Discover the Most Famous Statues in Brno: A Quirky Guide
Brno is a city full of surprises and quirky public art. You will find many famous statues in Brno while walking through the historic center. Some are hundreds of years old. Others are modern and cause a lot of debate among locals.
The city uses these statues to tell its unique history. You can find giant bronze knights and tiny hidden figures. Each piece has a story to tell about Moravian culture. This guide helps you find the best ones for your 2026 trip.
Whether you love history or modern art, Brno has something for you. Many of these sights are among the most famous landmarks in Brno. Let’s explore the streets and find these iconic monuments.
Top 12 Famous Statues in Brno to See
Brno's city center is like an open-air gallery. Most of these statues are within walking distance of each other. You can see most of them in a single afternoon. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.
- Best overall: Statue of Courage (Jošt)
- Best for families: The Brno Dragon
- Best for art lovers: Statue of Justice
- Best free sight: Brno Astronomical Clock
- Name: Statue of Jošt of Luxembourg (Courage) Type: sight Why go: This giant bronze knight on a horse represents courage. It is famous for its incredibly long legs and unusual proportions. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to the Moravské náměstí stop. Tip: Stand directly between the horse's front legs and look up for a very famous optical illusion.
- Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: experience Why go: This black stone monument looks like a bullet. It commemorates the city's defense against the Swedish army. Best for: Curious travelers and collectors. Where: Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk five minutes from the main train station. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM sharp to try and catch a free glass marble.
- Name: The Indecent Little Man (Neukázněný mužíček) Type: sight Why go: This tiny, cheeky statue is hidden on the facade of St. James Church. He is showing his bare bottom to the Cathedral. Best for: Those who love local legends and humor. Where: St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk behind the Church of St. James. Tip: Look high up on the window arches of the southern side to find him.
- Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile, but locals call it a dragon. It is the most legendary symbol of the city. Best for: Families with children. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the passage of the Old Town Hall. Tip: Check out the crooked turret on the portal while you are there.
- Name: Statue of Justice Type: sight Why go: This modern statue shows a man lifting a heavy block over a fountain. It represents the weight and struggle of justice. Best for: Fans of modern art. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on Moravské náměstí, near the Jošt statue. Tip: The water in the fountain represents the clarity of the law.
- Name: Mozart Statue Type: sight Why go: A slender statue of a young Mozart standing on a top of a column. He has one wing to represent his genius and tragic life. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the theater Reduta on the Vegetable Market square. Tip: Mozart actually performed in the nearby theater when he was eleven.
- Name: Parnas Fountain Type: sight Why go: A stunning Baroque fountain featuring many mythological figures and animals. It is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Center of Zelný trh. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from Freedom Square. Tip: Look for the cave-like structures built into the fountain base.
- Name: Gregor Mendel Memorial Type: sight Why go: A tribute to the father of genetics who lived and worked in Brno. The statue is located near the abbey where he did his pea plant experiments. Best for: Science fans. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 1, 5, or 6 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the nearby Mendel Museum for more context on his work.
- Name: Leoš Janáček Statue Type: sight Why go: A modern sculpture of the famous Czech composer. It is located in a beautiful piazzetta near the theater named after him. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Near the Janáček Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Moravské náměstí. Tip: The area is great for a quiet coffee break.
- Name: Statue of T.G. Masaryk Type: sight Why go: A classic monument to the first president of Czechoslovakia. It stands as a symbol of democracy and national pride. Best for: History buffs. Where: Comenius Square (Komenského náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center toward the Red Church. Tip: The nearby "Red Church" is also a great photo spot.
- Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: A massive Baroque column built to thank God for the end of a plague. It features intricate carvings of saints. Best for: Religious art fans. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the top end of the Vegetable Market. Tip: Compare this one to the smaller plague column on Freedom Square.
- Name: The Sphinxes of Villa Low-Beer Type: sight Why go: Beautiful garden statues located in the grounds of a historic villa. They offer a more classical and elegant vibe. Best for: Garden lovers. Where: Villa Low-Beer gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Garden entry is usually free. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 to the Tomanova stop. Tip: You can walk from here to the famous Villa Tugendhat.
Why Brno is Famous for Quirky Statues
Brno has a unique approach to public art. The city launched a project called "The Four Virtues." These statues represent Courage, Justice, Moderation, and Wisdom. You can find them scattered around the historical center.
Many of these famous statues in Brno are modern. The city wanted to move away from traditional bronze figures. Instead, they chose bold and sometimes controversial designs. This makes Brno stand out from other European cities.
Locals often give these statues funny nicknames. The Astronomical Clock is the best example of this. This humor is a big part of the local Moravian culture. You can learn more about the city's vibe at the Go To Brno official portal.
Walking between these statues is a great way to see the city. You will pass by markets, churches, and cafes. It is a perfect activity for a low-budget day. Most of these artworks are completely free to visit at any time.
Planning Your Brno Statue Walking Tour
Start your tour at the main train station. From there, walk north toward Freedom Square. This is where you will see the Astronomical Clock. It is the most central point for seeing famous statues in Brno.
Next, head to the Vegetable Market. You will find the Mozart statue and the Parnas fountain there. The walk is very short and easy for all ages. Most streets in this area are pedestrian-only.
If you need to go further, use the excellent tram system. You can find routes and schedules on the DPMB public transport site. Trams are frequent and very reliable in Brno. They can take you to Mendlovo náměstí for the Mendel statue.
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Brno is very walkable, but the stones can be uneven. Bring a camera to capture the strange angles of the modern art. You can find more tips on the Visit Czechia website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous statue in Brno?
The Statue of Courage, also known as the Jošt of Luxembourg statue, is the most famous. It features a knight on a horse with exceptionally long legs. It is located on Moravské náměstí and is a popular spot for photos due to its unique perspective.
Is there a phallic statue in Brno?
Yes, the Brno Astronomical Clock on Freedom Square is often called phallic by locals. It is a tall, black stone monument shaped like a bullet. It was designed to commemorate the city's victory over Swedish forces during the Thirty Years' War.
Where can I see the Brno Dragon?
The Brno Dragon is located in the entrance passage of the Old Town Hall. It is actually a taxidermy crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is one of the city's oldest and most beloved legends, representing a dragon that once terrorized the locals.
Brno's statues are more than just decorations. they are a reflection of the city's bold spirit and sense of humor. From the giant horse to the hidden cheeky man, these famous statues in Brno make every walk an adventure. Plan your 2026 visit to include a dedicated art walk through the center.
Don't forget to check out other famous landmarks in Brno during your stay. The city is easy to navigate and very rewarding for curious travelers. Enjoy your time exploring the quirky heart of Moravia!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
