cathedral Crypt Type: History Why go: Explore the foundations of the original Romanesque church. It is a quiet, spiritual place with ancient stone walls. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inside the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the tower ticket or a small separate fee. Getting there: Access is through the main cathedral nave. Tip: Look for the archaeological remains of the 12th-century structure.
• Name: Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady) Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: This is the first public park in Moravia. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and great views of Špilberk Castle. Best for: A relaxing stroll or a picnic. Where: Directly adjacent to the cathedral. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the cathedral walls. Tip: The park is beautiful at sunset when the city lights begin to glow.
• Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: This fortress was once the "Prison of Nations." Today, it houses the Brno City Museum and offers vast grounds to explore. Best for: Families and fans of military history. Where: Špilberk Hill, walking distance from Petrov. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Grounds are free; museum and casemates require tickets. Getting there: A 15-minute uphill walk from the cathedral. Tip: Learn more about visiting Špilberk Castle before you go to see current exhibits.
• Name: Old Town Hall Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked turret. It is the oldest secular building in the city. Best for: Seeing local legends and curiosities. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Tower climb has a fee; the courtyard is free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk down from Petrov Hill. Tip: Read about the Old Town Hall Brno Dragon legend to understand the display.
• Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: Market/Experience Why go: This vibrant square has hosted a daily market since the 13th century. You can buy fresh fruit, flowers, and local snacks. Best for: Foodies and atmosphere. Where: Central Brno, below the cathedral. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Follow the stairs down from the cathedral. Tip: Don't miss the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market for a unique underground tour.
• Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Unique experience Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. It is a somber but fascinating look at local history. Best for: Those interested in the macabre and history. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee (approx. 100 CZK). Getting there: Located right next to the Vegetable Market. Tip: Be respectful, as this is still a religious and burial site.
• Name: Brno Ossuary Type: Unique experience Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. Best for: Travelers looking for "off-the-beaten-path" sites. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: A 10-minute walk north from the cathedral. Tip: Booking a ticket for the Brno Ossuary in advance is recommended during peak weekends.
• Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum/UNESCO Why go: This is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique glass walls. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Higher cost; requires advance booking. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
• Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: History Why go: Explore a former nuclear shelter from the Cold War era. It is built directly into the rock beneath Špilberk. Best for: 20th-century history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk from the cathedral toward Špilberk. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is chilly underground even in summer.
• Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This royal castle sits on a cliff overlooking the Brno Reservoir. It is a perfect escape from the city noise. Best for: Nature lovers and history fans. Where: 15km northwest of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for interiors; grounds are cheap. Getting there: Take a boat from the reservoir or bus 303. Tip: Check the Veveří Castle schedule for boat seasonal dates.
• Name: Moravian Gallery (Governor's Palace) Type: Museum Why go: See a huge collection of art ranging from Gothic to modern times. The building itself is a former Augustinian monastery. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: A short tram ride or 10-minute walk from Petrov. Tip: The gallery often has free entry on specific days of the month.

Practical Tips for Visiting Petrov Hill

Visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is easy. The hill is centrally located and accessible. However, the climb can be steep for some. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Most visitors spend about two hours on the hill itself.

Timing your visit is very important. The cathedral bells ring at 11:00 AM instead of noon. This tradition honors a clever trick from the 1645 Swedish siege. Arriving early allows you to beat the tour groups. The interior is most peaceful in the morning light.

Photography is generally allowed inside the cathedral. However, you should avoid using a flash. Be mindful of ongoing religious services. The best exterior shots are from the Denis Gardens terraces. You can capture the spires against the sky from there.

Essential Brno Travel Information

Brno is very easy to navigate. The public transport system is efficient and reliable. You can use the official public transport site to plan routes. Most major sights are within the pedestrian zone. This makes walking the best way to see the city.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). While many places take cards, keep some cash for small markets. Most people in the tourism sector speak English. However, learning a few Czech phrases is always appreciated. Try saying "Dobrý den" for hello.

Dining near the cathedral is a treat. There are many cafes on the Vegetable Market. You can find traditional Moravian food and modern bistros. Try the local wine, as Moravia is famous for its vineyards. Many restaurants offer affordable lunch menus on weekdays.