Top 10 Sights to Explore Brno’s Minting History

Brno offers many historical places in Brno that showcase its royal past. From deep cellars to high towers, the city is a treasure for history fans. These sites are all within walking distance of the city center. Most are located near the famous Dominican Square.

• Best overall: Mint Master’s Cellar
• Best for families: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market
• Best rainy-day: Moravian Museum
• Best free sight: Dominican Square

1. Name: Mint Master’s Cellar Type: Museum/Experience Why go: This is the primary site for the history of minting coins in Brno Dominican Square. It features interactive exhibits on medieval money. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: Dominican Square (Dominikánské náměstí). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the main station or take Tram 4 to Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Look for the coin-striking demonstrations held on weekends.
2. Name: New Town Hall Type: Iconic sight Why go: This building sits right above the minting cellars. It was once a Dominican monastery. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Dominican Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Located in the heart of the city center. Tip: Check the courtyard for beautiful Renaissance arcades.
3. Name: Church of St. Michael Type: Iconic sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church that dominates Dominican Square. It has deep ties to the Dominican order. Best for: Quiet reflection and art. Where: Dominican Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to the New Town Hall. Tip: Visit during the day to see the light through the high windows.
4. Name: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market Type: Underground experience Why go: Explore a network of tunnels and cellars. It shows how food and wine were stored in the Middle Ages. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Zelný trh (5-minute walk from Dominican Square). Time: 1 hour. Cost: 200 CZK. Getting there: Walk south from Dominican Square. Tip: Buy combined tickets to save money on multiple underground sites.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Viewpoint/History Why go: Famous for the "Brno Dragon" and the crooked tower. It offers the best views of the city center. Best for: Photos and legends. Where: Radnická street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 150 CZK for the tower. Getting there: A short walk from Zelný trh. Tip: Ask the staff about the legend of the crooked turret.
6. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Day trip/Iconic sight Why go: This fortress served as a royal castle and a prison. It offers deep insight into the region's military history. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 300 CZK for full access. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Use a Špilberk Castle visiting guide to find the casemates.
7. Name: Ossuary at the Church of St. James Type: Unique experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe. It is a hauntingly beautiful underground site. Best for: Unique history. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 160 CZK. Getting there: Take a short walk north from Náměstí Svobody. Tip: The atmosphere is very quiet; please remain respectful.
8. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: Its towers define the Brno skyline. The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a local legend. Best for: History and views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donation suggested). Getting there: Walk up from Zelný trh. Tip: Visit the crypt for a look at the cathedral's foundations.
9. Name: Moravian Museum (Dietrichstein Palace) Type: Museum Why go: One of the oldest museums in the Czech Republic. It houses artifacts from the region’s long history. Best for: Learning. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 180 CZK. Getting there: Located on the upper side of the Cabbage Market. Tip: Check out the prehistoric exhibit for the Venus of Dolní Věstonice.
10. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Landmark Why go: A grand Baroque fountain in the middle of the Cabbage Market. It represents ancient empires and myths. Best for: Quick stop. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location in the market square. Tip: It is a great meeting point before starting an underground tour.

The History of Minting Coins in Brno Dominican Square

The Mint Master’s Cellar reveals a forgotten part of Brno. In the 14th century, the city gained the right to mint its own coins. This was a sign of great wealth and power. The Mint Master was a very important official. He oversaw the production of silver groschen and other currency.

Dominican Square was the perfect location for this work. It was near the seat of local government. The cellars provided a secure place to store precious metals. Today, the renovated vaults show how workers lived and worked. You can see the tools used to strike metal into money. The history of minting coins in Brno Dominican Square is well preserved here.

The area changed a lot over the centuries. Much of the original mint was lost during building projects. However, archaeologists rediscovered the cellars in the late 20th century. They restored the space for the public to enjoy. It now serves as a bridge to Brno's medieval economic life. Visiting this site is a highlight of any trip to the Visit Czechia portal recommendations.

Practical Tips for Your Brno History Tour

Planning a trip to see Brno's history is easy. Most sites are in the pedestrian zone. You can walk between them in minutes. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets are cobblestone. The city is very safe and easy to navigate.

For the best experience, visit the official Go To Brno website. It lists current opening hours and special events. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Try to visit the underground sites in the morning to avoid crowds. Group sizes are often limited for safety.

Public transport in Brno is excellent. Use the DPMB trams to get around the outer districts. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on the vehicle. This makes traveling to sites like Špilberk Castle very simple. Always keep your ticket until you finish your journey.